Gorilla Trekking Rules & Regulations
Gorilla Trekking Rules & Regulations: The endangered mountain gorillas can only be found within three countries in the whole world which is Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. The international union for conservation of nature classified mountain gorillas as critically endangered, there are less than 900 mountain gorillas left in the wild.
Mountain gorillas have thick fur compared to other gorillas this enables them to adapt to cold contains on the mountains they live in, gorilla live in groups of up to 30 individuals often led by a dominant gorilla known as the Silverback. Below are some of rules and regulations of gorilla trekking you should follow while going for a gorilla trekking experience:
Tourists must always keep a seven meter distance while with gorillas you can look at the gorillas but avoid the Silverback eye contact. Eating and running while with gorillas is prohibited and your voices must be at a low tone.
Unlike golden monkeys who love flash lights in cameras, mountain gorillas to not so its always not allowed to take photos with flash cameras.
Before gorilla trekking starts, age verification will be done using passports, briefing about the dos and donts of gorilla trekking will also be done at the briefing then people will be grouped in eight members per group to track a given gorilla family. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.
While on the move in search if these great apes, tourists must keep low tone, keep in touch with others and carry all their rubbish back to their respective lodges because littering in the forests is not allowed.
Gorillas live on the slopes of volcanic mountains. You might require some level of fitness depending on the group you’re trekking and his terrains you will cover. People with disabilities can be carried in and out on Sedan chairs by porters.
Tourists having communicable diseases like flu and TB will not be allowed to trek gorillas. This is because gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases.
Only four visitors are allowed for a gorilla habituation experience which takes a period of four hour gorilla habituation experience.
Don’t ever run from a mountain gorilla, if you approached by one you must act submissive and crouch down.
Tourists trekking mountain gorillas must wear long sleeved shorts, cotton clothing, trousers, hiking boots, packed lunch, rain coats and so much more not forgetting a good camera.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda or Congo normally takes about 2-8 hours depending in the location of the gorillas.
Your not allowed to attempt or touch gorillas.
You are requested to turn away your head when coughing or sneezing in the presence of gorillas.
Don’t make unnecessary movements during the one hour observation of gorillas.
If you would love to visit the toilet while with in the forest, you will ask the guided to dig for you a hole of at least 30 cm deep and you should bury your stool when you finish.
