Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations

Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations: Mountain Gorillas are endangered. With only 450 left in the world, mountain gorillas are found in 3 countries: Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. The rest of the gorillas are lowland gorillas and mainly found in zoos.

Your visit to the mountain gorillas should not decrease the numbers; according to the 2006 census, there are only 450 mountain gorillas left in the wild.

For those who would want to plan to trek the habituated mountain gorillas, these are the Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations to guide you:

After the briefing at the headquarters, a maximum number of 8 people are allowed to visit the mountain gorillas from each gorilla family. The 8 people are grouped in order not to make noise, to minimize the behavioral disturbance of the mountain Gorillas and also not to pass human infectious borne diseases.
Wash your hands before you go for gorilla trekking.
Keep your voices silent; by keeping your voices low, this enables one to look out for different mammals in the forest. Remember, it’s a forest that protects and inhabits a number of birds and mammals; by lowering your voices, you will have a chance to see more of the inhabitants of the forest.
Do not leave the rubbish behind during your trek; the animals might eat the rubbish and die; always keep all the rubbish in bags and go back with them.
Approaching the mountain Gorillas the guides and rangers will let you know that when you encounter the gorillas, you should always stand 7 meters away from them. The more you stand back, the more relaxed they become to continue with their day-to-day life. Observe them closely as they eat, play, groom each other, and display their nests—such a beautiful encounter.
Always keep your voices low; however, questions are allowed to be asked in case you need to know more.
Stay in tight groups of eight & do not move around; the gorillas may take charge.
Do not look directly in their eyes and do not run away; this may increase the risk.
You’re advised not to touch the gorillas; these are ‘wild animals.’
Do not eat, smoke, or drink; this may leave droppings, causing the gorillas to eat and potentially leading to the transmission of diseases.
Flash cameras with lights are not allowed during the trek.
The maximum time to spend with the mountain gorillas is 1 hour. After all that time spent with the mountain gorillas, they move 200 meters away and start talking, but in a low voice.
Gorilla safari

General health Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations

If you need to use a toilet, you need to dig a hole of about 30 meters and fill / cover it up after use.
Staying 7 meters away avoids the risk of catching diseases.
Although people with coughs and flu are not allowed to trek with the gorillas. But in case you are suffering from such diseases, like airborne diseases, you must turn your head around, cough and sneeze while covering yourself in order not to pass on the diseases.
If one feels ill or is carrying a contagious disease, you’re advised to stay behind; you will be refunded.
Do not leave rubbish behind. Gorillas might eat it and either get infected or die.

What to bring with you.

Flash cameras are not permitted; bring a film camera.
Carry sunscreen, lotion, a hat, insect repellent, and rain gear.
Carry a packed lunch and enough bottled water.
For those who don’t feel comfortable with the sound of the jungle, put on earplugs.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes; the forest is steep and slippery.