What are the Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo?

What are the rules for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo? Get to know all the different gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Rules and regulations for gorilla trekking or gorilla tracking are also referred to as dos and don’ts or safety measures/guidelines.

Anyone on a gorilla safari is required to observe the gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. The dos and don’ts/guidelines for gorilla trekking are many and play a significant role both on the side of the visitor and gorillas in their natural environment.

Observing the rules and regulations for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) helps protect visitors on a gorilla trek adventure and also gorillas in the wild. The rules and regulations/guidelines for gorilla tracking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are standard because they offer a lot in common.

The set gorilla trekking dos and don’ts in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are essential whether you plan to go for a last-minute gorilla safari or a solo gorilla tour. On the actual gorilla trek, visitors are briefed about these guidelines for gorilla trekking. Briefing on gorilla trekking rules is done by the respective park officials.

In Uganda, visitors are briefed in the park offices in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Rwanda, Kinigi is where Volcanoes National Park offices are located.

Visitors on Congo safaris or Congo gorilla tours can get briefed in the Virunga National Park (mainly for mountain gorillas). Or Kahuzi-Biega National Park offices where you can begin your day with a briefing for Eastern lowland gorilla trekking. Here are the standard gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

Gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo to follow

What are the gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo? Here are the Dos & don’ts or safety measures to be followed by gorilla trekkers on a search for mountain gorillas or Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega.

• Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is open to everyone, but he or she should be strictly 15 years and above. Visitors of this age limit are believed to be free from infectious diseases such as colds, flu, mumps, and chickenpox. These illnesses/diseases are usually common in children.
• Strictly, 8 (eight) guests are permitted to visit one habituated gorilla group. This is a standard rule or regulation that cuts across gorilla trekking parks. It is set considering the carrying capacity of the habitat and also minimizes overcrowding or disturbing the normal ecological behaviors of gorillas in their natural habitat.
• While on a gorilla trek, it is essential to keep a distance of 8-10 meters off from the family of gorillas at all times. Respecting this safety measure is intended to reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases to endangered gorillas.
• Visitors with infectious transmittable diseases won’t be allowed to go for gorilla trekking. Before you are allowed to go on a gorilla trek, the park official has the right to stop you from visiting gorillas when you have contagious diseases.
• Cover the mouth (when coughing) or nose when sneezing. Coughing/sneezing during the interaction with gorillas puts them at risk of contracting respiratory diseases.
• Always observe and respect the instructions given by the park guide. This should be done all the time. This is especially true when the gorillas or silverback gorillas charge at you. At this point, do not be tempted to run away but stay calm as you listen to what your park ranger guide tells you to do.
• Keep within the group you departed with for a gorilla trek. Trekking to see gorillas involves immersing yourself in the African jungles. Exiting your group can put at the risk of getting lost in the wild and this won’t be safe for you.
• Talk or communicate at a low tone –avoid loud noise. Not only does this reduce chances of making gorillas charge at you being intruders in their habitat, but also allows you to search for other species like birds, flora and colorful butterflies.
• Keep the habitat clean. When you leave with bites or drinks. Anything including used containers or snack wrappers should be brought back to where rubbish is dumped at the park offices.
• Avoid eating or smoking close to gorillas. This habit can tempt gorillas and also puts them at risk of getting infectious if your things aren’t healthy.
• Burry human wastes deep in the ground as directed by the park ranger guide.
• As you trek to see gorillas, avoid as much as you can not to destroy vegetation.
• Do not be tempted to touch mountain gorillas even when they come rubbing themselves to you.
• Avoid direct eye contact with gorillas, and they have charged at you, consider lowering down your head to show submissiveness.
• Do not go for gorilla trekking alone without the park ranger guide.
• Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is strictly done in already habituated gorilla groups.
• Do not wear brightly colored clothes. Shouting colors tends to scare gorillas away.
• Having a gorilla permit should be a must-do on actual gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo.
• Strictly, an hour is availed to trekkers on gorilla safaris to spend while exploring the behaviors of gorillas in the wild.
• When taking pictures, flashlight should be avoided or better, you have it off before you begin your photography session.

You may also be interested in the following travel information

How fit do you need to be for Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo gorilla trekking?

A reasonable fitness level is required of anyone with plans to go to see gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. This is because the gorilla trek involves spending a long day in the jungles as you search for gorillas.

Overall, gorillas live at high altitudes of about 8000 to 13000 feet. A complete trek to interact requires some level of fitness. As you prepare for actual gorilla safari tour, consider doing some exercise.

What should you pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo?

Preparation for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo involves putting together all the essentials you need. Things to pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo include valid gorilla permits, long-sleeved shirts or trousers, a sweater, a camera free of a flashlight, a daypack, and a first aid kit.

Other essentials to pack for gorilla trek include bottled drinking water, snacks, a waterproof daypack, sun protection gear, a pair of binoculars, waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves, a rain jacket, and a pair of socks.

Is gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo safe? -Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations

Gorilla trekking is generally a safe and secure adventure to engage in regardless of the destination. The gorilla treks are all conducted in already habituated gorilla families and with the lead of an experienced park ranger guide.

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

Planning gorilla trekking safaris to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is best done through the local tour operator on the ground. This can be done through Maranatha Tours and Travel, a specialist in organizing unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures, wildlife tours, car hire services, mountaineering, and more.

The best gorilla trekking safari packages to book with us range from 3 Days gorilla trekking Bwindi, 3 Days gorilla tour to Mgahinga, 3 days Congo gorilla tour, and 3 Days of Rwanda gorilla trekking. Long gorilla tours start from 6 day safari combined with wildlife to 21 21-day Uganda safari.

Where to go for gorilla trekking

The best places to visit for the gorilla trekking experience include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda are better enjoyed in Volcanoes National Park. In the D. R. Congo, visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park or Virunga National Park.

Is gorilla trekking dangerous? – Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations

NO! Gorilla trekking is not dangerous. It can be done by anyone provided they are above 15 years. The above gorilla trekking rules and regulations are guiding principles, anyone, on a trek to see gorillas is expected to observe. Besides, all gorilla visits are done in already habituated gorilla group families meaning these are used to human presence.

In conclusion, adhering to the set gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo means you have participated in promoting conservation. It also ensures that you have a safe and successful gorilla trekking adventure.

The gorilla trekking guidelines cover what you should do and what you shouldn’t do. Plan and book a gorilla safari with Maranatha Tours and Travel for an unforgettable experience.

Top Gorilla Trekking Safari Packages

• 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda 
• 7 Days Uganda Safari