Gorilla Trekking Guidelines and Rules – All you need to know about gorilla trekking rules and guidelines

The Gorilla Trekking Guidelines and Rules have been clearly laid out in Virungas and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by the wildlife authorities and conservation bodies – which have the responsibility to protect and conserve wildlife in a sustainable manner. These rules and guidelines have enabled mountain gorillas to flourish and allowed tourists to visit them in their natural habitat. For anyone planning a gorilla trekking safari to Africa, it is important to know these guidelines and rules and here we are to enlighten more about Gorilla Trekking Guidelines and Rules

Gorilla tourism is one of the great contributors to the increasing mountain gorilla population today since the funds generated have enabled the facilitation of the conservation processes. According to Darwin’s evolution history, mountain gorillas would be on the extinction bus but instead, because of these laws, restrictions, and the money made from tourists, their mountain gorilla population has been steadily recovering and increasing with approximately 1070 mountain gorillas left.

Gorilla Trekking Experience

Knowing the guidelines for gorilla trekking will help you adhere to conservation laws while still having an unforgettable experience if you’re planning a gorilla trekking safari.

Here are some of the restrictions and guidelines for gorilla trekking – During the trek and while in the Park

A single habituated mountain gorilla family may only have a maximum of 8 visitors per day, according to UWA. As a result, it lessens the gorillas’ behavioral disturbance and the chance that they would contract diseases spread by humans.

If you exhibit signs of a cold or another contagious sickness, you will not be permitted to hike gorillas.

Anybody can trek gorillas as long as they possess a gorilla trekking permit issued by the Wildlife Authority and they’re above 15 years of age.

The lead guide at the trailhead is required to give guests a briefing on gorilla trekking and the rules and regulations before they participate in the activity.

As you get into the jungle, it is recommended to keep your voice down and pay attention to the guide’s directions and information. In the forest, you can also see a variety of plants, birds, and other animals.

DON’T dispose of trash in the park. You should take everything you bring into the forest with you when you leave.

Mountain gorillas construct their nests at sunset and spend the night there, so rangers set out before the trekkers in the hopes of finding them where they left them the night. These rangers will direct your group to find them. You’ll be informed in time to get ready for the encounter.

When you find the gorilla family, your guide will ask you to leave your backpack and gadgets about 50 meters from the gorillas and will allow you to approach with only your camera or phone calmly.

The minimum distance that visitors must maintain from gorillas is 10 meters (32 ft). The tourist should at least make an effort to avoid touch, even though the gorillas might not abide by this guideline. The group will be more at ease the further back you are.

Maintain a low voice at all times. However while with the gorillas, it is acceptable to follow the guide’s directions and ask questions.

Avoid smoking, drinking, and eating when you are close to the gorillas. Eating or drinking will inevitably raise the chance that food, drink, or droplets will fall, increasing the possibility that diseases will be transmitted.

Sometimes the gorillas charge however, it is advisable to follow the guide’s example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes when they’re agitated, and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk of the gorilla tackling you down.

Flash photography is not permitted. When taking pictures, move slowly and carefully.

Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals and do not understand your modern gadgets, tools, and expressions. So, avoid contact at all times.

The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide may end the visit early.

After the encounter with the gorillas, keep your voice down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.

Remember that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following rules are ways to minimize the risk your visit might pose to them.

Briefing and debriefing are done in small groups of eight (08) tourists after being assigned gorilla families for tracking.

Healthy rules and guidelines for trekking gorillas

Respect the limits on the maximum number of visitors permitted each day to interact with the gorillas. By doing this, the group is less likely to contract an illness and experience stress.

If you are feeling ill or carrying a contagious disease, please stay at your boarding facility. You can request a refund from your safari manager, or you can request a different visit be scheduled for you. Anyone who is shown to be ill during the briefing will not be permitted to track, including visitors, employees, and porters. Those who have flu-like symptoms as well as those who claim to have malaria, stomach aches, or diarrhea are among them.

Gorilla Safari packing list – what to bring with you on your gorilla safari

Put on some comfortable hiking boots that can handle muddy, hilly terrain.

If the sounds of the jungle make you uncomfortable, put on some earplugs.

Bring a packed lunch, some energy foods, and plenty of water.

Since the weather is uncertain, bring rain gear, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.

In order to maintain your balance when trekking through the rainforest’s uneven terrain, you must carry a walking stick or staff. At the trailhead, you can pick up a free locally crafted stick or bring your own.

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Gorilla Trekking Guidelines and Rules

Gorilla Trekking Guidelines and Rules – All you need to know about gorilla trekking rules and guidelines

Here are some of the restrictions and guidelines for gorilla trekking – During the trek and while in the Park

DON’T dispose of trash in the park. You should take everything you bring into the forest with you when you leave.

Maintain a low voice at all times. However while with the gorillas, it is acceptable to follow the guide’s directions and ask questions.

Healthy rules and guidelines for trekking gorillas

Gorilla Safari packing list – what to bring with you on your gorilla safari

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