The rules and regulations during gorilla trekking are different protocols followed by travelers looking forward to seeing the gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo, and they always ask for the details of the quest. Gorilla trekking is the best safari activity because it involves hiking through several attractions, and these are very interesting. Gorilla trekking is the most popular safari activity in Africa, and gorillas can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We have received some visitors who have inquired about how they should conduct themselves while gorilla trekking in one of Uganda’s parks.
One of the frequently asked questions by several travelers is the dos and don’ts that they should be involved in when on a gorilla trekking mission in Uganda or any other gorilla trekking country in Africa. Some rules and regulations guide visitors on what they should and should not do, as well as what they can and should not do.
Therefore, today I will give you some of the dos and don’ts that you should focus on when watching the gorilla. By following these dos and don’ts, you will complete the gorilla trekking activity without harming anyone, either the gorillas, staff, or you as the visitor. Please, make sure that you study and understand these dos and don’ts to have a successful gorilla trekking experience.
The dos and don’ts before the gorillas start trekking Before the gorilla trekking starts, there are some of the activities, or dos and don’ts, that you need to be aware of, and these include
- You need to know that gorilla trekking is only for people who have had 15 years or above, and that the people below that are not supposed to trek the gorillas unless otherwise stated.
- The maximum number of tourists that visit each gorilla family is 8, and this is done to protect the habituated gorilla group.
- Your hands must be clean, so wash them before embarking on the gorilla trek.
- As you are trekking the gorillas, there are dos and don’ts that you need to explore as well. The dos and don’ts during the gorilla trek include
- Keep your voices low to avoid scaring the gorillas and to avoid disturbing other forest species.
- Please do not leave any trash in the forest park. Make sure you carry all of your garbage, including water bottles.
- The ranger guides will lead you to the site where the gorillas were last seen the day before. From there, you’ll follow the trail to the gorillas’ location. When you get close to the gorillas, the guides will let you know.
- Maintain contact with the other members of your group.
- At all times, keep your voices down. It is, nevertheless, acceptable to pose questions to the guide.
- It should go without saying that you should not eat or smoke near the gorillas because disease transmission could occur.
- When gorillas become hostile, you should follow the ranger guides’ lead by kneeling gently, never looking directly into the gorillas’ eyes, and remaining still as you wait for them to pass, rather than risk being attacked by running away.
- The maximum time spent with the gorillas is one hour, but if they become agitated, the guide will encourage you to leave sooner; please follow this advice.
- When running away from the gorillas, maintain quieter voices till you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.
There are also some health guidelines that you must follow when going gorilla trekking, which include
- If you need to cough or sneeze close to the gorillas, please turn away and cover your nose and mouth to avoid spreading bacteria or viruses to the gorillas.
- Keep a distance of 7 meters (21 feet) from the gorillas. This will prevent them from contracting infections that are spread by humans.
- If you need to use the restroom, speak with the ranger guide and he or she will advise you accordingly.
- Respect the daily visitor limit set by the authorities, as this decreases the risk of disease spread and so saves money in the long run.
- If you become ill or contract a contagious ailment such as a cold, please try to stay home and your money will be reimbursed or an alternative visit will be arranged.
- Wear hiking shoes that will allow you to hike up and down the jungle’s trails.
- If you’re afraid of forest sounds, put earplugs in your ears, but I don’t think it’ll be too scary because you’ll be in a group and may need to listen to directions.
- Bring plenty of food and water with you.
- Bring rain clothing, sunscreen, a hat (since the weather can change quickly), and insect repellant.
- You’ll also need to have a camera with you to capture pictures, with the flash turned off. Please come and enjoy the wonderful safari experience. This is very interesting.
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