Rules and Requirements for Gorilla Trekking
Rules and Requirements for Gorilla Trekking ; Well ,gorilla trekking rules are designed to protect the primates in their natural inhabitants , conservation areas as well as tourists who go to encounter the mountain gorillas. Mountain gorilla trekking is greatly incredible activity on African Safari but requires one to be well prepared to make the gorilla tour or a visit to gorilla destination memorable. So, we recommend that throughout the activity, tourists should follow the instructions given by the park rangers.
Currently, there are only 1065 individuals of mountain gorillas remain in the wild and half o f the total population is found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. However ,gorillas are endangered species and need to be protected from sickness or any thing that may threaten their numbers.
There is huge amazing list of things that tourists should put into consideration before embarking on a gorilla trekking mission. More so, the rules and regulation were designed to reduce disease transmission from man to the gorillas and also to avoid alerting the primate species.
Mountain gorillas are vulnerable to infections from human diseases because of their low immunity. Although the gorillas are habituated but they still remain wild. Despite the fact, mountain gorillas are protective of their young one and defend them to the death if they are threatened. More then, gorillas live in a group of 30 individuals and more and each gorilla family is lead by the silver back. A silver back is one in charge of protecting the family against any fight from other gorillas’ groups.
It is important to be with the primates species for a short time because they are our closest cousins with 98% DNA to humans ,meaning they require a short time of stay to avoid human disease .More time spend with gorillas can threaten their mind.
The rules and regulations usually shared with visitors during the briefing before the actual gorilla trek. Through following gorilla rules, you would be contributing to the overall conservation of the primates. Before we go to the rules, you need to know what to pack on Gorilla Safaris;
Gorilla Rules and Regulations in Gorilla Destination;
A traveler must be 15 years and above permitted to trek gorillas. This is because children under age can easily infect air borne diseases to our dear gorillas, such diseases are flu, colds, chickenpox and mump.
Only eight people allowed to visit a gorilla family. Few number of people ,help to reduce the possibility of disease transmission to gorillas since we share closest DNA of 98%.
Gorilla activity involves moving long distances searching for the gorilla groups. Mountain gorillas often involves climbing steep terrain and mud-filled trails. If you have huge luggage, we recommend you to hire porters to help carry them up to the group assigned to and fro.
If you have transmittable diseases ,park rangers have the right to stop you from going a head with the group if they feel that the mountain gorillas could be infected. In case that happens, you will be refunded back your money spent on the permit. Note, gorillas can easily catch human diseases like diarrhea, flue, cough among others.
Don’t talk loudly as you trek so as not to miss great opportunities to view bird species and other forest animal species.
Keep the park clean and free of rubbish that could cause diseases to the gorillas . In case ,you wish to go to the toilet ,talk to your guide at once who will dig a hole for you and after you cover the hole to avoid spreading diseases to the gorillas.
Planning for gorilla safari, we advise you to put on bright colors which might attract the attention of the gorillas.
Flash discs are not allowed and sunglasses are also not permitted while with the gorillas thus the reflection on the glass might make them come to you to find out more.
Do not touch gorillas are wild animals.
Pack the best outfit wear for your gorilla trekking experience; wear good sturdy hiking shoes which is an ideal in climbing muddy and steep slopes. You can carry other items like rain jackets, long sleeved trousers and shirt, sweater, poncho, cotton stockings, brimmed hat, insect repellent, good cameras and pair of binoculars.
