Bwindi impenetrable national park is the popular Uganda gorilla trekking safari destination because of the big number of mountain gorillas in the forest. Uganda having more than half of the remaining mountain gorillas comes as a combination of the gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park compared to those in the other two parks of Volcanoes national park and Virunga national park. Before going for a gorilla trek, a tourist needs to purchase a gorilla trekking permit at USD600 from Uganda wildlife Authority offices. There set rules for anyone to undertake a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi and these include;
Each tourist needs to present their gorilla trekking permit at the park headquarters before they can undertake a gorilla trek.
A maximum of 8 tourists are allowed to track a group of habituated mountain gorillas each single day, this is why you need to purchase your permit early.
Do not carry any rubbish within the park. If you carry anything like packed food to the park, remember not to leave any rubbish within the park.
In case of a cold or any other disease, please volunteer not to trek the gorillas on that day. The park can give a refund if possible. Mountain gorillas are susceptible to diseases that attach human beings and they could lead to death of the gorillas.
During the whole process of a gorilla Uganda safari do not raise your voices. The excitement cannot be avoided but noise may cause disturbances for the gorillas since they are used to living in the wild which is very calm. Asking the rangers questions is allowed.
Keep 7 meters (21ft) away from the mountain gorillas. This makes the gorillas feel relaxed and they can easily behave normally in your presence than when they feel unsafe.
Always remember to stay in a tight group. Do not leave the group without their consent remember you are in a forest you’re not familiar with.
Do not smoke or drink close to the gorillas, introducing rare things to their habitat could be of harm.
In case the gorillas charge, do not react by running or hitting your chest this will make them react. Follow the guides rules by crouching down slowly and wait for it to calm down.
Flash photography isn’t allowed, film cameras of 400-800 ASA are recommendable. As you take pictures, remember to move slowly and carefully.
Do not touch the gorillas, keep in mind that they are still wild animals.
The maximum time tourists can spend with the gorillas is one (1) hour though the time taken to find the gorillas isn’t predictable. The time spent there depends on how the gorillas will react.
For these rules, you should plan your Uganda gorilla trekking tour with a good tour operator that will make all your preparations appropriately.
We love getting you close to the gorillas but we love to see these gorillas survive for long in their habitat, just like the way you love to see them so follow these simple rules for the good of our close relatives.
