Deep in the forests of East Africa are some of Africa’s most endangered and majestic wildlife creatures: the great mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda. With around 1004 individuals left in the world, Come face to face with the tranquil yet potent Mountain Gorillas, watching them only a few meters away from you, observing the group, the baby with the mothers, the gorillas partaking their everyday routine just right in front of you is all very overwhelming experience. Planning a one in a lifetime experience trip? Below are some rules and regulation you should follow:
Mountain Gorilla Trekking Rules & Regulations
-You must be at least 15 years of age to engage in the Gorilla trekking activity. Below that age do not bother. There are porters to help the elderly and the weak.
– Only one visit to any gorilla group is allowed per day. The maximum number of 8 tourists will view a given group of habituated mountain gorillas in given day as this minimizes the risk of behavioral changes and exposure to diseases.
-You are strictly not allowed to track Gorillas when you are sick. Just report the sickness on time then an alternative visit can be organized for you or a money refund made.
-Once you locate the gorillas, you are limited to one hour of observation and photography. Be careful not to exceed the stated time and always keep you voices low to watch out for other forest wildlife or to scare the gorillas.
-You will be led to where the ranger guides last spotted the gorillas the day before. It is from there that you will follow the trail to find the gorillas. The guides will inform you when you approach the gorillas.
-Avoid dumping any rubbish like water bottles, food wrappers / leftovers in the Park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be returned back with you.
-Always leave 7 meters distance when observed at all times (21 feet) from the mountain gorillas. The further you are from them, the more relaxed they are and hence the best experience with them.
-It is okay to ask the guide questions, but Lower your voices at all times. While with and after the visit, keep your voices down until you are 200m from the gorillas.
-Do not distance yourself while Gorilla trekking. Keep close in your group when you are near gorillas.
-Do not try to touch or get in closer contact with the gorillas. These are wild animals and when they attempt to come near you, try to move away in order to maintain the authorized 5 meters.
-When gorillas become aggressive, you are advised to follow the ranger guides’ example like crouching down slowly, never look directly into the gorilla’s eyes, and stay still as you wait for them to pass. Do not risk running away as this cause them to attack.
-Avoid smoking, drinking or eating when you are with the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food dropping and this can attract gorillas near you which can increase risk of contamination
-When heading away from the gorillas, maintain the lower voices until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.
-If you feel like coughing or sneezing when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
-Easing yourself on the trek is very normal. Please ask the guide to dig for you a hole and Make sure the hole is 30cms deep. Please cover it when you are through!
What to carry:
-Definitely wear proper walking boots, one client on a trip wore trainers on the mountain, could hardly stand up. Where the gorillas flatten the bushes and ferns is very slippy to walk on
– Wear long trousers and gaiters – you will be walking through dense bush in places and don’t want scratches or creepy crawlies up your legs
– Wear long sleeves –
– Enough water
– take a sweatshirt as it can be cold or rain on the mountain
– Take a good pair of gloves –
-In cases of hiring things and porters its 10 dollar per item
-Do not forget to carry a camera to capture the magical moment, but keeping in mind that flashes turned off
Useful information
The gorilla permit in Uganda costs 600 USD, Rwanda 1500 USD and it is sold at first come first serve basis and one should book your gorilla permit 3 months in advance. Do exercise before Gorilla trekking activity to be physically fit.
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