The rules for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are very similar. This article lists some important rules to follow when trekking gorillas.
Mountain gorillas live only in three countries: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. You can trek gorillas in any of these parks by following the specific rules for each place.
Mountain gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans, making them close relatives of chimpanzees. There are just over 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the world.
They live in groups of 5 to 30, led by a male gorilla called a “Silverback.” This leader protects the group and is the only one allowed to mate with the females.
Before tourists can visit, gorillas go through a habituation process that can take up to 2 years to get used to human presence.
Important Rules for Gorilla Trekking
Since gorillas are wild animals, there are important rules to keep both visitors and gorillas safe. Here are some key rules:
- Only eight people can visit a gorilla group in one day to avoid disturbing the animals.
- Do not leave any trash in the park or forest. Take everything you brought with you back out.
- Keep your voice low during the trek. Loud noise or shouting is not allowed.
- Stay at least 7 meters (about 23 feet) away from the gorillas to keep them calm. If a gorilla comes close to you, you may interact gently.
- Stay close to your group and do not spread out.
- Wash your hands well before the trek.
- Do not smoke, eat, or drink near the gorillas. This can spread diseases through droplets or smoke.
- If a gorilla charges, follow your guide’s instructions. Do not look the gorilla directly in the eyes. Slowly crouch down and never run.
- When taking photos, move slowly and carefully. Turn off camera flash because it can scare the gorillas.
- Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
- After you finish observing the gorillas, keep your voice low until you are at least 200 meters away.
- You can spend up to 1 hour with the gorillas. If the gorillas seem upset, the guide may end the visit early. For habituation visits, you may spend up to 4 hours.
- If you have a contagious disease, you will not be allowed to visit. Please stay behind if you feel sick, even if the ranger does not notice. Gorillas can get sick easily because they have weak immunity.
- If you need to relieve yourself in the forest, the guide will dig a hole for you. Cover it when you finish.
- If you cough or sneeze near the gorillas, turn your head away to reduce the risk of spreading germs.
- Children under 15 years old are not allowed to trek with gorillas.
- Gorillas live on mountain slopes, so bring good hiking boots for steep and muddy paths. Also bring raincoats, warm clothes, socks, and gloves, as weather can change quickly and rain may fall.
- Gorilla trekking can take several hours, so carry packed lunch, snacks, and water.
The best time to trek gorillas is in the dry months from June to September and December to February. Roads and trails are easier to use then, with less mud and rain.
During the rainy season, you may need a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Always bring rain gear and warm clothes.
Gorilla permits cost $400 in Congo, $1,500 in Rwanda, and $800 in Uganda.
You must get permits in advance, especially during busy seasons, through official agencies or tour operators.
