Gorilla Trekking Rules in Uganda, Rwanda & Congo

Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations – A visit to the mountain gorillas should never harm them. For those planning to trek the habituated gorillas, follow these rules and regulations:

Before & During the Trek

After the briefing at park headquarters, only eight people can visit each gorilla family. This helps prevent the spread of human diseases and keeps the gorillas calm.
When you find the gorilla family, you are allowed to stay for a maximum of one hour for observation and photography.
Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
Turn off your camera flash while taking photos, as gorillas do not like bright lights.
Avoid staring directly into a gorilla’s eyes.
If a gorilla charges, stay calm and follow your guide’s instructions. Usually, you should crouch down, let the gorilla pass, and pretend to eat vegetation.
Keep your voice low to avoid disturbing the gorillas. You can ask your guide questions quietly.
Always stay close to your group while in the presence of gorillas.

Environmental Care

If you need to use the toilet in the forest, ask your guide to dig a 30 cm hole and fill it in afterward.
Do not leave rubbish behind. Keep all trash in a bag and carry it back with you. Animals can die if they eat it.
Keep a distance of at least seven meters from the gorillas. The farther you stand, the more relaxed they become, allowing better photo opportunities.

What to Bring for Gorilla Trekking

To make your trek safe and comfortable, bring the following items:

Waterproof hiking boots
Insect repellent
Garden gloves
Drinking water
Lightweight rain jacket
Packed lunch or snacks

Also, remember to wash your hands before starting the trek to avoid spreading germs.

About Mountain Gorillas

The endangered mountain gorillas live in the Virunga volcanic range, which is shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. Bwindi is home to about half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

Mountain gorillas were almost extinct in the late 1990s, but thanks to conservation efforts started by American primatologist Dian Fossey, their numbers have increased, though they are still endangered.

Mountain gorillas are close relatives of humans, sharing about 98 percent of our DNA. They live in groups led by a dominant male called a silverback, who makes all the daily decisions and protects the group from danger.