Things You Should Never Do Around Mountain Gorillas

Gorilla Trekking within Uganda, remarkable Rwanda and the expansive Democratic Republic of Congo is undeniably a once-in-a-lifetime experience you cannot afford to miss or forget for the rest of your life. Just because you possess a valid gorilla permit, you are of age (15 years and above) or physically fit doesn’t mean that you will have a successful gorilla trip. To make your gorilla trekking experience as rewarding and unforgettable as possible, the following are the things you should never do while in the presence of the Giant Apes;

Sick travellers (especially for communicable diseases such as cough, flu, measles and chickenpox) must never trek the mountain gorillas, let alone get close to them. The reason is, the endangered mountain gorillas are closely related to humans hence susceptible to a number of diseases.

Flash cameras should never be used for photographing the Giant Apes in their natural environment, because not only don’t these creatures get startled by flashlights but also irritate them, hence making them aggressive.

Do not come close or even touch the mountain gorillas but instead maintain the 7-meter distance when observing and photographing them. Do this at all costs and even when the playful infant gorillas come close, slowly move back without scaring them. Much as the mountain gorillas are habituated, they are and will always remain wild animals.

Never eat, drink or smoke around mountain gorillas, given the fact that food droppings left behind can become breeding places for germs hence leading to the transmission of diseases to the already endangered Giant Apes.

Avoid making noise while trekking or when around the mountain gorillas because not only will they see you as a threat but you will also be scaring other creatures in the Park especially birds and primates. Instead, whisper or keep voices low when asking gorilla-related questions.

Coughing and sneezing towards the mountain gorillas should be avoided. Even when you get the urge to do so, make sure to have a handkerchief and turn away to avoid spreading germs as well as transmitting diseases to the endangered Great Apes.

Never exceed the recommended one hour for gorilla observation and photography, to avoid any possible behavioural changes or likely stress to the Giant Apes. However, the Ranger has the right to cut your time short, especially when mountain gorillas start becoming nervous or aggressive.

Avoid staring directly into the eyes of the mountain gorillas because this means only one thing-you are challenging them for a fight or confrontation. Even when mountain gorillas charge, crouch down to calm them down.

About Mountain gorillas and trekking adventures

Also known as “Gorilla Beringei Beriengei”, Mountain gorillas are beautiful Great Ape species found in the densely forested mountains of East and Central Africa. These creatures can be trekked in only three countries-Rwanda (within Volcanoes National Park), the Democratic Republic of Congo (within Virunga National Park) and Uganda (within two outstanding places-Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks). They share about 98% of their DNA with humans, which makes them lovable among curious primate enthusiasts.

Gorilla Trekking adventures are enjoyable throughout the year, require basic to moderate physical fitness and a valid gorilla permit for persons above 15 years. Before travelling into Africa, participants are advised to first book gorilla permits to be certain about the safari and opportunity to venture into the tropical rainforests where the mountain gorillas live. For this reason, travellers planning to trek gorillas from Rwanda will be required to pay $1500 per person for a gorilla permit, while travellers to Uganda pay according to specified categories. For foreign non-residents, permits cost $700 per person while for foreign residents they cost about $600 per person. For Congo, gorilla permits go for only $400 per person.