10 Vital Rules and Guidelines for Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Gorilla trekking is one of the most exhilarating wildlife experiences enjoyed in the world offering visitors an exceptional opportunity to track the incredible mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.
However, due to the fragile nature of these endangered primates and their ecosystems, strict gorilla trekking rules and guidelines have been established by the ministries of tourism in the countries they are found to ensure the safety of both the gorillas and the visitors to their natural habitats.
Whether gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, or Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, adhering to these guidelines is essential, a key to an enjoyable wilderness adventure.
Below are the Rules and Guidelines for gorilla trekking in Africa that one should adhere to while visiting these gentle giants in their natural habitats.;
Rules and Guidelines for Gorilla Trekking
1. Obtaining a Gorilla Trekking Permit
After deciding to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure, the next crucial step is obtaining a gorilla trekking permit. This permit is mandatory for all visitors seeking to explore the natural habitats of gorillas. It is issued by the respective wildlife authorities in each country offering gorilla trekking experiences, namely Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The cost of the permit varies depending on the country, reflecting the different conservation policies and tourism strategies in place.
A Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 and is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). It allows access to the mountain gorilla natural habitats in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
A Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit costs USD 1500 and is issued by the Rwanda Development Board allowing you access to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
A Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla trekking permit costs USD 400 and is issued by the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) taking you to Virunga National Park.
These permits are limited in supply, with Uganda currently issuing 152 gorilla permits per day, Rwanda issuing 96, and Congo issuing 64. Due to this limited availability and high demand, especially during peak travel seasons, individuals need to secure their spot by booking the permit well in advance of their planned gorilla trekking dates.
2. Age Restrictions for Gorilla Trekking
Only individuals aged 15 years and above are allowed to participate in gorilla trekking adventures. This is because this adventure is quite challenging requiring one to be physically fit and mature enough in the head to handle the challenges that come with it such as tracking for relatively long hours, and maneuvering through challenging terrains for an enjoyable experience.
3. Group Size and Trekking Duration
Each gorilla trekking group is supposed to consist of a maximum of 8 visitors. This is done for minimal disturbance of gorillas and their natural habitats, reducing the stress that may arise from seeing many people around them. This also enhances the wildlife experience by offering better viewing opportunities. A gorilla trek varies typically lasting between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family being tracked on that day.
4. Maintaining a Safe Distance
Once you have encountered the gorilla family, you are advised to maintain a minimum distance of at least 7 meters, that is about 23 feet from it to ensure your safety and to prevent disease transmission to these endangered primates. Even when a gorilla approaches you maybe out of curiosity, you are advised to remain still, avoid standing taller than it, and sudden movements to ensure your safety.
5. Health Guidelines and Disease Prevention
Mountain gorillas are our closest relatives sharing approximately 98% of their DNA with us. This means that they are highly susceptible to human illnesses with the common ones being flu, cough, chicken pox, ebola, and measles.
To protect them, we should avoid visiting them when we are sick or having symptoms, cover our mouths and nose when yawning, coughing, or sneezing, and avoid spitting anyhow in their natural habitats.
6. Prohibited Behaviors During Gorilla Encounters
When observing habituated gorillas in the wild, it is important to adhere to all the rules and guidelines. some of the behavioural rules to adhere to include;
- Do not touch the gorillas under any circumstances.
- No eating, drinking, or smoking near the gorillas.
- Avoid direct eye contact.
- Avoiding surrounding them
- If a gorilla approaches you, avoid standing taller than it
- No loud noises or sudden movements, as these can agitate the primates.
- Do not panic or try to run away when a gorilla approaches.
- Do not use flash photography, as it can startle the gorillas.
7. Dress Code for Gorilla Trekking
Gorillas are found in thick tropical rainforests that feature a diverse of terrains ranging from steep muddy slopes to rocky mountains. These forests are also home to other various wildlife species including harmful insects such as bees, wasps, mosquitoes, and tse tse flies. Proper dressing ensures that you have a comfortable and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience. Recommended clothing includes;
- Long-sleeved shirts and tall trousers prevent your asking from being exposed to insect bites and scratches from the varied vegetation along the way.
- Waterproof hiking boots to help you maneuver through flooded or mudded slippery terrains with ease.
- Gaiters to protect your feet from getting wet and gloves to protect your hands from damage when trying to grasp onto vegetation for support.
- A lightweight rain jacket for the unpredictable featured with the tropical rainforests.
- A hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
8. Fitness Requirements for Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding activity requiring an individual to have a moderate fitness level for a seamless, enjoyable, and memorable experience. The gorilla trails tend to be steep, muddy, and slippery and also covered in dense vegetation.
To build enough stamina for this adventure, you are advised to engage in regular physical exercise before some good days to your trek, carry enough water and energetic snacks when going for a trek, and consider hiring a porter to help carry the tracking gear and offer support on difficult trails.
9. Guidelines for Photography and Videography
Although capturing moments with the gentle mountain gorillas is one of the major highlights of this adventure, there are strict photography rules governing it. These include:
- No flash photography is allowed.
- Avoid shutter sound
- Avoid noise and limit your movement during photography
- Avoid making direct eye contact with the gorillas through the camera lens.
- Avoid very close photography.
10. Best Time for Gorilla Trekking
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is during the dry seasons which often range from June to September and December to February. During these months, the gorilla trails are much more accessible as they are drier and they are also easier to navigate through offering the best gorilla trekking experience.
These months are also characterized by less dense vegetation, providing the best visibility of gorillas as they go about their daily activities in their natural habitats. However, gorilla trekking is available year-round, with the rainy seasons ranging from March to May, and October to November offering lush scenery but more challenging trails.
11. Ethical and Responsible Gorilla Tourism
To promote sustainable tourism, visitors should adhere to ethical trekking practices such as avoiding littering the gorilla habitats, properly disposing of their waste, respecting the local communities that are close to the gorilla habitats, and supporting gorilla conservation efforts by booking through licensed tour operators.
12. Safety Precautions During the Trek
The gorilla trekking experience takes place in remote and sometimes challenging environments. Key safety measures include:
- Following ranger instructions at all times.
- Walking in single file to minimize environmental damage.
- Watching out for slippery trails and holding onto branches when necessary.
- Carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications.
13. Interaction with Local Communities
Many gorilla trekking destinations are located near communities with rich cultures. Tourists can:
- Participate in cultural tours, including visits to Batwa communities.
- Purchase local handicrafts to support the local economy.
- Respect local customs and seek permission before taking photographs.
14. Conservation Fees and Gorilla Protection Efforts
A significant portion of gorilla trekking permit fees goes towards gorilla conservation, anti-poaching patrols, and supporting local communities. By purchasing a permit, tourists contribute directly to the survival of these endangered species and their habitats.
15. What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking
Essential items for a successful gorilla trek include:
- A small backpack for carrying essentials.
- Binoculars for spotting other wildlife.
- Insect repellent to keep away mosquitoes and other insects.
- A camera with extra batteries for capturing memorable moments.
- A walking stick, which is often provided at the park entrance.
Following the established gorilla trekking rules and guidelines ensures a safe and respectful experience for both visitors and the endangered mountain gorillas. By adhering to these regulations, tourists contribute to the conservation of these magnificent primates while enjoying an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Africa’s rainforests. Whether trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, responsible tourism plays a crucial role in protecting the future of gorilla trekking for generations to come.