Before travelers set off to meet the endangered gorillas, they are first briefed on the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. A pre gorilla trekking briefing is the first activity that travelers undertake before meeting the endangered mountain gorillas in all gorilla Parks. Whether you are trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, you MUST adhere to the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. Some people call the dos and don’ts when with the gorillas while others call them guidelines. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and ICCN in the Democratic Republic of Congo put these rules to ensure the safety of the endangered gorillas in their natural habitat and the travelers. Check the details of gorilla trekking rules and regulations with African Apes Tours. These are:
Gorilla Trekking Rules before setting off
1. You must have a valid gorilla permit and other related documents for verification
2. Do not trek gorillas when sick. Any traveler with flu, cough and covid19 is not allowed to visit the endangered gorillas. The endangered apes share over 99% of human genes, which make them our close relative susceptible to human diseases. In this covid10 pandemic time, all travelers are first tested to confirm they are negative for the deadly virus, which can transmit to the gorillas.
3. All travelers visiting gorillas must be aged 15 years and above. That’s why all travelers are required to show their passports to clarify their age. However when a child is yet to celebrate his/her 15th n birthday, he may be allowed to trek the gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A parent /guardian of the child is asked to write a consent letter taking full responsibility of whatever happens to the child during the trek. A letter is signed and submitted to the responsible conservation body (UWA or RDB) and the child will be allowed to visit the gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking Rules when with the gorillas
After meeting the endangered mountain gorillas, travelers are advised to keep the following rules and regulations:
1. Keep a distance of 7 meters away from the endangered gorillas. In this covid19 time, travelers are advised to keep 10 meters from the gorillas. This to avoid very close contacts which can lead to the transmission of diseases
2. Avoid direct eye contacts with the gorillas. Do not look direct into the eyes of the gorillas. Direct eye contact with the silverback gorilla irritates it and can cause it to behave wildly in his defense
3. Do not use flash light cameras when taking pictures and capturing videos. Flashlight scares the endangered gorillas, which can ruin the whole experience.
4. Strictly spend an hour with the gorillas. Despite the man y hours you may take trekking through the forest before meeting the gorillas, the allowed time in the presence of these endangered apes is strictly an hour.
5. Keep with in your group. Do not scatter from other travelers. Walking alone in the jungle is not safe for you since the jungle shelters several other wild animals, which can be harmful to you.
6. Keep calm when a gorilla charges at you. Do not run away but slowly step back and crawl on your arms to show submission
7. Do not eat or drink in presence of the gorillas
8. Do not smoke when with the gorillas
9. Do not litter any rubbish in the park. Leave only the foot prints in the gorilla park
10. Do not touch the gorillas even if it come so close to you
11. Turn back your faces when coughing or sneezing
12. Mask up your face when with the gorillas
13. In case you want to ease yourself, notify your guide who will dig a whole for you. The human waste should be buried 2 meters deep
If your gorilla trekking safari entails visiting other National parks for game viewing, you have different rules that govern Uganda savannah parks. The regulations of other parks in Uganda include:
• Pets are not allowed in the National park. Do not bring pet dogs and cats on your safari to Uganda
• Off track driving is not allowed in Uganda Parks. Ensure to follow demarcated tracks in the park
• Keep your receipts safer for clarification. On several occasions you will be asked to present your entrance receipts for verify you are the one. The entrance fee is valid for 24 hours after which you are asked to leave the park or pay for other 24 hours
• Drive speed is 40km per hour. Over speeding is not allowed and its punishable in all Uganda Parks
• Game drives are allowed between 7:00am and 7:00pm. Driving in the park before and after this time is illegal and calls for a punishment.
• Do not pick flowers and any other vegetation in the park. You only take memories out of the park
• Camping is not allowed in the park except at designated sites
In general, you must follow the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking and game safaris in Uganda to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable Uganda safari. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel for any inquires and bookings!