Gorilla Trekking Rules
On the way to the Gorillas.
1.
A maximum number of eight (8) visitors may visit
a group of habituated gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioral disturbances
to the Gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
2.
Always wash your hands before you head out to
the Gorillas.
3.
Do not leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you
bring into the forest should be carried back with you.
4.
On you visit, you will be taken to where the
guides left the gorillas the day before. From there, you will follow the
gorillas trail to find them. Look out for the gorillas nesting sites along the
way.
5.
When you approach the gorillas, the guide will
inform you when to get your cameras ready.
6.
Please always keep your voices low. You will
also be able to observe the great bird life and other wildlife in the forest.
When you are with the Gorillas
1.
Keep a minimum of 7 meters from the Gorillas.
This is to protect gorillas from Human disease transmission.
2.
You must stay in a tight group when you are near
the gorillas.
3.
Keep your voice low at all times. However, it is
okay to ask the guide questions.
4.
Do not eat or drink while you are near the
gorillas to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
5.
Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the
guide’s example crouch down slowly. Do not look the gorillas in the eye, wait
for the animals to pass. Do not attempt to run away. Running away will increase
the risk of attack.
6.
Flash photography is not permitted. When taking
pictures, move slowly and carefully.
7.
Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild
animals.
8.
The maximum time visitors are allowed to spend
with the gorillas is one hour to limit their disturbance. If the gorillas
become agitated or nervous, the guide will end the visit early.
9.
After the visit, keep your voices low until you
are 200 meters away from the gorillas.
General Health Rules
Remember gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following
are ways to minimize the risk your visit might pose to them
1.
Respect the limit imposed on the time that
visitors are allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of
disease transmission and stress to the group.
2.
If you are feeling ill, or have a contagious
disease when you are already in the park, please volunteer to stay behind. An
alternative visit will be arranged for you, or your money will be refunded as
per gorilla reservation guidelines.
3.
If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you
are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth
in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
4.
Always stay 7 meters away from the gorillas. The
further back you are, the more relaxed the gorillas will be.
5.
Do not leave any rubbish e.g. food wrappers in
the park. Such items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
6.
If you need to go to the toilet while in the
forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole and ensure that you cover it
when you have finished.
Any breach of these rules may lead to termination of gorilla trekking
without any refund.
