Mountain gorillas are endangered species that need protection since they are vulnerable and prone to human infections. Mountain gorillas are found in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo but Uganda stands to give that everlasting memorable experience you cannot find anywhere else. While planning a Gorilla safari there a number of rules and regulation as well as healthy precautions to put in consideration.
A maximum number of 8 individuals are only allowed to visit a habituated gorilla family for an hour per day. This minimizes mountain gorillas from being overwhelmed and risk from human disease transfer.
Maintain a 7 meter or 21 feet distance while in presence of gorillas. Do not attempt to touch the gorillas they are wild animals.
Keep your voices low while in the wild, you will also be able to observe the great bird life and other wildlife in the forest.
DO NOT litter in the park. Everything you enter the forest with must be disposed at the lodge or provided rubbish bins at the park quarters.
While you are with gorillas endeavor to stay in tight group when you are near the gorillas. Keep your voices low at all times not to irritate the gorillas.
Avoiding drinking, eating and smoking near the gorillas. Smoking would increase the risk of transmitted diseases while eating inevitably food would drop in the forest.
At times mountain gorillas may charge though it’s a rare case, therefore the ranger guides instructions. Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk of attacking back.
Flash photography is not permitted and make sure all the gadgets are in silent mode.
General rules
Mountain gorillas share 97% DNA with human beings and can easily catch human airborne diseases, to reduce the risk usually it’s advisable to postpone tracking if a visitor is feeling ill, or carry a contagious disease like flu and cough. Another tracking date can be arranged if communicated in advance.
However while with the gorillas and you feel the urge to cough or sneeze, please turn your head away opposite direction cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
In case of urge to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the ranger guide for advice. Make sure the hole is 30 cm deep and properly filled after.
