Safety and Security during Gorilla Trekking

August 1, 2024
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Safety and Security during Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda, Bwindi -Tips

Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo remains the key safari highlight on any African safari holiday. Questions have been raised about safety and security during gorilla trekking in general. They include among others how safe and secure is gorilla trekking, how is safety and security guaranteed during gorilla trekking, and how safe is it to do gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Is gorilla trekking safe/ethical?

Gorilla trekking in Africa is best done in the 3 countries; Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. But the most peaceful and secure destinations to consider for gorilla trekking safaris include Uganda and Rwanda. These may not be 100% safe and secure just like other countries worldwide and it is essential to take safety precautions and be mindful of cases of pickpockets, especially in urban centres.

Safety and security with gorillas

Visitor safety and security are among the main focus of every gorilla safari planner. This is usually considered first and also to ensure that these apes are well-protected. As a result, some precautions have been put in place to ensure the safety and security of both humans and gorillas.

Such conservation efforts are intended to achieve sustainable tourism and conservation. To achieve these all parties must play a part including visitors.

The standard safety precautions apply to all destinations where gorilla trekking is carried out; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park. Steps that have been taken to ensure safety and security during gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

Safety Tips

Briefing

Attending briefing sessions is a must for everyone on gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Briefing is always conducted in the respective park offices by one of the park staffs on rules and regulations to observe before, during and after the gorilla trek. During the briefing, the key aspects to take note include;

Visitors are advised to always keep a distance of 8-10 meters away from a family of gorillas.
Direct eye contact with the gorillas should be avoided as these apes can misinterpret it.
Touching gorillas is not allowed even if they forcefully rub themselves on you.
Turn off the camera flash before you begin any photography session. The flashlight can make these apes charge against you.
Avoid any unnecessary movements while in the jungle trekking gorillas. Also, consider keeping low your voice.
Always respect what your park ranger guide tells you to do, especially when the gorilla has charged at you. Avoid running as these apes can easily grab you.

Park rangers

Usually, the cost of gorilla permits covers the services of park rangers. Luckily, park authorities including the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) have employed well-trained park rangers who keep monitoring the gorilla parks to ensure these destinations are safe and secure.

Park ranger guides

During the actual gorilla trekking adventure, all visitors are accompanied by an experienced park ranger guide. The guides are equipped with guns not to fight visitors but to ensure your safety in the wild.

Security checkpoints

Before you have access to any gorilla safari destination, you undergo a thorough security check. This ensures the safety of the destination for all visitors. When visiting any destination to trek gorillas, you are prohibited from carrying things like knives, firearms, cigarettes, and others.

Regular patrols are always conducted

The gorilla trekking parks are regularly patrolled to ensure that they are safe for visitors and wildlife. This is intended to curb issues of poachers attacking wildlife something that also poses a risk on visitors as they come to appreciate Mother Nature.

Plan and book a gorilla tour with a reliable tour operators

Dealing with a registered tour operator is essential. Maranatha Tours and Travel is a legally registered tour company in Uganda and we have existed for over 15 years. Contact Us via info@adventureugandasafaris.com to book your gorilla tour to Uganda, Rwanda, and beyond.

Choose environmentally friendly clothes

Dressing right is essential, and most importantly, look for environmentally friendly attire. Avoid any shouting colors as they can scare or irritate gorillas. In addition, you can also consider packing sunglasses, waterproof hiking boots, rain jackets, daypacks, and more.

Obtain a gorilla permit

You can’t be allowed to go to trek mountain gorillas if you do not have a valid gorilla permit. A gorilla permit in Uganda is open for purchase at USD 800, in Rwanda at USD 1500, and in Congo at USD 450 per person. Book your gorilla permit with Maranatha Tours & Travel (info@adventureugandasafaris.com).

Book a safe accommodation

Location and safety of your accommodation are all essential when it comes to gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. This is why you should consider planning a gorilla trip with the local expert with the right knowledge on which safe and secure place to book for overnight stays.

Is Uganda safe for gorilla trekking?

Uganda is safe and secure for mountain gorilla trekking and is undoubtedly the most favorite destination to visit to see mountain gorillas. Multiple measures have been put in place to ensure safety and security across the parks are promoted.

Is Rwanda safe for mountain gorilla trekking?

Rwanda has enjoyed decades of prevailing peace and security thus making it a safe place to visit to trek mountain gorillas. Even at the park level, there are park rangers employed to ensure destinations such as Volcanoes National Park is a safe and secure places to spend a gorilla safari holiday.

Is Congo safe for gorilla trekking?

The Democratic Republic of Congo isn’t as safe as Uganda and Rwanda. However, efforts to restore peace and stability have been boosted by the different security organs in Congo. In the D.R. Congo, gorilla safaris can be done in the Virunga National Park –for visitors who desire to visit mountain gorillas then Kahuzi-Biega National Park for Eastern lowland gorillas.

Best time to go gorilla trekking

Gorilla destinations are open for gorilla trekking all year round, but the dry season is the ideal period for you to experience this adventure. The dry months begin from June, July, August, to September, and December, January to February –the months that receive very little or no rainfall.

Conclusively, safety and security during gorilla trekking is everyone’s responsibility. It begins with you and you will be guaranteed a safe and secure gorilla trekking adventure regardless of the destination.