Gorilla trekking rules and regulations. Gorilla trekking rules and regulations are the various guidelines designated to protect not only the primates but also the tourists who visit the primates in their natural habitats. Gorilla trekking is an exciting and active adventure activity that requires one to be physically and mentally well prepared for an amazing experience. Gorillas, especially mountain gorillas live in mountainous areas and as such have travelers hiking to get to see them.
Mountain gorillas are an endangered primate species which can only be found in four destinations including Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National park in Rwanda and both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Uganda hosts more than half the total mountain gorillas in the world, making it one of the best gorilla trekking destination.
While gorilla trekking, there are a number of guidelines that are in place having been put in place by the relevant governing bodies including the Uganda Wildlife Authority, for the sole purpose of protecting the endangered mountain gorillas, not to threaten their already small number any further. Below are the various gorilla trekking rules and regulations that travelers are expected to follow;
- Gorilla trekking is done by persons only 15 years and more. There is an age limit to gorilla trekking is set because children usually have communicable diseases like flue and cough, mumps which the gorillas can easily catch.
- Eight persons only per a single gorilla group is allowed per day. This is so to prevent the possibility of disease transmission and also minimise disturbance and stressing of the gorillas.
- You cannot do gorilla trekking when sick with transmittable diseases like flue. Rangers do have a right to deny you access should they find that you are not well for the activity, to protect the gorillas. Volunteer to remain at the lodge. You shall be refunded your money for the gorilla permit, or given a chance to track again when in good health. Gorillas are susceptible to illness and shall thus be practised to keep them healthy.
- Always follow the instructions of the rangers. The park rangers are more knowledgeable about the park and gorillas, and you should follow all their instructions whilst gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo.
- Do not make noise in the park whilst gorilla trekking. Should you need to talk, you need only do whisper or do maintain low voices while in the park. Noise frightens gorillas especially the newly habituated mountain gorillas.
- Do not litter the park. Keep the park clean at all times, take with you all the rubbish that you may have, including sweet wraps and food warps.
- Do not clear vegetation while gorilla trekking in the bid to have a better view of the primates. This not only scares the animals but also destroys the vegetation and growth.
- Do not eat or drink while near the gorillas. The gorillas may approach you inquisitively and grab whatever it is that you have.
- Should you require to use the toilet, have a guide or ranger dig up a hole for you after which you are supposed to properly cover after use least the animals uncover it and result into causing diseases to the gorilla sand other wildlife in the parks.
- Always maintain a safe distance of 15 feet away from the endangered mountain gorillas, to reduce risks of transmitting human diseases.
- Do not surround the gorillas while viewing them, as they may feel threatened and thus be defensive and aggressive. Should gorillas approach you, especially the inquisitive infants, move backwards slowly and if it is not possible to move backwards then do stay still and follow all the instructions as per the guidance of your ranger guides.
- On rare occasions where mountain gorillas charge at visitors, you are to crouch down slowly and look downwards. Do not run but instead let the gorillas leave all by themselves. Silverbacks start displaying their dominance by pouncing on their chests and the rangers do notice this in time to calm down the gorillas as they are trained to. Always stay calm the tourists should such an encounter occur. Always stay calm and still should a gorilla charge.
- Do not stare at the gorillas straight in the eyes. The gorillas would mistake this for hostility and thus charge at you. Your body language also plays an important role. Do not lift your arms or hands as they might mistake for aggression.
- While taking pictures of the gorillas, do not use flash cameras to avoid irritating the gorillas.
- Do not touch the gorillas or even try to touch them, especially the infants as the parents can be very protective of their little ones.
Gorilla trekking is one of the best activities you can do while on any east Africa safari. Get to combine gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda with a classic Masai Mara National Reserve Safari or even Serengeti National Park among others. Get in touch for an amazingly well-crafted and affordable Gorilla trekking safari with an option of including classic wildlife safaris in Kenya or Tanzania, or both.
