Gorilla trekking rules are broadly similar across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, and exist to protect both visitors and gorillas:
- Only eight people may visit a gorilla group per day, to limit disturbance.
- Take all waste out of the park; nothing should be left behind.
- Keep your voice low throughout the trek, and for at least 200 meters after the visit ends.
- Stay at least 7 meters from the gorillas at all times, and never attempt to touch them.
- Stay close to your group rather than spreading out.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before the trek.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke near the gorillas, since this can spread disease through droplets or smoke.
- If a gorilla charges, follow your guide’s instructions, avoid direct eye contact, crouch slowly, and never run.
- Move slowly when taking photos, and disable your camera flash.
- Standard visits last up to one hour; habituation visits last up to four hours. A guide may end a visit early if the gorillas appear distressed.
- Visitors with a contagious illness will not be permitted to trek.
- If you need to relieve yourself in the forest, your guide will dig and later cover a hole for you.
- Turn your head away if you cough or sneeze near the gorillas.
- Children under 15 are not permitted to trek.
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