A close encounter with nature’s majesty (Gorilla)
Gorilla trekking rules are an essential part of trekking to see mountain gorillas, an unforgettable journey that takes you deep into the heart of Africa to encounter some of the world’s most awe-inspiring creatures—mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife adventure safari experiences and is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime activity worth doing before retirement. Mountain gorillas live in the tropical forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense jungle terrain to observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.
For travelers seeking a truly immersive wildlife experience, one common question arises: how close can i get to the gorillas? understanding gorilla trekking rules and guidelines is key to enjoying a safe and respectful encounter while protecting these endangered animals.
Although gorilla trekking allows you to watch these gentle giants from close range, there are strict gorilla trekking rules that apply in all trekking destinations. These guidelines are clearly explained during the mandatory pre-trek briefing and are designed to safeguard both visitors and gorillas. It is important to remember that even though mountain gorillas are habituated to human presence, they remain wild animals with unpredictable behavior.
One of the most important gorilla trekking rules is the minimum viewing distance. Visitors must keep a safe distance of at least 7 meters when observing mountain gorillas. This rule helps reduce stress on the animals and lowers the risk of disease transmission.
During the trek, gorillas may sometimes move closer on their own. When this happens, visitors are required to remain calm and submissive, avoid sudden movements, do not stare directly into their eyes, and never attempt to touch them. Following these gorilla trekking rules ensures a safe, ethical, and unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
How close can I get to the gorillas? Gorilla Trekking Distance Rules
After your long trek in the forest, you will finally encounter gorillas. You will follow the lead of your ranger guide and do exactly as he instructs you to do. The ranger guide will tell you how to approach your gorilla family. You will view gorillas at a distance of around 7 meters. Gorillas are wild animals and may not observe these guidelines so it is up to you the visitor to to follow the guidelines. Sometimes gorillas move too close to trekkers, we recommend you not to get tempted to touch them since the watchful silverback will be watching your every move.
Even when they react or charge at you, you are always advised to stay calm and act submissive since they always want to portray their dominance. During the trek, you are also not allowed to eat in front of the gorillas or to feed the playful infants. Remember to protect the gorilla habitat, and make sure to leave it as clean as possible, do not litter the habitat with any kind of rubbish.
If you follow the rules and regulations for gorilla trekking you will promote the conservation and safety of both you and the gorillas. You will also contribute to habitat preservation. So if you are still wondering how far you will observe gorillas, you are allowed to view gorillas at a distance of 7 meters.
Gorilla Trekking Distance Rules
The gorilla trekking rules and guidelines are put in place to protect gorillas, gorilla habitats, and visitors. These rules and regulations are a must adhere to during mountain gorilla trekking tours in all Bwindi impenetrable national park locations. By following the gorilla trekking rules, you will ensure your safety and conservation of the gorilla habitat.
Maintain distance with gorillas: During mountain gorilla trekking, you are required to maintain a minimum distance of at least 7 meters (about 21 feet) from the gorillas at all times. By maintaining this distance, you are ensuring your safety and also minimizing the risk of transmitting diseases to gorillas since they are highly susceptible. It is important to keep in mind that for gorillas, they are wild animals and will not maintain the distance and can easily move closer to the visitor. In such circumstances, you are required to stay calm and avoid acting in a way that may make them agitated.
Follow the instructions given by the guide: Gorilla trekking is always led by experienced and knowledgeable ranger guides. At all times during the trek, listen to and follow the instructions of your ranger guide. Their incredible knowledge of the gorillas and the forest will ensure your safety and also success in trekking mountain gorillas on your African safari holiday tour. Ranger guides are trained to ensure your safety and the well-being of the gorillas.
Stay in your group: During gorilla trekking visitors are usually grouped into groups of 8 members each. Each group is allocated to a specific gorilla family. Your ranger guides will lead you and your group into the forest to search for mountain gorillas. It is best recommended to stay with your group and avoid wandering off during the trek. This will ensure your safety and also minimize disturbance to gorillas.
Avoid flash photography: if you are interested in gorilla photography or filming, it is important to know that flash photography is not allowed. Flash photography can disturb the gorillas, so it’s strictly prohibited. You are however allowed to take as many picture as you want during the trek with your flash light turned off.
Avoid making noise: During gorilla trekking tours in the forest, it is recommended to maintain silence and only speak with a low voice when you need something you would love your ranger guide to clarify. The loud voice and sudden movements should be avoided during the trek so as to maintain a calm environment for the gorillas.
Do not touch the gorillas: However tempting it may be, do not touch gorillas during the trek. Having been habituated in the past years, gorillas may feel comfortable around humans and at times during the trek, they can even move much closer to the trekkers. It’s important to never touch the gorillas, even if they come close to you since their reaction may be unpredictable and also the watchful silverback may get agitated. They are wild animals and direct contact should be avoided at all costs during the trek.
Do not eat or drink near gorillas: Although we recommend carrying some energy when heading out for a gorilla trekking experience, it is prohibited to eat or drink near gorillas. Food and drinks can attract unwanted attention from the gorillas. To stay safe during the trek, we recommend eating snacks or drinking water before or after your trek.
Wear appropriate clothing: When preparing for a gorilla trekking safari tour, it is recommended to choose the right clothing. The best clothing for mountain gorilla trekking tours include long sleeved shirts and long trousers that can ensure your body is well covered. Animals print attire is prohibited since it can attract attention and also make gorillas uncomfortable. Dress in long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from nettles, thorns, and insects. Do not forget to carry a pair of comfortable hiking boots.
Stay healthy: In case you are feeling unwell on the morning you are supposed to go gorilla trekking, it is best advised to forgo the activity especially if you are suffering for illness that is transmittable. It is important to keep it in mind that gorillas share up to 98% DNA with humans and can easily get infected with human diseases. This rule is strictly enforced to protect the critically endangered mountain gorilla population.
Respect the environment: By respecting the environment you are contributing to the conservation of gorillas and their habitat. Leave no trash behind and avoid damaging vegetation during the trek. It is also important to remember that Gorilla habitats are fragile ecosystems, and minimized human impact is crucial for their protection.
How many miles do you walk to see the gorillas?
If you are wondering how long it will take you to find a gorilla, it is important to know that there is no exact established distance for gorilla trekking. The distance and time spent during the trek are usually influenced by the location of your allocated gorilla family and their movement. If the allocated gorilla family is located far away from the visitors center, then you are likely to trek for a longer distance compared to those who will be trekking gorilla families located near the visitors center.
When it comes to gorilla movement, if your allocated gorilla family is actively moving, it will take you a considerable amount of time to locate them as they keep moving. However, if your gorilla family is not so actively moving and are in one place either feeding or resting, it will take you little distance and time to locate them.