Gorilla trekking Rules

Gorilla trekking rules : Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the most incredible wildlife encounters in the world, on this experience visitors have a chance to have a face-to-face encounter with the mountain gorillas which are endangered and rare species.

Mountain Gorillas share 98% of human DNA which makes them the closest relatives to humans, with slightly over 1000 mountain gorillas left in the world, it is very crucial to protect them as they are already endangered species and easily affected by human illnesses. Because of this, there are several rules and regulations which must be followed by all trekkers while in the forests and in the presence of mountain gorillas.

Regulations and Rules for Gorilla Trekking

Before departing on your gorilla trekking

1. A maximum of only eight people is allowed to visit a habituated gorilla family in a day, the limited number of mountain gorillas visiting a gorilla group lowers the risk of behavioral disturbances to the gorillas
2. Littering in the park or forest is prohibited, whatever you bring with you to the forest you should go back with them however small it may be.
3. Always wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas
4. Keep your voices low, while in the forests or in the presence of mountain. You are not expected to shout or make any sort of noise as it may offend the mountain gorillas and draw their attention to you.

After briefing at the park’s headquarters, you will be taken to the starting point and enter the forests looking for mountain gorillas. When you approach the mountain gorillas, here are the guidelines to follow

When you are with the gorillas

1. Keep a distance of 7 meters – while observing the gorillas, you should keep a minimum distance of 7 meters while observing mountain gorillas. This makes the group relaxed and not disrupted, if the gorillas come close to you, you should avoid touching them or making any sort of physical contact as the are still wild animals.
2. Stay in a group, while in the forests. Always stay as a group as it is not allowed to be scattered allover the gorilla’s habitat.
3. Do not smoke, eat or drink in the presence of mountain gorillas, this could increase the risk of diseases to the gorillas from the falling droplets or passive smoking.
4. Spend one hour in with the mountain gorillas, the maximum duration you can stay in presence of mountain gorillas is one hour
5. When a gorilla charges, follow the guides for example crounch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass. Do not attempt to run away because it will increase the risk of attack.
6. Do not touch the gorillas, they are wild animals

General Health Rules

Always remember that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases to minimize the risk of transmitting illnesses to them during gorilla trekking experience. The following rules must be followed.

1. Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day, this minimizes the risk of disease transmissions and stress to the group
2. If you are feeling ill or carrying any contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind, an alternative visit will be arranged for your or you will be refunded your money.
3. If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze while with the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria and viruses to the gorillas.
4. Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas, this is to protect them from catching human diseases.
5. Do not leave any rubbish such as food wrappers in the park, foreign items can harbor diseases or other contaminants
6. If you need to go the toilets while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his pang, make sure the hole is 30cm deep and fill it in when you are finished.

Best Time For Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking can be done any time of the year, however the best time is during the drier months of June to September and December to February. During this time, the roads to the gorillas parks are very accessible and the trekking trails are less muddy and the chances of rain are less.

In the wet season, it might get hard to navigate through the forest in search for the gorillas and the rain can disrupt your gorilla trekking experience.