The gorilla trekking rules and procedures are similar in Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo. Mountain gorillas make up a population of 1063 in the world, and they are endemic to only three countries—Rwanda, Uganda, and D.R. Congo. These apes share over 98% of their DNA with humans, which is why they are our closest relatives in the wild. Before park officials allow you to set foot into the jungles to search for gorilla families, a briefing about gorilla trekking rules is conducted at the park offices.
The set rules and procedures for gorilla trekking play a vital part in ensuring the safety of gorillas and guests alike. These safety measures apply whether you plan to travel to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, or Congo’s Virunga NP.
Here is the detailed list of gorilla trekking rules and regulations to observe:
- Each habituated gorilla family group is visited by a maximum of 8 tourists. This measure applies whether you are in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo to enjoy a gorilla tour. It is intended to reduce the risk of behavioral disturbance that humans may cause to gorillas when they are in large groups.
- Do not litter in the park forest. Leave the gorilla habitat as natural and clean as you found it. If you carry bottled drinking water, ensure used bottles are returned to the park offices and disposed of in designated pits or containers that are inaccessible to the gorillas. Food particles or used drinking water may contain germs harmful to endangered mountain gorillas.
- Maintain a distance of 7-10 meters away from gorillas at all times, not just during face-to-face encounters. This ensures gorillas remain undisturbed and allows them to roam and relax. It also reduces the risk of spreading infectious human diseases to mountain gorillas.
- Guests must stay with the group they started gorilla trekking with. Do not stray from your group to avoid getting lost in the forest. Follow your guide and trackers until you return to the briefing point.
- Thoroughly wash or sanitize your hands to eliminate disease-carrying bacteria or germs that could harm gorillas.
- Smoking or drinking in the presence of gorilla families is prohibited. These endangered species share 98% of their DNA with humans, making them highly susceptible to infectious human diseases.
- The minimum age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years. Individuals within this age bracket are eligible to obtain a gorilla permit and trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
- When taking photos, ensure the camera flashlight is turned off to avoid startling the gorillas, which could potentially cause harm to you.
- Do not touch or make physical contact with gorillas, even if they approach you.
- A maximum of one hour is permitted for all tourists to spend face-to-face with gorilla families.
- Guests with contagious diseases are advised not to track gorillas. If you need to cough or sneeze, turn away from the gorillas and cover your mouth or nose.
- Guests needing to relieve themselves should bury their waste at least 30 cm deep. Follow the guidance of your park guide while in the field.
Gorilla permits are mandatory for gorilla tours—ensure you book your permit in advance. In Uganda, permits cost USD 800, in Rwanda they cost USD 1500, and in D.R. Congo’s Virunga National Park they cost USD 400. In D.R. Congo, you can visit not only mountain gorillas but also lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, with permits costing USD 400 per person.
