Rules For Gorilla Trekking In Uganda : Gorilla trekking is one of the best tourist activities that are worth travelling for to Uganda and get to spend enough time around the mountain gorilla species. This activity has contributed a lot to the tourism industry of Uganda due to the fact that it attracts many tourists to travel from all over other parts of the world and there are known to be only three countries in Africa where these species can ne trekked and these include; the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda which is also commonly referred to as “the Pearl of Africa”. Apart from the endangered mountain gorilla species, Uganda is a rich blessed country that is surrounded by beautiful nature, beautiful mountains such as; mount Rwenzori, many wildlife species, stunning water bodies like; Lake Victoria, River Nile, lake Albert and Lake Kyoga and many others. more so, this country also has a good climate compared to other countries. Gorilla trekking activities in Uganda are only done in two national parks where the mountain gorilla base. In addition, these include;
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national park.
Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in the Southwestern region in Uganda in Kanungu district and it is under the management of the Uganda wildlife Authority that has a role to protect all the national parks in the country. This national park covers a total surface area of about 321 square kilometers and it shares boarders with Virunga national park, which is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bwindi impenetrable national park is a home to over 400 mountain gorilla species, 348 birds, 120 mammal species and 220 butterfly species and there also known to be around 19 habituated gorilla groups that are always available to be trekked and they are based in four major sectors such as; Rushanga sector, Ruhija sector, Nkuringo sector and Buhoma sector. And the unique thing about these sectors is that each has its own number of habituated gorilla gorillas and gorilla trekking in this park takes about 4-8 hours depending on where the gorilla groups are located however, this activity involves tourists to hike and take guided nature walks through the thick forests therefore these trekking activities are best for tourists who are physically fit and in good health positions.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National park.
Mgahinga Gorilla national park is located in the Southwestern part of Uganda in Kisoro district and is considered one of the smallest national parks in the country, which covers a total surface area of about 34 square kilometers. In addition, this national park is known to be a perfect destination for gorilla trekking activities because it is a home a one habituated gorilla group that is known as Nyakagezi gorilla group. In addition, one of the interesting things about this national park is that it shares boarders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo hence giving a chance to the endangered species to move from one country to another.
Rules for Gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Before tourists involve into gorilla trekking activities, they are always given a short briefing about which rules and guidelines to follow during the trekking in order to avoid any harm between the trekkers and the mountain gorilla species. Therefore, these rules include;
- Each tourist is required to purchase a gorilla trekking permit, which is charged at a fee of about 700 USD per person, and it is best if tourists enable to get their permits at least three months in advance in order to avoid any inconveniences during the right time of the trekking.
- Tourists are always encouraged to present their gorilla trekking permits at the park headquarters before entering into the national park.
- Tourists with a big interest of engaging in gorilla trekking activities must be 15 years old and above in order to avoid any harm because children’s behaviours are unpredictable while in the presence of the mountain gorillas species.
- After tourists located these endangered mountain gorilla species in their groups, they are always given one hour to interact with these species.
- Gorilla trekking activities are best done by tourists who are physically fit due to the fact that it involves in hiking and also individuals who are in good health conditions in order to avoid the spread of air borne diseases like flue and are also free from diseases like; pressure and heart attacks.
- Eating and drinking while in the presence of the mountain gorillas is prohibited.
- Tourists are advised to avoid maintaining direct eye contact with the mountain gorilla species most especially the silverbacks because it looks like a sign if disrespect to them hence causing them to be violent.
- Tourists are also encouraged to avoid unnecessary movements with the parks and it is safe to move in groups and not individuals in order not to get lost.
- More so, tourists are advised to lower the tone of their voices while near or within the national parks.
- Use of flashlights in the phones and cameras while taking pictures and recording videos in the presence of the mountain gorillas is not allowed.
- During the one hour of interaction with the endangered mountain gorilla species, tourists are encouraged to keep a distance of about 7 meters away from the species in order to avoid harm.
- Do not litter with in the national park.
- Before tourists go for trekking, they are always put in groups with a maximum number of eight members depending on what gorilla groups they are willing to trek.
Contact our tour operators in case of any more information and inquiries about the rules of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global Safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.
