Guidelines For Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
Guidelines For Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo: Here are some recommendations, norms, and regulations to keep in mind when you plan your gorilla trekking adventure safari to Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo. The Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Rwanda Development Board have established the identical regulations for all three places.
Gorilla trekking is normally a day activity that lasts between 1 and 8 hours depending on the gorillas’ movement in the jungle, how far their last known position is from the trekking start point, the trekkers’ energy pace, and competence. Once you meet the gorillas, you have a maximum of one hour with them. Below are some of the rules you should be aware of before going on a gorilla trek.
Guidelines before starting your gorilla trek.
Because gorillas are wild creatures, they must be habituated before people may interact with them. Each country has a different amount of habituated gorilla families for tourists to see, such as Uganda, which has 12 habituated gorilla families, and Rwanda, which has 7 habituated gorilla families.
A maximum of 8 people per day are permitted to visit a gorilla group in order to reduce behavioral disruption and the possibility of exposure to human-borne illnesses.
During the briefing before the expedition, the gorilla families are assigned at random. However, the sick and aged may be given special attention so that they can track down the nearest gorilla families. Before venturing into the jungle to track mountain gorillas, make sure you wash your hands.
Guidelines to follow during your gorilla trekking experience in the park.
Try to keep your voices as quiet as possible. This will allow you to watch the birds, butterflies, and other creatures that live in tropical rainforests.
DO NOT leave trash in the national park. Make certain that everything you bring into the jungle is returned with you.
The gorilla walk begins where the gorillas spent the night before. Make an effort to understand about the gorilla’s breeding habits.
As you get closer to the mountain gorillas, the ranger guide will inform you.
Guidelines to follow when with the gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
Always keep a 7-meter (21-foot) gap between yourself and the gorillas. Getting too near to the gorillas will frighten them.
When approaching the mountain gorillas, you should stick close to the members of your hiking party.
Keep your voices as quiet as possible when asking the ranger guide any questions you may have.
While in close contact to the gorillas, do not drink, eat, or even smoke. This is enforced to guarantee that you not only do not leave droplets of food or drink that might lead to the spread of human-borne diseases, but also that you do not draw the interest of the gorillas.
It is not advised to point or wave your arms when moving slowly and attentively.
Because gorillas are wild creatures, never try to touch them.
The gorillas occasionally charge. Don’t worry; simply follow your ranger guide’s lead: squat slowly, avoid seeing the gorillas in the eyes, and wait for the creatures to pass. Never attempt to run away.
Because gorillas are black creatures in low light, utilize the proper camera settings. Under no circumstances is flash photography permitted.
One hour is the most time you can spend with the mountain gorillas. The guide may opt to end the visit early if the gorillas get irritated or anxious. This is for your protection as well as the gorillas’.
You could become enthusiastic after the journey! Please, however, keep your voices quiet until you are at least 200 meters away from the gorillas.
Health and Safety Precautions to take during Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
Gorillas share more than 90% of their DNA with humans, making them very vulnerable to human illnesses. The regulations listed below should be followed to reduce the health hazards to the gorillas.
Respect the daily limit of tourists permitted to interact with mountain gorillas. These restrictions reduce the likelihood of disease transmission and group stress.
Volunteer to remain behind if you are feeling poorly or have a contagious condition. Another gorilla trekking opportunity will be arranged for you, or the cost of your gorilla trekking permit will be returned.
If you feel the need to cough or sneeze when near the mountain gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth to prevent the spread of germs or illnesses.
Always keep a 7-meter (21-foot) gap between yourself and the gorillas. Getting too near to the gorillas will frighten them.
Leave no trash (such as food wrappers or beverage bottles) in the forest; alien objects can contain illnesses.
If you need to use the restroom while in the forest, please ask the ranger guide to dig a hole for you. Check that the hole is 30 cm deep. Please ensure that the hole is filled once you’ve finished.
What to pack for your Gorilla Trekking Safari to Uganda, Rwanda or Congo?
Wear hiking boots with a solid grip that are ideal for ascending steep mud-covered slopes.
Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
Because the weather might be unpredictable, bring rain gear, sunscreen lotion, and a hat.
Wear or bring insect repellent with you.
Bring binoculars or rent them at the Uganda Wildlife Authority office in the park.
Take additional batteries and memory cards for your digital camera. It is not permissible to use your camera’s flashlight. We recommend using 400-800 ASA film while photography using film.
