Mountain gorillas are extremely beautiful primate species though listed as greatly threatened by The International Union of Conservation of nature and were on the verge of being wiped out from the face of the earth if it weren’t for the tremendous efforts of Dian Fossey and government bodies to fight and ensure there sustainability and protection of their natural habitats. Due to the collective efforts, gorilla numbers have risen and currently it stands slightly above 1000 individuals and still growing.
Gorillas are only found in Africa in the whole world, but mountain gorillas are only known to exist in 3 countries – Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Gorillas can only be found in the Virunga mastiff and in the four parks, namely Volcanoes national park (Rwanda), Virunga national park (DR Congo) plus Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park in Uganda.
With the major aim of protecting and ensuring that the number of mountain gorillas keep growing, a few guidelines have been put in place to follow before, during and after the trekking experience. This is meant to ensure proper conservation and protection of their natural habitats and guarantee safety of the trekkers. These guidelines have been keenly weighed, designed and are followed throughout all the 3 countries where Mountain gorillas can be trekked all year round.
Guidelines before gorilla trekking experience.
Trekkers must be thoroughly briefed about the gorilla trekking experience. The briefing session is usually done by knowledgeable park officials at the particular park headquarters.
At all briefing points, it required of all staff and tourists to sanitize or wash their hands with alcohol based hand sanitizers to reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases, like flu, cold, influenza, etc.
Trekking must be carried out in small groups of 8 tourists. These are allocated particular gorilla group for trekking.
Trekkers are advised to bring lighter gear / luggage to reduce on the number of porters required during gorilla trekking.
The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years and in case visitors come along with youngsters who are below 15 years, other interesting activities can be prepared for them.
Guidelines during gorilla trekking.
While on the trek, please endeavor not to litter garbage and left overs in the forest. You are advised to put all your garbage in the backpack and empty it when you retreat to the briefing point.
Stick to the group and heed to your guide’s instructions throughout the trekking for your own safety. This helps you to pay attention to your guides while pointing out various attractions you are bound to meet along the way.
Human waste must be covered up 30cm deep to ensure safety of the park residents, especially primates.
Guidelines while with the gorilla family.
Remember to keep a 7-meter distance away from the gorillas. This may call for retreating sometimes, as these curious beasts may try getting a closer inspection of their visitors. This is for the interest of protecting both visitors in case of a charge or transmitting diseases. While coughing or sneezing, try to face away from the gorillas or cover your mouth.
Eating, drinking and smoking are strictly forbidden in the presence of gorillas.
Resist from feeding gorillas or any other creature you may come across in the forest.
Trekkers are permitted only 1 hour to be in the presence of a gorilla family; watching them play, forage for food, or groom each other.
When taking pictures, move stealthily and avoid using a flash light, as this can startle the creatures.
After interacting with the gorillas, maintain silence or use hushed voices until you are 200m from these magnificent primates.
In case you realize you are ill, especially with an infectious disease, opt to remain behind. The park authorities will arrange a compensation for you and this can be in form of rescheduling another trip or refund your permit money.
Gorilla trekking rules and regulations are in the interest of both guests and the gorillas themselves, so visitors must be cautioned by park officials as a must before the trek and guidelines must be strictly followed by all involved parties.
