Gorilla Trekking is an amazing Tourism activity that is so much loved by so many Tourists that visit Uganda. Seeing these mountain gorillas physically and getting to know their lifestyle becomes a memorable experience to every visitor.
The gorilla Trekking activity is mainly done at Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks where the highest population of these gorillas is spotted.
The Mountain Gorillas are so endangered which forced the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to set up Rules and Regulations to follow for those wishing to trek them. These and more include the following;
Rules and Regulations Before Gorilla Trekking Experience
- One must poses a Gorilla Trekking permit before going for the Trekking.
- Kids below the age of 15 are not allowed to go for the Gorilla Trekking activity as they usually carry colds, coughs, chickenpox, mumps and other seen and unseen diseases which may be transmitted to the endangered gorillas and affect them. The National Park Authorities will ask for your passport to verify identity and Gorilla Trekking eligibility visitors.
- You are expected to listen attentively and follow the Guide’s instructions that will be given to you in a short briefing before going for the Trekking activity.
- Make sure you have cleaned your hands thoroughly well (with clean water and soap or sanitizer) or before going for the trekking activity. This reduce on the chances of the germ transmissions to the Gorillas.
- In case of any kind of illness, you are advised to stay behind because the gorillas easily contract diseases which exposes them to extinction. Arrangements will be made for you after full illness recovery or money refund will be done by the Park management.
- A maximum number of 8 individuals is allowed per trek. This minimizes the behavioral disturbances and the risk of human-borne diseases to the gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations while in the Park
- While in the Park, always maintain and observe a 7m distance (21feet) from the gorillas. This minimizes disease transmissions to the endangered gorillas. This distance also gives the gorillas space to move in any direction. Once it moves towards you, you are advised to slowly move backwards, if not, please remain standing still but in a group to avoid danger.
- Always keep your voices low during the Gorilla Trekking activity. High voices may threaten the gorillas and they move away before your trekking time expires (1hr is recommended per trekking group). However in case of any questions, you can speak to the guide through whispering.
- Always avoid flashlight cameras when taking photos in the Park as the sound of the flash might threaten and scare them away before your trekking time expires.
- Sometimes the gorillas recharge especially the silverback gorillas. In such circumstances, you are advised to avoid unnecessary movements. Please DONOT run as they will mistake you to be an enemy. The guide will be there to calm you down in this scarily moment. Always stand still until they go away on their own.
- Endeavor to stay in a group. Do not leave the group to move alone.
- Never stare at them directly into their eyes, raising your hands or standing tall when after they see you. They may mistake it for hostility or aggression.
- Do not smoke when gorilla Trekking.
- Do not eat/drink when while carrying out the gorilla Trekking activity. This might attract the gorillas to come to you or even making sick if eaten.
- Do not feed them or any other animal in the park
- Do not attempt to touch the gorillas even when they are inspecting you as they may mistake it to aggression.
- Do not wear sunglasses when trekking as the reflection from the glasses might force them to attack you.
- Bright colored shoes and clothes should also be avoided as they might mistake it for aggression.
- Always keep and leave the park clean. Littering tissues, leftover foods and packing bags should be avoided. These may contain viruses which may affect the endangered gorillas when eaten.
- Do not sneeze or cough near the gorillas as they may mistake it to an attack.
- In case of any need to release yourself while still in the Park, always talk to your guide to dig for you a pit which you will cover after use.
What you need to carry with you when going for Gorilla Trekking
- Wear suitable trekking shoes ideal for muddy or steep slopes.
- Carry enough food and water to you through the whole Trekking process.
- Do not forget the cameras to take photos.
- Carry raincoats in case of rain. Rain is so common in forests and very unpredictable.
- Wear long pants and shirts avoid being bruised by the sharp grasses and tree branches in the park.
- Move with insect repellents as there are so many insects in the park that might bite you.
For more inquiries, please feel free to contact Duiker safaris by email or a phone call.