Rules and regulation for mountain gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is known as a once in the lifetime safari activity. Which is incomparable and the gorilla trekking experience is known as the number one safari activity done in the three East African countries that host these endangered apes. These include Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Gorilla trekking is a one hour activity that gives one a chance to stay with the gorillas while observing their behaviors. Watching the mothers feeding their younger ones, watching them playing in the fruitful trees among others.

Mountain gorillas can only be seen in their natural habitat deep into the forest. Not in zoos or under captivity like other gorillas. However, to have a successful and memorable mountain gorilla tour. There are some rules and regulations which must be put into consideration before and during the gorilla trek in order to have a delightful experience. Some of the information given below is well written in the printed-leaflet. Offered by the Uganda wildlife authority ‘the Gorilla Rules’) to get a clear information before and during an encounter with these giants. The gorilla trekking rules and regulation applies to both countries that inhabit these giant apes. Let us examine one by one of these rules and regulations for gorilla trekking. Rules and regulation for mountain gorilla trekking

On the way to the mountain gorillas:

On your way to the forest, you are advised to keep your voice low. This is good as you will stand a chance to meet many other forest inhabitants. Including bird species and many species of animals like different species of antelopes, elephants, antelopes, worth hogs among many others.

If you are suffering from cold, or any other infectious disease. Like flue or cough you are not advised to go gorilla trekking. Inform your guide, they will give you a special arrangement.

If you want to defecate during or after the trek, you are requested to inform your ranger guide to dig you a hole of about 30cm deep. And when you are done you are advised to bury the hole well.

While on the trek during or after, do not leave any rubbish in the forest. Whichever item you go with in the forest please carry them back and throw them at the park headquarters or at the lodge in the 1dustbin.

While during the trek, the guide will notify you when you are close to the mountain gorillas. And take the pre-cautions when with the gorillas.

Once you are with the gorillas:

In the presence of the gorillas, you are prompted to keep a distance of about 7-10m (21ft) from the gorillas. This will keep them tranquil and feel not endangered.  Keep a distance from the gorillas remember they are wild animals they can charge at any time.

Once the gorillas are met, you are reminded to stay together in a tight group do not move alone and always follow the guide’s instructions.

You are not allowed to eat, drink and Smoke in front of the gorillas. Remember they are wild animal they may charge on you and eating or drinking may put both your life and gorillas in danger.

When feeling sneezing or coughing in the presence of the gorillas. You must cover your face and turn around away from the gorillas, they can easily catch cough and colds from human causing death among gorillas,

You are strictly allowed only one hour with the gorilla ounce they are seen. However, the rest of the hours they are left to live a fee life as they enjoy in their natural habitat. Use the one hour collectively while observing their behaviors. Learn how they socialize as you take as many photos as possible. But, if the gorillas turn to be anxious, your guide will end the visit earlier. Only ranger guides are eligible to monitors them 24/7

You are not allowed to use flash cameras when taking photos, doing this. You may scare away the gorillas or they may feel endangered.

Maintain your voice as low as possible once you are in the presence of the gorillas, ignoring this, you may scare them away. However, in case you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask your ranger guide is there to make you have a wonderful gorilla trekking experience.

In case the gorillas miss behave, always follow the guide’s instructions like squat down slowly. And don’t look directly into the eyes of the gorillas, they may think you are an enemy wait for the animal to pass. Don’t attempt to run away as this will increase the threat. Rules and regulation for mountain, Don’t touch the gorillas. Remember they are wild animals they may charge on you.