Have the rules for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda changed?
Have the rules for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda changed? No, the rules for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda have not changed in any bit. These rules are still the same as always and are to be followed by all persons who plan on trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda at either the Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga National Park.
The mountain gorilla rules in Uganda include but are not limited to: –
- Mountain gorilla trekking is about the conservation of the mountain gorillas and its more for the mountain gorillas than it is for people, so to keep the gorillas safe and well for many years to come, no person will be allowed to trek the gorillas while they are sick or have a communicable disease. This is to protect the gorillas from catching the disease.
Gorillas share about 90% of their DNA with humans so they are prone to catching these diseases, and because they are not humans, when they catch these diseases, they can easily die from them. A death of a gorilla depletes the already endangered population of the gorillas.
- All trekkers should have trekking permits to allow them to trek these gorillas. Through the sale of the trekking permits, the park and concerned managements gets revenue to continue the conservation works for the mountain gorillas, so for you to see the mountain gorillas we ask that you contribute to this cause. And on a serious note, without the trekking permit, you will not be allowed to trek so purchase it earlier and have it with you on the day of the trek, together with your passport. The mountain gorilla trekking permits cost 700 USD in Uganda.
- Mountain gorilla trekking is done in groups of 8, so when you are assigned to that group make sure you stay with it during the time of the trek.
- Follow the trekking ranger’s guidelines while on the trek, for the sake of staying with the acceptable guidelines for gorilla trekking and for your own safety.
- You are only allowed to spend one hour with the gorillas, respect this time cap and stay within it.
- You normally trek most of the time so, respect the forest and keep it as you found it. This is the gorilla habitat remember so avoid doing anything that will destroy it.
- When in the presence of the gorillas keep a 7-meter distance between you and the gorillas.
- Do not at any point touch the gorillas, this can aggravate them.
- Do not cough or squeeze in front of the gorillas; you may accidentally pass on some pathogens to the gorillas.
- Don’t feed the gorillas and hence do not eat in front of the gorilla; again, you may spread something to them. Same as smoking and drinking, do not do it in front of the gorillas.
- Do not use flash photography, the flash causes the gorillas to go wild.
- Do not make noises or shouts while you trek but most especially when you are in the presence of the gorillas. When you are in the gorilla presence the noises may aggravate them and they become hostile, when you are trekking any weird noise the gorillas hear may sound like danger and they may move from when they are, making you trek longer to find them, or they can hide and you can find them.
Gorillas - If a gorilla comes with hostile energy wanting to attack you, stay still and calm as you can, and do not look into its eyes.
- Above all follow the rules and guidelines as communicated to by the trekking ranger and your tour operator to have avoid any mis haps.
Mountain gorilla trekking is done all year round in Uganda, at the parks listed above.
