The popular safari activity in the pearl of Africa is Uganda gorilla trekking safari since the country is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. After purchasing a gorilla trekking permit at USD600 prior to the safari, these rules are very important for a tourist to know before they set off.
The lovely groups encountered during a gorilla trekking safari
There is a maximum number of 8 visitors allowed to track a group of habituated mountain gorillas each day, a reason for early permit purchase. This is done to reduce behavioral disturbance to the gorillas and their risk to human air borne disease exposure.
Ensure to always never forget to wash your hands before heading for gorilla trekking.
The most important rule to keep during and after trekking the gorillas is keep your voices low though asking the safari guide questions is allowed.
Never leave any rubbish within the park. Carry out with you whatever you bring into the park.
When you get close to the mountain gorillas always keep a 7meter (21 feet) distance from the gorillas. This distance keeps the gorilla group more relaxed.
Still close to the gorillas, you must remember to stay in a close group.
Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are near the gorillas, they are so susceptible to human diseases. Eating or drinking certainly increases the risk of food/drink droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases. This is why you should plan your Uganda gorilla safari with a good tour operator that will plan your meals appropriately.
The gorillas are calm but sometimes they charge so follow the guides instructions for instance he could tell you to crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass. Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully. A photo film camera of 400-800 ASA is recommended.
We love getting you close to the gorillas but keep in mind that they are still wild animals, do not touch them.
Even with the excitement, the maximum time you can spend with the gorillas during a gorilla trekking Uganda safari is one hour. However, there can be un predicted changes if the gorillas become nervous, the tour could end early.
When the gorilla safari is finally done and you have to leave the gorillas in the wild, remember to still keep your voices down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.
Yes, you now know the rules, but do you know what to carry and wear for a gorilla safari Uganda? This is helpful
The gorillas live in high altitude areas of up to 8000 – 13,000ft (1,500m-4000m), the same height a sky diver would jump out of a plane. Therefore, remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
Put on ear plugs for those who feel uncomfortable with the jungle sounds. This is because the forests are habitat to a variety of species, in fact Bwindi Impenetrable national park is dubbed the best birding spot in Africa with 23 out of the 24 Albertine rift endemics.
Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water since the time spent to find the gorillas is unpredictable, always remember the eating rules within the jungle.
Since we live within the rules of nature, the higher you go the cooler it becomes so carry rain gear, warm clothing (as at this height temperatures drop below freezing point), a hat and insect repellent.
These simple rules are all you need to know to make sure you have the best of a Uganda gorilla tour experience without limitations. Plan your safari, follow the rules and live with great memories.