Gorilla trekking rules
One should be clean and always wash their hands before heading for Gorilla trekking. Always keep your voices low during the trek and always observe or keep an eye on the park habitants such as bird life, primates, mammals, geckos, reptiles and many more in the forest.
Follow the Gorilla trekking rules below.
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Minimum age is 15 year or more to get a gorilla trekking permit and trek Gorillas.
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Make sure you in a viewing distance of seven meters distance while with gorillas you can look at the gorillas but avoid the Silverback eye contact.
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Eating and running while with gorillas is prohibited.
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A maximum number of 8 visitors may visit a group (family) of habituated Gorillas in a single day. This minimizes behavioral disturbances to the Gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
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Always wash your hands before you head out to the Gorillas.
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Sometimes the Gorillas charge. Follow the Forest guide’s example by crouching down slowly, and do not look at the Gorillas in the eyes. Wait for the gorilla to pass you by and do not attempt to run away (this will increase the risk of attack).
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Flash photography is not allowed, when taking pictures, move slowly and carefully.
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Do not touch the Gorillas. They are wild animals.
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The maximum time visitors are allowed to spend with the Gorillas is one hour; however, if the Gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will end the visit early.
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After the visit, keep your voices low until you are at least 200 meters away from the Gorillas.
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Do not leave garbage in the forest. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back with you.
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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.
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When you approach the Gorillas, the forest guide will inform you when to get your cameras ready.
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Please always keep your voices low. This will ensure that you will be able to observe the beautiful birds and other wildlife in the forest.
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While on the move in search if these great apes, kindly don’t drop any garbage inside the forest park. Ensure that you carry all the garbage you move with like the empty water bottles, left over sandwich, energy snack packages, paper, plastic, metals and anything that nature doesn’t appreciate.
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Remember Gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following guidelines are to ensure that you minimize the risk your visit might pose to them.
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Respect the limit imposed on the time that visitors are allowed with the Gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
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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 (as per the gorilla reservation guidelines).
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If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the Gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or germs.
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Smoking is not allowed during gorilla trekking
