Gorilla trekking rules and regulations : Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi national park it began in 1993. And it was introduced to support the mountain gorillas and reduce conflicts between the gorillas and human, gorilla trekking takes places in different sectors of Bwindi National Park, and these include Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga and trekking in all these sectors takes 2to 3 hours and each family must be having only 6 people. Gorilla trekking is an interesting activity that one who is on Uganda primate safari should not miss out it involves hiking through dense forest in search for the gorillas, walking through steep hills. Gorilla trekking is considered to be the top most activity to do while on Uganda wildlife safari.
Gorilla trekking rules and regulations
You must be 15 years and above to get the gorilla trekking permit, this is because the children always carry flue, chickenpox and many others disease that they can easily spread to the gorillas. And also, the gorilla trekking is done in thick forests which may be hard for kids to go through the thick thickets.
No one is allowed to go for gorilla trekking when infected with transimited diseases, gorillas easily catch diseases so no one is allowed in the forest because gorillas are like humans so the sick visitors are not allowed.
Do not litter any thing in the park because it could cause diseases to the gorillas and also swallowing some items like papers, in case you wish to go to the toilet inform the guide he or she will guide you on what to do.
Avoid wearing bright colours which may attract the gorillas to come to you so that they can find more, and since they are wild animals, anything can happen.
Keep a safe distance from the gorilla and avoid over staring at them as they may mistake it for hostility, be careful with your body language because it counts a lot do not raise your arms, standing taller than them which they may mistake it for aggression.
Avoid eating when you are near the gorillas because gorillas will attack you in order to get what you are eating
Keep your voices low until you are like 200metres away from the gorillas because gorillas don’t like noise so making noise will lead them to attacking in away of defending themselves thinking maybe you want to kill them.
Some times the Gorillas charge. Follow the guides, crouch down slowly and do not look at the gorillas directly in the eyes and do not run because you will increase on the risk of Gorillas tackling you down.
Flash photography is not permitted, and when taking pics move slowly and carefully these are wild animals so they do not understand so avoid contact at all times.
Why should you go for gorilla trekking
One should go for gorilla trekking because they are rare species, the thrill of seeing them in the wild is exciting. All gorillas are considered endangered and that one alone makes them special, and trekking is important because the money they get from permits it is used to maintain the park, train park rangers build infrastructure like accommodations in the park and roads that go the park.
Preparation to go for gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through forests and steep hills so before embarking on your journey ensure your well fit.
You must be having essential gear pack raincoat, sun glasses, insect repellent, drinking water but trekking is not easy and a walking stick which will help you pass through the terrain.
Hire a porter to help them either carry their bags or help them to trek.
What to bring on your gorilla safari
Long sleeved shirt and trouser since the park may be cold and bushy.
Hiking shoes which are water proof because some of the trials are always having mud and water.
Hat and sunglasses depending on the weather that will protect from the scorching sunshine.
A pair of binoculars. They will help you see you see the variety of birds during the trekking time since they may be far and not well spotted.
Repellent, since it’s a forest it has different dangerous insects so it’s advisable to carry it along or wear before heading to the forest.
Best time to go for Gorilla trekking
Gorillas can be visited throughout the year but the best time is during the dry season in the months of January, February, June and September, which makes the park easily accessible and gives you a clear view of gorillas when the vegetation cover is not a lot.
In case you want more information about mountain Gorillas, and anything concerning the gorillas in Bwindi National Park, get in touch with us and rest assured to get assistance from our qualified team like in booking gorilla permits, booking for you accommodation. Focus East Africa Tours is here to make your wildlife safari tour in Uganda a smooth and memorable one.
