2024- 2025 rules of mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda : Mountain gorilla trekking is the most popular safari activity done in uganda all year round. At least 10,000 people will visit Uganda every year just to have a chance at seeing the mighty primates in their natural habitats. The mountain gorillas in Uganda are found in the South Western uganda in Bwindi national Park and mgahinga national park.
As many people as visit the gorillas in a year, they are always inquiring of what they should and shouldn’t do while on this most anticipated mountain gorilla activity.
Well in this article we share the rules and guidelines of mountain gorilla trekking in uganda; that’s in Bwindi national park and mgahinga national Park.
The rules are; –
Book your and purchase your mountain trekking permit way in advance about 3 months in advance. Mountain gorilla trekking is very competitive. So, you have to secure your slot way ahead of your planned trekking date. Also booking in advance helps the trekking coordinators, rangers and park management to get everything ready for you in time.
should not that without a trekking permit you cannot trek the mountain gorillas. Mountain gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD 800
On your part also keep healthy and fit as you lead up to that trekking day.
Also to help you as you trek, take breaks to help you catch your breath and regain energy. Mountain gorilla trekking can be tedious so take those breaks.
The other part of the rules is for you when already at the park and these are: –
Mountain gorilla trekking is done in a group. Individual mountain gorilla trekking experiences are strictly prohibited.
Only 8 people are allowed to visit a mountain gorilla family a day. Meaning on a trek you will be together with 7 other people to make a group of eight that can see the gorillas on that day.
Only health persons are allowed to trek the gorillas. Meaning you will not be allowed to trekking the gorillas if you are sick or you have any sign of sickness especially communicable disease you will not be allowed to trek the gorillas. This rule is majorly to protect the gorillas from catching any disease from humans since they share DNA with them. but it can also work on your favor, the trek is quite long and tiresome it will not favor you if you are sick.
Only persons 15 years and above are allowed to trek the gorillas. This is because at 15 we trust an individual is mature enough to not only handle and respect the rules and guidelines of mountain gorilla trekking. It’s imperative that you observe all the rules of mountain gorilla trekking, for your safety and the mountain gorillas’ safety.
Mind the pitch of your voices when you are in the presence of the gorillas. Always strike to keep your voices low so that you don’t distract the gorilla’s peace and cause them to be agitated in anyway.
Make sure to not litter the gorilla habitat on your way up and down the mountainous forest.
When you find the gorillas, be sure to maintain at least a 10 meters distance between you and the gorillas. The distance helps to minimize the spread of disease from humans to gorillas.
Do not eat, drink and smoke when you are in the presence of the gorillas. Meaning those snacks and water you pack for your trekking experience are consumed during the trek not as you view the gorillas.
In the same way avoid coughing or sneezing Infront of the gorillas.
You are only allowed to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas. Please respect that one hour don’t extend it or abuse
You are allowed to take pictures and videos of the gorillas. However, use of a Flash is strictly prohibited.
On top of not feeding the gorillas do not attempt to or even touch the gorillas in any way.
All these rules and guidelines are communicated to you by your tour operator and the trekking rangers.
