Overview
Gorilla Trekking so far ranks the best and mostly done Tourism activity as far as tourism in Uganda is concern. This contributes a lot to the Uganda’s economy and is an amazing memorable experience to the tourists. This beautiful experience has made thousands of Tourists to come to Uganda year after year. This activity becomes a beautiful and exciting story that people who have done it before don’t get tired of telling.
In Uganda, Gorilla Trekking is majorly done in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks as these parks harbor the highest gorilla population.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority issued Rules and Regulations that govern the Gorilla Trekking activity as a conservation measure to the endangered gorillas. These and more include the following;
Rules and Regulations before trekking
- It is must to poses a Gorilla Trekking permit before going for the Trekking.
- A maximum number of 8 individuals is allowed per gorilla group trek to minimize the behavioral disturbances and the risk of human-borne diseases to the gorillas.
- Before going for the trekking activity, always make sure your hands are cleaned thoroughly well or sanitized. This reduces on the chances of the germ transmissions to the Gorillas
- Kids below the 15years of age are not permitted to go for the Gorilla Trekking activity. This is because kids usually carry colds, chickenpox, coughs mumps which easily get transmitted to the endangered gorillas. The National Park Authorities will ask for your passport and look at it purposely to verify your identity and eligibility for Gorilla Trekking activity.
Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations while in the Park
- In case of any kind of illness, you are advised to stay behind because you might transmit it to the gorillas. Gorillas easily contract diseases thereby exposing them to extinction. Arrangements will be made for you after full recovery from the illness or a money refund will be made to you by the Park management.
- Endeavor to stay in a group. Do not leave the group to move alone.(8members per group is recommended)
- A distance of about 7meters (21feet) from the gorillas should be maintained/observed so as to minimize disease transmission rates to the endangered gorillas. This also gives the mountain gorillas space for freely movements, but once it moves towards you, you are advised to slowly move backwards, if not, please remain standing still.
- The use of flashlight cameras when taking photos in the Park is highly restricted because the sound from the flash might threaten and scare them away before your activity time is due.
- Sometimes gorillas recharge. In such moments, you are advised to please avoid unnecessary movements. Please stand still and do not run as they may mistake you to an enemy. Even if it comes close to you for danger inspection, please still do the same. Guides will always be around in this petrifying moment to calm you down.
- Always keep your voices low during the Gorilla Trekking activity. High voices may threaten the gorillas and they end up moving away. In such a circumstances, your Guide is free to end your Trekking activity before your session is out (strictly 1hr is recommended per trekking group). However in case of any questions, you can raise it to the Guide through whispering.
- Always avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas. Please ALWAYS shy away by showing them your back when they see you.
Others include;
- Do not raise your hands or stand tall when they see you. They might mistake it for hostility/aggression.
- Do not smoke when gorilla Trekking.
- Do not attempt to touch the gorillas even when they are inspecting you as they may mistake it for aggression.
- Do not attempt to feed the endangered mountain gorillas or any other animal that you find in the park.
- Do not clear the vegetation in need for a clear view because it might scare away the gorillas. In case it’s essential, let the guide do it for you.
- No eating or drinking near the gorillas. This might attract the gorillas to come to you out of curiosity to grab a bit thus increasing disease transmission risks.
- Do not wear sunglasses when trekking because the reflection from the glasses might force them to attack you or scare them away.
- Avoid wearing bright colored shoes/clothes as they might mistake it for aggression.
- Do not sneeze/ cough near the gorillas as they may mistake it to an attack.
- In case of any toilet urge while in the Park, please talk to your Guide to dig up a pit for you which you will cover with soil or tree leaves after use.
- Always keep and leave the park clean. Littering tissues, leftover foods and food packing bags is illegal. These may contain viruses which may affect the gorillas.
NOTE; There will be a short briefing about these Rules and Regulations by the Park Guides/Rangers about the Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations. We humbly request you to please listen attentively to them for your safety and the gorillas.
What to carry for Gorilla Trekking?
- Carry enough food and water to sustain you through the whole Trekking process.
- Wear long pants and shirts to avoid bruises by the sharp grasses and tree branches in the park.
- Carry raincoats in case of rain as it’s so common in forests and very unpredictable.
- Move with insect repellents because there are so many insects in the park that might bite you.
- Wear suitable trekking shoes ideal for muddy or steep slopes.
- Carry kind of warm clothes as they help a lot in case of the unpredictable rainfall will in the park.
- Do not attempt to touch the gorillas even when they are inspecting you as they may mistake it for aggression.
- Don’t forget to carry jungle boots/shoes to avoid thorn attacks in the park
- Cameras for photography
For more inquiries, please feel free to contact Pamoja Tours and Travel through emailing or a direct phone call.
