- March 11, 2019
- Posted by: mh@2027@yy
- Category: Uncategorized

Surely, all visitors who have plans of doing gorilla trekking in Uganda have a lot questions about the dos and don’ts for the experience. Well! Your questions are will be answered today. There are 1000 mountain gorillas remaining in the world and Uganda protects half of the world’s population. Therefore the Uganda Wildlife Authority set some dos and don’ts so as to fully conserve these rare apes.
Before gorilla trekking.
- A maximum number of 8 visitors are allowed to visit a group of habituated gorillas in a day. This is to minimize the risk of behavioral changes and exposure to diseases.
- Only visitors of 15 and above years of age are allowed to participate in the trekking. This is because visitors below 15 are considered young and may react weirdly when a gorilla sneezes or comes near him/her. Kids also carry some communicable diseases like flu and Cough that can affect the apes.
- Wash your hands with soup before starting the trek.
During the trek.
- Always keep your voice as low as possible so as to watch out for other forest wildlife like monkeys, butterflies and birds as well not to scare the gorillas.
- Do not drop or leave any garbage like water bottles, polythene bags among others in the forest. Such things can be chewed by the gorillas or any other animal resulting into death.
- Do not defecate on a bare ground because it may result into diseases and kill the wildlife. In case you want to ease yourself, dig a deep hole and after burry it carefully.
You will be taken to where the gorillas where last spotted and then follow the apes’ trail to find them. This is done easily under the guidance of the game ranger.
When with the gorillas.
- You can ask questions but with a low voice so as not to interrupt the gorillas.
- A 7 meter distance is required so as to create maximum comfort for the gorillas.
- Stay in tight group when with the gorillas
- Do not eat or smoke near the apes because it may result into disease outbreak
- Never look directly into the gorilla’s eyes, stay still as you wait for them to pass and do not risk running away. Just follow guides instructions at the moment.
- Do not try to go closer to the gorillas as they may become wild.
- Flash cameras are not allowed for photographing the gorillas.
- You will be given only one hour to observe the gorillas as they feed and play. But if they become wild, the guide will advise you to leave earlier so as to avoid attacks.
Health rules.
Gorillas share 98% DNA with humans so they can easily react to human communicable diseases like flu and cough so you are advised to;
- Stay 7 meters away from the gorillas so that they cannot easily contract such diseases.
- In case you want to cough or sneeze. Turn away to a different direction and cover your mouth and nose during the process to avoid spreading of the virus to the apes.
- A visitor who is suffering from any communicable disease is advised to stay behind at the lodge and your money will be refunded or an alternative visit will be organized for you.
- Respect the limit number of 8 people per trek as this also helps in the conservation of these gorillas.
- In case you want to use the toilet, talk to the ranger to guide you.
What to bring along on your gorilla safari.
- Bring a comfortable pair of hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
- Carry you packed lunch from your lodge when in Uganda.
- Bring a photo of film camera (400-800 ASA).
- Carry a rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat and insect repellent.
Contact Adventure in the Wild Safaris for more information concerning Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations