One of the gorilla trekking rules and regulations is not to look a gorilla in the eye.
You can’t make eye contact with a gorilla because it can lead to an attack, as the gorilla may feel threatened.
You should look down modestly instead.
On the morning before embarking on a gorilla trekking safari, tourists will be briefed at the park headquarters about the guidelines for trekking mountain gorillas.
During the gorilla trekking, a park ranger guide will lead you through the process, and in case of any concerns regarding gorilla behavior, the visit will end early to avoid potential attacks.
Other gorilla rules and regulations
- Before going gorilla trekking, tourists should ensure that they are in good health because mountain gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases, and any infections can easily lead to their death, as they are critically endangered.
- When in the presence of mountain gorillas, you’re advised to look away while sneezing, and if illness is detected, you might be prevented from trekking with gorillas.
- While with mountain gorillas, tourists are asked not to use cameras with flashlights to avoid irritating the gorillas.
- If you’re using a phone with a flash camera, it’s better to turn it off.
- Tourists trekking with mountain gorillas will be required to maintain a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas and avoid touching them because they are wild animals.
- Visitors are also prohibited from smoking, eating, or drinking within a range of 200 meters from mountain gorillas to prevent dropped foodstuffs from becoming a source of infection.
- When observing mountain gorillas, tourists should maintain silence or speak in low voices, as screaming and talking loudly can make mountain gorillas feel threatened.
- Tourists trekking with mountain gorillas should stay in tight groups during observations and remain calm if the gorillas charge at them.
Trekking with Gorillas
Gorilla trekking can be done in Virunga National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The cost of trekking differs in each country, with Uganda charging $700, Rwanda charging $1500, and Congo offering the cheapest permits at $400.
Gorilla trekking typically starts in the morning, and after finding gorillas, tourists are given an hour to be in the presence of their close human relatives.
Recommended Packing List
While planning a gorilla trekking safari, keep in mind that mountain gorillas live in higher elevations that often receive rain.
You will also need to hike to find gorillas, so you will need waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, long-sleeved and warm clothes, raincoats, plenty of drinking water, and insect repellents, to name a few.
Mountain gorillas live in groups of 5 to 30 members, dominated by one silverback that dictates all the group activities, such as the time for feeding, where to travel, and when to build nests.
Humans share 98% of their DNA with mountain gorillas, making them their close relatives.
Mountain gorillas are shy and gentle animals, but they can become aggressive when they feel insecure or disturbed.
They first send warning signs like beating their chests, grunting loudly, tearing, and throwing vegetation.
