Do’s and Don’ts during Gorilla Trekking

Before embarking on the trek, all visitors are equipped with Gorilla tracking rules and regulations to govern them while searching and on gorilla family encounters. The 30 minutes briefing is always done by the rangers and thereafter, escort visitors to meet mountain gorillas in their natural environment. While in the forest, the ranger goes on guiding the visitors to avoid breaching rules and regulations governing gorilla trekking.

Meeting Gorillas in their natural habitat
Always leave 5 meters distance when observed at all times (15 feet) from the mountain gorillas.
To avoid upsetting gorillas, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass. Do not try and to take picture and do not attempt to run away. Running away will increase the risk of being harmed.

Avoid Flash photography when taking pictures move slowly and carefully.

One hour is always given while viewing mountain Gorillas. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit before one hour to avoid dangers.

While with and after the visit, keep your voices down until you are 200m from the gorillas. Keep closer each other when you are near gorillas

The maximum of eight people are allowed to visit each gorilla group. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the gorilla family.

Sick visitors or if carrying a contagious disease. An alternate visit can always be arranged for you, and even a possibility of money refund.

If you feel like coughing or sneezing when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.

Do not try to touch or get in closer contact the gorillas. These are wild animals and when they attempt to come near you, try to move away in order to maintain the authorized 5 meters.

Avoid smoking, drink or eat when you are with the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases

Avoid dumping any rubbish like water bottles, food wrappers / leftovers in the Park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be returned back with you.

If you need to ease yourself while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig for you a hole. Make sure the hole is 30cms deep and fill it when you are through.