Gorilla trekking is the major activity that is conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park, both found in the southwestern part of Uganda. In fact, most of the visitors that do come to Uganda come because they want to have an encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat

As a visitor, you need to be extra careful and prepared when coming to Uganda, in particular in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to trek the endangered mountain gorillas.

Since the gorillas are closely related to human beings, there have been a lot of measures, especially the health measures that have been designed by the relevant authorities in order to make sure that the gorillas are not affected by the diseases that are transmitted by human beings.

As a result, all the visitors who come to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to enjoy the gorilla trekking must make sure that they observe the health guidelines that are put in place to ensure that they are safari and the gorillas are also safari.

A lot has been put in place to make sure that the risks that the visitors might pose during the gorilla trekking to the gorillas are totally reduced, and some of the guidelines include the following:

Guidelines during gorilla viewing

Visitors need to make sure that they respect the regulation that says visitors must travel in a group of eight people when they are going to see the gorillas. This regulation must be respected and you shouldn’t go beyond this limit. These restrictions reduce the danger of disease transmission and group stress. If you are sick or have a contagious sickness, volunteer to remain behind. A different gorilla trekking opportunity will be provided for you, or the cost of your gorilla permit will be returned.

More gorilla trekking health guidelines

• Please ask the ranger guide to dig you a hole if you need to go to the bathroom while in the forest. Ensure that the hole is at least 30 cm deep. After you’ve completed it, make sure to plug the hole. 

• Always keep a distance of seven meters (twenty-one feet) from gorillas. This is to keep them safe from human infections.

• Leave no trash in the park (such as food wrappers or beverage bottles); foreign objects might hold illnesses or other toxins.

• If you have the desire to cough or sneeze when near the gorillas, please turn aside and cover your nose and mouth to prevent bacteria or viruses from spreading.

• Learn more about the gorillas’ health regulatory rules in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

• Keep your voice quiet when you’re around the gorillas.

• Avoid making sudden movements that could startle the gorillas.

• Do not be scared if a gorilla charges or vocalizes at you; simply stay motionless, gaze away from the gorilla, and follow your guide’s instructions.

• Please do not litter.

• Use flash photography sparingly.

• Visitors are requested to keep a distance of seven meters (approximately twenty-two feet) from the gorillas in order to prevent the spread of human illnesses.

• Please do not visit the gorillas if you have a cold, the flu, or any other infectious ailment.

• One hour is allotted for viewing.

Per group, there is a maximum of eight guests. Spitting is not permitted in the park. Cover your mouth and move away from the gorillas if you need to cough.