Gorilla Trekking Rule For Rwanda

The Rwanda gorilla trekking rules are aimed protecting the mountain gorillas, their habitat and visitors. Mountain gorillas are veery sensitive primates despite being mistaken for being fierce because of their physical outlook.

In Rwanda, mountain gorillas live in a hilly forested and misty Volcanoes National Park and the gorilla trekking experience here is physically demanding too. It is perfect to have some level of fitness before gorilla trekking in Rwanda to help you navigate this forest but sedan chair service is available for those with physical challenges.

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While on gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, keep low voices on the way even when closer to the gorilla family because mountain gorillas are scared by unfamiliar voices in their vicinity.

Staring in the deep brown eyes of the mountain gorillas is forbidden because they are shy primates and this may push them into hiding.

Touch the mountain gorillas is forbidden no matter how closer they get as this may appear suspicious and cause them to rage especially when you touch an infant. Maintain the 8 meters gap when in-front of the mountain gorillas although they bridge it sometimes out of curiosity.

Wearing a clean face mask during gorilla trekking is a must a behavior adopted after the covid-19 crisis as they mountain gorillas are highly susceptible to human communicable infections.

Note that attending briefing before gorilla trekking in Rwanda is compulsory where details of the gorilla trekking rules are communicated with the most recent updates about Volcanoes National Park. No matter how many times you have done gorilla trekking in Rwanda, briefing before the adventure is compulsory. Try to practice ecotourism for sustainable existence of the mountain gorillas in their habitat.

Details About Gorilla Trekking Rules For Rwanda

On the Way To The Gorillas

• Wash your hands and sanitize your safari boots before proceeding into the forest to do gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National park Rwanda
• Maximum 8 tourists are allowed to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda per day per family. This rule helps control chances of passing a communicable infection to the mountain gorillas and the behavior of the mountain gorillas.
• Avoid dumping garbage on the trails while searching for the mountain gorillas as this alters that nature of the forest where these primates thrive. Carry every rubbish back to the main land after gorilla trekking.
• The ranger guide leads the gorilla trekking party on the trail leading where the mountain gorillas where last seen the previous day so try to participate by using the clues they leave behind like hairs, nesting spot, freshly chewed foliage and more.
• Keep voices low during the search to find the mountain gorillas and when with them. This also enables you to enjoy the abundant bird life ,other primates and more wildlife in the forest.
• In case you wish to eat or smoke do this before approaching the mountain gorillas atleast 200 meters away from them so that they are not enticed to reach out and grab when you have.
• Wait to take out the camera when you approach the mountain gorillas to allow the ranger guide to first observe the mood of the gorilla family then you are called upon to show up.
• Do not spit on the leaves or along the way as this contaminates the food on which the mountain gorillas and other forest dwellers depend on.

When With The Mountain Gorillas

• Maintain 8 meters gap from the mountain gorillas because these are wild animals no meter how adorable they appear. Gorillas are also highly susceptible to human disease transmission.
• Do not surround the mountain gorillas but stay closer to other trekkers so that the gorillas do not feel ambushed.
• Maintain low voices during gorilla trekking as noise scares the mountain gorillas but you can still ask the ranger guide questions.
• Wear a clean face mask when with the mountain gorillas a rule adopted after the Covid-19 pandemic to avoid chances of passing any communicable infection to the mountain gorillas that may end in their massive death.
• No using flash light when taking photos when with the mountain gorillas as this may cause these primates to get suspicious and run into hiding.
• When mountain gorillas charge during gorilla trekking do not panic but try to remain composed as the ranger guide provides new instructions on how to control the situation. Try to adhere to the new instructions that main include showing submission, pretending to chew foliage and more. When the mountain come closer, give them chance to pass as rushing may escalate the situation.
• Touching the mountain gorillas is forbidden as they are wild animals that may transmit an infection to you from the wilderness.
• 1 hour is allowed during gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The mountain gorillas are habituated to be with human for just that time. Human presence interrupts the flow of life for the mountain gorillas. The Ranger guide may end the gorilla observation early incase he or she observes that the situation runs out of hand.
• As you get away from the mountain gorillas do it stealthily without causing any suspension and still maintain low voices until atleast 200 meters away.

General Gorilla Trekking Rules for Rwanda

• No toilet structures in the wilderness therefore ask for assistance from the ranger guide who will dig a hole for you atleast 30 centimeters deep then cover well beyond recognition.
• In case you get ill before gorilla trekking especially with communicable infection, do report the matter to the ranger station so that it is registered and necessary steps taken according to the gorilla trekking guidelines.
• In case you get the urge to cough or sneeze do turn away and do it in your elbow or in a handkerchief for better hygiene.
• Do keep the 1 hour of gorilla observing to reduce the risk of agitating the mountain gorillas.
• The age limit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years and beyond because of the nature of the terrain of volcanoes National park, time taken to find the mountain gorillas and more.

Note that mountain gorillas are very shy primates so try not to stare in their deep brow eyes as this is uncomfortable to them. Feeding the mountain gorillas is forbidden because they are wild animals that must not depend on human supplies but the forest.