The Rules for gorilla Trekking are many and designed to protect not only the primates but tourists who go to see. Mountain gorilla tracking is an exciting activity but requires one to be well prepared and in good physical form to make it even more memorable. We recommend that throughout the activity, visitors should follow the lead and instructions of the park Rangers. Only 1000 mountain gorillas remain in the wild but Tourism is the only reliable way to raise money for their conservation. They are endangered and need to be protected from sicknesses or anything that may threaten their numbers. You can find out more about why gorilla trekking is ethical.
We have compiled a list of things that tourists should take into consideration before embarking on a gorilla tracking mission. The rules and regulation were designed with the purpose of reducing disease transmission from man to the gorillas and also to avoid alerting the primates unnecessarily. Mountain gorillas are vulnerable to infections from humans because of their lower immunity. It is also important to note that although the gorillas are habituated, they still remain wild and do not trust humans completely. They are protective of their young and will defend them to the death if they sense any threat. It is also important to be with the primates for a short time so that they can have time to thrive and socialize with their own kind. These gorilla trekking rules and regulations are usually shared with visitors during the briefing before the actual gorilla trek. By following and respecting the gorilla trekking rules and regulations, you would be contributing to the overall conservation of the primates. Before we go to the rules, you might be interested in the gorilla trekking packing list or our article about gorilla trekking for people with disabilities.
Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations
According to the gorilla trekking rules and regulations: –
You must be 15 year or more to get a gorilla tracking permit. The age limit for gorilla trekking is set to 15 because children usually carry flu, colds, chickenpox and mumps that could be infect the gorillas.
You need to have a yellow fever vaccine to be allowed into Uganda, Rwanda or Congo. Foreign visitors may also need a visa to enter the borders of the different gorilla tracking countries. The park authorities will ask for your passport after the briefing and before going into the forest to confirm your identity and ensure that you are illegible for gorilla trekking.
Only eight people may visit a gorilla group in a day. This not only helps reduce the possibility of disease transmission but also minimizes disturbances to the behavior of the gorilla group.
Tracking gorillas involves moving long distances searching for the gorilla families. It often involves climbing steep terrain and mud-filled trails. You need to be reasonably fit and in good shape for the best experience. Elderly travelers will be assigned the nearest gorilla families. The elderly can hire the services of a porter to help carry them up to the group if they wish.
You cannot track mountain gorillas when infected with transmittable diseases. The Rangers have the right to stop you from going ahead with the group if they feel that the gorillas could be infected. Volunteer to remain behind if you are not feeling well or suspect that you have a contagious disease. You will be refunded back the money you spent on the permit or be given another opportunity once you are cleared and are in good health. Gorillas easily catch human diseases like diarrhea, flue and cough. Cough in particular affects gorillas badly. Turn away from the gorillas and cover your nose and mouth if you have to sneeze or cough. Remember, you may be carrying germs or an infection that you are not aware of. You need to also ensure you have clean hands as you head out trekking.
Listen attentively and follow what the Rangers tell you. Don’t talk loudly as you trek so as not to miss opportunities to spot birds and other forest animals. While with the primates maintain a low tone. If you have to talk, do so in whispers. Loud noises may frighten the gorillas especially if they have just completed the habituation process. If bitten by an insect or safari ant, do not shout and alert the gorillas. They may leave before the one hour has elapsed hence reducing on the amount of time spent with them. Let the rangers know of your plight and they will give you a remedy.
Keep the park clean and free of rubbish that could cause disease to the gorillas. Tourists are required not to drop handkerchiefs, used tissues or canisters. The primates may also swallow the items which could cause complications. In case you wish to go to the toilet, let the guide know at once. They will dig a hole for you that you should cover after to avoid spreading disease to the gorillas.
Do not clear vegetation in order to have a better view of the gorillas. This could scare the primates. Let the rangers do any clearing if necessary and possible. Do not eat, drink or smoke in the presence of mountain gorillas. They may approach you out of curiosity and maybe grab a bite. Leftover food may contain viruses that would affect the gorillas.
Maintain a distance of at least 15 feet from the endangered mountain gorillas to reduce risks of transmitting human diseases. While observing the gorillas, tourists should not surround them but remain in a group. The gorillas should be given space to move about without feeling surrounded or threatened in any way. Keeping a distance of 15 feet is important especially when a gorilla decides to approach you. Move backwards slowly. If it is not possible to move backwards, then the only option is to remain still. Juveniles are particularly very inquisitive and will attempt to investigate you. Your items and bag should be closed and in place so that they don’t draw the attention of the inquisitive juveniles. Apart from limited disease spread, keeping a distance will prevent the primates from getting too used to humans. It will also prevent the primates from acting too familiar or even aggressive to groups after you.
In rare cases were a mountain gorilla charges, crouch down slowly. Do not run but let the gorilla leave on its own. The Rangers will be on alert when a silverback starts beating his chest to display dominance. They are trained to calm down tourists in such circumstances and to stop anyone from running. As threatening and scary as charging may be, the best thing to do is stay put. Always stay calm and avoid sudden movements.
Avoid staring directly at the gorillas as they might mistake it for hostility. Your body language counts a lot when with gorillas. Do not lift your arms or hands as they might be taken as signs of aggression. Standing taller than them and then staring may also be mistaken for aggression.
The Rangers will let you know when it is safe to start taking photos. While taking photos of mountain gorillas, keep calm and limit your movements. Do not use your flash to avoid irritating the gorillas to the point of charging at you.
Do not attempt touching mountain gorillas even when they are inspecting you. They could mistake it for aggressiveness.
Putting on bright colors might attract the attention of the gorillas. Sunglasses are also not allowed while with the gorillas. Their reflection on the glass might make them come to you to find out more.
For the best gorilla trekking experience, wear good sturdy hiking shoes. The shoes should be ideal climbing muddy and steep slopes. Move with enough drinking water and packed lunch from your hotel. Rain is very common in the gorilla parks and for that reason, you are advised to carry a rain jacket and other gear to be on the safe side. Gorilla tourism occurs in areas with thick forests and vegetation. Sharp grasses and tree branches could bruise your skin. You are better off putting on long pants and shirts. It is also important to note that tropical forests are full of insects. The best way to contain them is to acquire a good insect repellent. Move with a binocular and a good camera to take photos of the forest creatures.
