Dos and Don’ts for Gorilla Trekking

For all tourists hoping to see mountain gorillas in their native forest, gorilla trekking is an amazing and thrilling experience. Here are some tips to help you enjoy gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park, Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park, and Uganda at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. When embarking on your gorilla trekking adventure in any of the forementioned locations, you must have a valid gorilla trekking permit with you.

What to Do and What Not to Do Near Mountain Gorillas

Spending an Hour with the Gorillas

After learning about the mountain gorillas’ current whereabouts in the jungle, you encounter them after spending a few hours trekking with them. If you are trekking, you are only permitted to be in their presence for an hour, and if you are on a habituation experience, you are allowed to be there for four hours.

Stay 7 meters away from gorillas.

You spend hours walking on different pathways while you trek the gorillas in their native habitat of forest foliage. We recommend that you maintain a 7-meter distance from them when taking pictures of them with your camera because they are still wild creatures and getting too close could agitate them.

Remain composed and avoid creating noise while gorillas are around.

It is important to maintain your composure and avoid making noise while trekking with gorillas in their natural forest habitat, as this may disturb them. It is recommended that you maintain a quiet, serene, and pleasant atmosphere for the gorillas.

Wear good hiking shoes.

It is important that you pack appropriate hiking and trekking shoes so that you can navigate the steep mountain terrain when moving between the densely forested areas of Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, Virunga, and Kahuzi Biega.

Do NOT use flash light when taking photos

When you encounter the gorillas after your gorilla trekking experience, we recommend using a flash-free camera to snap pictures of them. Take off the flash since it could agitate the gorillas and make them more erratic.

A maximum of 8 people are allowed to trek a Gorilla group

A park ranger guide is assigned to each group of eight people going on a gorilla trekking excursion, allowing you to hike alongside the gorgeous gorillas in their native forest home. You will be assigned to a gorilla group based on your age, ability, resolve, and level of physical fitness. For instance, those who are elderly and less capable are assigned to a group that is easier to walk.

Before starting your gorilla walk, remember to wash your hands.

We recommend that you wash your hands before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure in the dense forest undergrowth. Given that gorillas are susceptible to human diseases, this is excellent. Additionally, avoid sneezing or coughing near gorillas, as they may also contract these illnesses

Avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas

When a silverback gorilla approaches you, remain calm, keeping your head down to avoid giving it the impression that you are an enemy. Gorillas may charge when they sense instability in their surroundings.

Avoid touching or interacting with the gorillas.

It is important to avoid touching or coming into close contact with the gorillas when they are present. This can incite them to the point where war breaks out. Please don’t touch them because they are wild.

Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking when near gorillas.

Make sure not to consume any food or beverages or smoke when near gorillas. This is bad because you could end up scattering food and dirt around the forest and spreading disease, or an infant gorilla might approach you out of curiosity and start a battle with you.

Keep a Waterproof Rain Jacket near

Be sure to pack appropriately for the weather when you go gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is advised that you bring a waterproof rain jacket with you to be warm throughout your gorilla trekking expedition, as it may rain at any time. This is a result of the three nations’ proximity to the equator, where precipitation is nearly constant.