Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations
Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations: Before a traveler plans to do a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda the following rules and regulations would apply as set out on the printed leaflet by the ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority a body in charge of all Uganda’s protected national parks as listed;
What you must do before departing on your gorilla trekking
Always wash your hands before you head out for gorilla trekking because they are said to have 98% DNA, they can be easily affected with human diseases such as flu, diarrhea, e.t.c.
A maximum of 8 people or visitors may visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in a day. In regard, it minimizes behavioral disturbance to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
How to maintain yourself on the way to the gorillas
Always you should keep your voices low for you to be able to observe the great birdlife and other wildlife in the forest.
Please do not leave rubbish in the park. Whatever carried with you in the park, you must carry back with you.
You will be taken to a location where the guides last observed the gorillas the day before. Then from there it will be easy for you to follow the gorilla’s trail to find them. As you will be trekking in the misty forest you will be able look out for the gorilla’s nesting sites along the way.
The moment you approach the mountain gorillas; the guides will inform you to get ready.
How you must behaviour with the gorilla
You should keep a distance of 7 meter away from gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be for you to observe it.
Stay in tight group when you are close to the gorillas.
You must keep your voices down at all times. Still it is ok to ask the guide any questions you what to known about.
Smoking, drinking or eating is prohibited when you are near the gorillas. Because this may increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
Sometimes the gorillas charge and the best way to protect yourself is to follow the guides given for example; crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass. Do not be attempted to run away because that will increase the risk.
Flash disc is not permitted! When taking pictures since they are so scary to gorilla.
Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is only one hour. However, if the gorillas return nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
After trekking keep your voices down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.
General health rules
Note that, mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following rules are the best way we should minimize the risk of our great ape from being affected with diseases.
Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed to participate in gorilla trekking experience each day. This minimizes the risk of diseases transmission and stress to the group.
If you feel ill volunteer to stay behind. They will arrange for you another activity or your money to be refunded back.
If you feel like coughing or sneezing when you are close to gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria.
Do not leave any rubbish in the park for example food wrappers, empty bottles. Foreign items can harbour diseases to our lovely species.
If you need to go to toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga making it 30 centimetres deep and fill it in when you are done.
What to Carry on your Gorilla Safari?
Carry comfortable hiking shoes which are suitable for steep muddy slopes.
Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water
You can bring ear plugs which can help you if you feel uncomfortable with the jungle sounds.
Don’t forget to carry your rain gear, a hat, sunscreen lotion, insect repellent, because the weather is unpredictable.
Carry a photo of film camera. Flashlight not permitted so we recommend you to use films of 400-800 ASA.
Regarding on the information about Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations don’t hesitate to contact our office or email us Achieve Global Safaris here to help you.
