Gorilla Trekking Rules & Regulations in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking Rules And Regulations : Mountain gorillas are highly endangered and rare species with a few numbers remaining in the world, mountain gorillas’ population calls for need to protect mountain gorillas from extinction. Mountain gorillas face a lot of challenges and they are mostly by efforts of humans “human activities” which have resulted in loss of a number of gorillas. Some of the human activities posing a threat to mountain gorillas include encroaching on their natural habitat, poaching them for bush meat, deforestation among others.
Since mountain gorillas share most of their DNA composition (95% – 99%) with human beings, because of this the gorillas can contract human diseases and can get sick and die of the same diseases affecting human beings.
Because of the above factors, there are rules and regulations for gorilla trekking, these rules and regulations govern the interaction of the trekkers while in the presence of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Before the hike into the forests in search for mountain gorillas, trekkers have a briefing session hosted at the park’s headquarters. Briefing sessions are carried out by a ranger guide, trekkers are taken through the rules and regulations to follow while in the forest and in the presence of mountain gorillas. These dos and don’ts are very important and must be followed by trekkers for the purposes of security of the trekkers and the gorillas.
Below are the rules and regulations (dos and don’ts) to follow during mountain gorilla trekking experience.
Ill- tourists/ trekkers are not allowed to trek
Ill tourists are not allowed to participate in gorilla trekking, tourists suffering from communicable diseases such as cold and flu cannot come in any close contact with mountain gorillas because they are sensitive to such as diseases. Note that mountain gorillas, share about 95 to 98% DNA composition with humans which makes the sensitive to some of the human diseases which can led to their extinction.
A maximum of 8 people are allowed to visit each gorilla family on each trek
A maximum of 8 people in each group are allowed to visit each gorilla family per trek per day, this is done so as to minimize infections and changes in behaviors of mountain gorillas. When there a lot of people at the presence of mountain gorillas at once, they might feel threatened which can cause a change in their behavior and turn violent to the trekkers.
Keep a distance of 7 meters away from the gorillas
While in the presence of mountain gorillas, make it a point to keep a distance of about 7 meters between you and the mountain gorillas, even when one of the gorillas try to come close to you, you are advised to step back slowly or stand still as per instructions of the guide.
During the trek, you are advised to carefully follow the instructions of the guide so in order to enjoy trek
All trekkers must be 15 years and above
Though mountain gorillas open for gorilla trekking experience have been habituated, they are still wild animals and sometimes their behavior can be unpredictable. Because of this, individuals below the age of 15 years “children” are not allowed to participate in gorilla trekking experience, also these individuals often have diseases such as chicken pox and mumps which the can transfer to the mountain gorillas.
Smoking or eating is not allowed while in the presence of mountain gorillas
Smoking and eating in the presence of mountain gorillas or near them is not allowed, this is because food and drinks can be a source of infection and can also lead to behavioral changes in mountain gorillas.
Unnecessary movement while on the presence of mountain gorillas are prohibited
Visitors are prohibited from making unnecessary movements while in the presence of mountain gorillas, visitors are advised to stay tight together as a group and it is the only way for mountain gorillas to feel free and secured. Abrupt and sudden movements of visitors can cause the mountain gorillas to get scared thus prompting them to defend themselves thus they may end up attacking the tourists.
Spend one hour in the presence of mountain gorillas
Visitors are only allowed to spend one hour in presence of mountain gorillas, though mountain gorilla trekking experience takes about 2-5 hours. Visitors are only allowed to spend only one hour while observing the behavior of mountain gorillas and watch them play on tree branches, female gorillas taking care of their babies and the silverbacks defending their families from any intruder.
Yes mountain gorillas are completely habituated and they are used to human presence, but they easily getting irritated if humans stay for too long in their presence.
Flash Photography are strictly not allowed
Photography is allowed while in the presence of mountain gorillas, however flash photography is not allowed as it irritates the gorillas and may provoke them to attack anyone holding the cameras.
Keep your voices as quiet as possible
Maximum silence must be kept in the presence of mountain gorillas and in case you wish to communicate with the rangers or your fellow visitors you must keep your voices low.
Always follow the guidelines and instructions of the guides and rangers
All tourists on mountain gorilla trekking experience are advised to a bid by the rules and regulations as offered by the rangers during gorilla briefing session at the park’s headquarters.
Always turn away from the gorillas when coughing or sneezing
Mountain gorillas can contract human diseases that us why you are advised to turn away from the gorillas when coughing or sneezing as you might be carrying airborne diseases that can kill the gorillas.
Observe your body language when in presence of mountain gorillas
When you are in the presence of mountain gorillas, visitors are advised to observe their body language when with the animals. Some actions like pointing at the gorillas can make them aggressive and uncomfortable thus attack the individuals.
Do not litter (all rubbish should be removed from the park)
Visitors should not litter any form of rubbish such as canisters, handkerchiefs and other small items as they are dangerous to the gorillas.
