Gorilla Trekking Rules & Regulations
Gorilla trekking rules and regulations for Rwanda gorilla trekking will help you to enjoy your gorilla trekking safari. (as set out in the printed leaflet by the Rwanda Development Board ‘Gorilla Rules’).
Before departing on your Rwanda gorilla trekking
- Only a maximum number of 8 visitors are allowed to visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioral disturbance to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
- Wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas.
On the way to the gorillas during Rwanda gorilla trekking
- Please always keep your voices low. You will also be able to observe the great bird life and other wildlife in the forest.
- You must not leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out with you.
- You will be taken to where the guides observed the gorillas the day before. From there you will follow the gorilla’s trail to find them. Look out for the gorilla’s nesting sites along the way!
- When you approach the mountain gorillas, the guides will inform you to get ready.
When you are with the gorillas during Rwanda gorilla trekking
- A 7 meter (21 feet) distance should be observed at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
- You must stay in a tight group when you are near the gorillas.
- Keep your voices down at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
- Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
- Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
- Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully.
- Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
- The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
- After the visit keep your voices down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.
General health rules
Remember that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following gorilla trekking rules and regulations are ways to minimize the risk your visit might pose to them:
- Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
- Do not visit the gorilla when feeling ill or you are carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternative visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your money.
- Do not cough while near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
- Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
- Do not leave any rubbish (eg. food wrappers) in the park; foreign items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
- If you need to ease yourself (short or long call) while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole is 30 cm deep and fill it in when you are finished.
What to bring on your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
- Put on earplugs for those who feel uncomfortable with the jungle sounds.
- Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water.
- Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable) and insect repellent.
- Bring a photo of a film camera. Using flashlight is not permitted so we recommend using films of 400-800 ASA.