Scientists and Conservationists came up with gorilla trekking rules and guidelines because gorillas share 97% DNA with humans making them susceptible to contagious diseases.This is to help continue conserving the remaining endangered mountain gorillas in the world. Rules and regulations are mainly to protect and conserve the mountain gorillas and the trekkers as well.These must be followed and adhered to during tracking.Conservationists came up with the maximum number that must track each gorilla family after rigorous research exercise and the number is 8.Maximum number for gorilla habituation is 4.The authority in charge of the park must ensure that this number is adhered to.
A gorilla permit must be obtained first to be allowed to go on any gorilla trekking activity and its normally assigned to a specific location/sector.A gorilla permit should be booked at-least 2 to 1 month in advance during low season(April/May and October/November) and at least 1 year to 6 months for peak season(June-September,December -February).However,you are allowed to book permits as early as 2 years
when you encounter with gorillas, you will spend with them only 1 hour if its tracking and 4 hours for habituation experience.
Ranger guide will inform you when you are approaching gorillas and You are required to keep your voices low during tracking especially not to scare the gorillas.
Leave the park the way you found it by carrying all the trash you move with like bottles, polythene bags among others
Keep a distance of at-least 7 meters from the gorillas when you encounter with them. This will make the gorilla group more relaxed and you will have a chance to view them very well and take nice photos.
Stay in the company of your group members.
Remove the Flash from the camera because it will scare away the gorillas.
Do not attempt to touch the gorillas. Even if they touch you, do not touch them back. They still remain wild animals.
When heading away from the gorillas, your voices should still be kept low until you are at-least 200 meters away from the gorillas.
If you are ill or carrying any contagious diseases like flue or cough, please stay behind, you will be given another opportunity to track when you get well or you can claim your refund as per established UWA refund policy.
Don’t eat, drink or smoke when you are near the gorillas. This poses a risk of disease transmission. Rangers guides will always give you an opportunity either after or before getting to the gorillas.
If you need to cough or sneeze while with the gorillas, please turn your head away, and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of any contagious diseases.
If you feel like easing yourself, inform the ranger guide and he or she will advise accordingly.
Your Packing list; Carry Parked lunch, put on Hiking shoes/boots, thick socks/tuck trousers into socks to prevent you from red ants, long trousers, long sleeved shirt, light rain jacket, hat, and tough gardening gloves.The park will provide you with a walking stick to help you during the trek.
Before going for tracking, the ranger guides always give a detailed briefing for about 30 minutes emphasizing these rules among others.
