Gorilla Trekking Rules & Regulations

Gorilla trekking rules: Any traveler, safari, and adventure lover planning to engage in gorilla trekking must be thoroughly acquainted with the restrictions governing this activity, regardless of their chosen tracking location. Some of the tracking areas include Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in Congo.

Presented here are a series of rules & guidelines that must be adhered to during gorilla trekking

  1. Individuals should maintain cleanliness and consistently wash their hands before embarking on gorilla trekking.
  2. Maintain a subdued volume during the walk and remain vigilant about the park’s inhabitants, including avian species, monkeys, animals, geckos, reptiles, and various others within the forest.
  3. One is not permitted to leave refuse in the park; so, all waste should be retained in one’s bag and removed upon departure.
  4. In the early morning, you will receive a briefing on the laws and regulations of gorilla trekking, after which you will be organized into groups of eight and proceed to the jungle accompanied by a ranger.
  5. Upon approaching the mountain gorillas, the rangers and guides will provide information about them, or you may hear sounds emanating from the bush.
  6. However, refrain from making noise out of excitement; remember that they are sociable monkeys but still wild animals, capable of changing behavior at any moment.
  7. Maintain a distance of 7 meters from the mountain gorillas.
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  9. When encountering gorillas, observe them without making direct eye contact. The greater the distance, the more at ease they get.
  10. Do not leave the group, as it is advisable to remain together to avoid appearing threatening to the mountain gorillas.
    Maintain a subdued volume and bear in mind that you are in the forest, not at home; yet, you may pose queries if necessary, but do so in a quiet tone.
  11. Refrain from smoking, consuming alcohol, or eating in the forest. The occurrence of any decline may elevate the chance of disease transmission. At mealtime, the rangers will guide you to the designated area for your picnic lunch in the forest.
  12. When the gorilla charges, endeavor to remain still; fleeing heightens the likelihood of an attack.
  13. Flash photography is prohibited; please exercise caution.
  14. Interaction with mountain gorillas is prohibited; remember, they are wild animals.
  15. You are permitted to spend only one hour observing the mountain gorillas as they engage in activities such as playing, feeding, and grooming one another. However, please note that if the gorillas are too agitated, the guide will instruct to conclude the journey prematurely.
  16. You should maintain a low volume following the encounter, not until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.
    Honor the mountain gorillas
  17. Adhere to the daily visitor limit to decrease the risk of illness transmission.
  18. Trekking the mountain gorillas is prohibited for anyone with contagious diseases; however, you may volunteer in the surrounding community, arrange another visit with the Wildlife Authority, or receive a refund.
  19. If you need to cough or sneeze, avoid doing so near the gorillas; turn your head away and cover your mouth and nose to reduce the transmission of bacteria or viruses.
  20. Maintain a distance of 7 meters from the gorillas and safeguard yourself from the transmission of human diseases.
  21. Do not leave any litter in the park, as foreign objects may harbor diseases.
  22. If you require relief, request the ranger to excavate a hole with a machete.Ensure it is 30 cm deep and thereafter fill it with dirt.
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