Respect the Distance:

Maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters (about 21 feet) from the gorillas. This distance is crucial to minimize the risk of disease transmission and avoid stressing the gorillas.

Follow Your Guide's Instructions:

Listen to and follow the directions of your experienced guide at all times. They are well-trained to ensure a safe and respectful encounter.

Speak Quietly:

Keep your voices low and avoid making loud noises during the trek. This helps prevent startling or agitating the gorillas.

No Direct Eye Contact:

Avoid making direct eye contact with the gorillas. In the animal kingdom, prolonged eye contact can be perceived as a threat.

No Flash Photography:

Flash photography is strictly prohibited. The bright light can disturb and stress the gorillas. Use only natural light for your photos.

No Touching:

Do not touch the gorillas, even if they come close. Maintaining a respectful distance is essential for their safety and well-being.

Stay in Your Group:

Stick with your designated trekking group. Large groups can be intimidating for the gorillas, so group sizes are typically limited.

Wear a Surgical Mask:

Visitors are required to wear surgical masks when in close proximity to the gorillas. This precaution helps prevent the transmission of diseases from humans to gorillas.

Stay Hygienic:

Practice good hygiene to minimize the risk of disease transmission. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and avoid littering in the park.

Respect Nature:

Leave no trace in the gorilla habitat. Do not remove or disturb any plants or animals in the area. Preserve the pristine environment for future generations.

By adhering to these rules and guidelines, you can ensure a safe and respectful gorilla trekking experience while contributing to the conservation of these incredible animals. Always remember that the primary goal is to protect the gorillas and their habitat, and your cooperation is vital in achieving this goal.

 Acquaintance with the Mountain Gorillas

When you first come face to face with these creatures, you may be surprised to learn that male gorillas may weigh up to 500 pounds and stand 6 feet tall. Their diet consists mostly of bamboo shoots, roots, flowers, fruits, and leaves found in the afro-montane region, with around 75 pounds consumed daily. Silverback male gorillas may reach heights of 7 feet because to their long, powerful arms.

When visiting the mountain gorillas, trekkers are usually given a safety briefing that covers topics such as:

ü  The gorilla family can only handle up to eight visitors at a time.

ü  When you're in the woods, be quiet.

ü  Don't be that person that litters the park.

ü  Keep a safe distance from the gorillas, no closer than 7 metres.

ü  Do not use flash while taking pictures.

ü  When around the gorillas, refrain from any and all food, drink, and tobacco use.

ü  You shouldn't touch them. Don't forget that they're still animals in the wild.

Finally, remember that they could charge, and don't freak out if that happens. Instead, keep your cool, squat down, and gaze steadily below. Disease transmission is a concern for the gorillas as well.

Beginning as early as 6:30 AM, visitors should start arriving at the park headquarters. Make sure to verify your licence. Talk to other hikers and learn the ground rules for behaving like a gorilla.

Keep in mind that searching for mountain gorillas requires some athleticism, since you'll be going upwards. However, enjoy the walk since interacting with the gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.