The Importance of following mountain gorilla trekking rules : With the popularity of mountain gorilla trekking safaris comes the popularity of the accompanying things that go hand in hand with mountain gorilla trekking. Many things go hand in hand with mountain gorilla trekking from trekking permits, to trekking gear, gorilla parks to mountain gorilla trekking rules to mention but a few.

The most important of all really is the mountain gorilla trekking rules. The mountain gorilla trekking rules are the guidelines that trekkers ought to follow while taking on their mountain gorilla trekking adventure.

These rules apply to all trekking facilities and include but are not limited to: –

No trekking when you have any illness or disease. This means that for you to trek you have to be free of any sicknesses or disease especially the communicable diseases.

Have a trekking permit to allow you to trek. This may be something you think is obvious but before you trek, make sure you have your permit and IDs with you.

Don’t use flash photography while you are with the gorillas.

Don’t eat or drink or smoke in the presence of the gorillas

Don’t touch the gorillas

Keep at least a 7-meter distance between you and the gorillas

Stay in your trekking group as your trek

Don’t litter the gorilla habitant.

Don’t do anything that can cause harm to the gorillas

Don’t make fun noises in front of the gorillas.

Gorillas are seen for only an hour by eight people in the trekking group

If a Gorilla comes close to you, just stay calm and wait for the ranger to help you

Do not block the way if a gorilla is passing through, kindly move aside and let the gorilla move

Stay in your trekking group always, avoid wondering off alone

These are some of the rules and the ones majorly communicated to all trekkers by their tour consultant and operator and the gorillas’ rangers and guides.

So why is it important for a trekker to follow these rules

Mountain gorilla trekking is a major done to conserve the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat; so, to achieve the purpose of mountain gorilla trekking which is gorilla conservation, having these rules and following them is important.

For the trekkers safety while in the gorilla habitat. Most of these rules you will realize they are telling you to do something or not to do something during the trek. All these things are to help you have an enjoyable trek and help your guides to help you when there is a problem or something.

The rules are also used to monitor the trekking activities and plan for the trekkers and animals. Especially the one hour rule the park authorities will know the time intervals   and plan accordingly.

Also, with the rules the mountain gorilla trekking activity is more organized and easier to manage for both the park and the trekkers.

So, the rules are good for the gorillas and for you.

Mountain gorilla trekking is done all year round in East Africa at Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga national park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic republic of Congo.