The mountain gorilla (gorilla beringei beringei) is the world’s most endangered ape. Although gorilla tracking remains the ultimate wildlife experience, rules and regulations have been put in place to protect this endangered ape.
Mountain Gorillas are found small portions of the protected afro-montane forests of South Western Uganda, North Western Rwanda and Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The threats to the mountain gorilla and its habitat are many. But the biggest threat is the possibility of disease transmission from humans to gorillas. So, to address the issue of potential disease transmission to the gorillas and to reduce behavioral disturbances to this fragile population, gorilla tracking rules and regulations have been developed.
Gorilla Tracking Rules and Regulations
On the way to the Gorillas:
- A maximum number of 8 visitors may visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in a day. This minimizes the risk of exposure to human-borne diseases and also reduces behavioral disturbance.
- Always wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas
- Do not leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back with you.
- At the start of the trek, you will be taken to where the guides left the gorillas the day before. From there, you will follow the gorillas’ trail to find them. Look out for the gorillas’ nesting sites along the way
- When you approach the gorillas, the guides will inform you when to get your cameras ready.
- Always keep your voices low. You will also be able to observe the great birdlife and other wildlife in the forest.
Rules and regulations when you are with the Gorillas:
- Keep a minimum of 7 meters (21 feet) from the gorillas. This is to protect gorillas from human disease transmission.
- Wear a face mask at all times
- You must always stay in a tight group when you are near the gorillas
- Keep your voices low at all times. However it is O.K to ask the guide questions
- DO NOT drink or eat while you are near the gorillas to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
- Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guide’s example – crouch down slowly and DO NOT look the gorilla in the eye. Then, wait for the gorillas to pass. DO NOT attempt to run away. This is because running away increases the risk of attack.
- Flash photography is not permitted. When taking pictures, move slowly and carefully.
- Do NOT touch the gorillas. They are wild animals
- The maximum time visitors are allowed to spend with the gorillas is ONE hour. This is to limit disturbance. If the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will end the visit early.
- After the visit, keep your voices down until you are at least 200 meters away from the gorillas.
General Health Rules and Regulations:
Gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following are ways used to minimize the risk your visit might pose to the gorillas:
- Always respect the limit imposed on the time visitors are allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the gorilla group.
- If you are feeling ill, or have a contagious disease when you are already at the park, please volunteer to stay behind. An alternative visit will be arranged for you; or you will be refunded your money as per the gorilla reservation guidelines
- If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away. Also cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria and viruses.
- Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
- Do not leave any rubbish (e.g. food wrappers) in the park. Such items can harbor diseases or other contaminants
- If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig a hole that you will use. Ensure that you cover it up when you are done.
By following these rules and through the purchase of the gorilla permit, you are contributing to the conservation of the mountain gorilla. Please note that any breach of these rules may lead to termination of the gorilla trek without any refund. Gorilla trek permit price is $800 USD.
Please do check out our gorilla tracking itineraries www.chigotours.com/ or contact us and we’ll customize an amazing gorilla tour just for you! Chigo Tours offers both short and long gorilla road trips in Uganda and Rwanda. Should a long road trip not favor you, don’t hesitate to try out our luxury fly-in gorilla safaris.