Gorilla Trekking Rules And Safety Tips In Bwindi: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a large, diverse, thick rainforest. It is located in the southwestern part of Uganda. Bwindi Forest is an ancient rainforest with over 1,000 plant species, different bird species, mist-covered jungle, and primates like monkeys and chimpanzees, among others. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its ecological biodiversity. It has the largest population of the endangered species in the world. It has different cultural encounters like the forest dwellers who once lived in the forest before they were evicted. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is one of the incredible wildlife experiences.

Gorilla trekking rules and regulations

The rules and safety tips were designed to protect both the mountain gorillas and the tourists. During the trekking sessions, tourists are advised to follow the instructions given to them by the guides.

Age requirement

For an individual to participate in gorilla trekking experiences, he or she must be above the age of 15 years to possess a gorilla permit. This is because individuals below the age of 15 years are prone to diseases like flu, cough, and fever, among others. To prevent the spread of diseases to mountain gorillas, since they share 98% DNA with humans.

Before any gorilla trekking session, tourists are divided into small groups of eight for the trekking experiences and small groups of four people for the habituation experiences. This is done because mountain gorillas get stressed when tourists crowd around them.

While hiking through the forest, tourists are advised to keep their voices low to be able to observe the different creatures, like birds and butterflies, among others. Tourists are advised to stop littering in the park so as to keep the ecosystem clean.

When tourists spot a gorilla family, they are advised to keep a distance of 7 meters to prevent the spread of diseases.

Tourists should stay and keep track of their group individuals for safety measures.

In the presence of mountain gorillas, avoid eating or drinking in front of the mountain gorillas. This may also result in disease spread.

Wear face masks during the trekking encounters to avoid the spread of airborne diseases.

Gorilla trekkers should stay in safe trekking routes to avoid getting lost in the jungle.

When a mountain gorilla tries to charge towards you, the guide advises you to lower your body slowly to the ground, avoid eye contact, and stay still, and tourists should not run away because the mountain gorillas are wild animals, no matter how friendly they are.

Tourists are advised to avoid littering in the park since these materials are exposed to gorillas to eat, and this may result in diseases.

When taking videos or photos, flash-less cameras are required because light cameras agitate the mountain gorillas.

Tourists should utilize the trekking time for one hour to see the mountain gorillas. Since most gorilla families are not habituated (the process of making gorillas get used to humans), this may agitate them.

Healthy rules

In case tourists feel unwell or feel any form of sickness, they are advised to stay behind to protect the health of these endangered species. In this case, permit funds are refunded.

In case you’re next to mountain gorillas and you feel like coughing or sneezing, you are advised to cover your mouth and nose to prevent further spread of the colds.

If you feel like using the washrooms, you are advised to talk to the rangers to help you out.

Why follow gorilla trekking rules and safety tips in Bwindi National Park?

The rules are implemented to protect these endangered species from diseases and habitat damage. Rules emphasize sustainability for future generations so that they enjoy the trekking adventures.

What to pack for a gorilla trekking safari

Tourists should pack the following essentials for a successful encounter. This includes hiking boots suitable for the steep and muddy terrain; energy snacks and drinking water; insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites; binoculars for clear views, especially during misty conditions; a flashless camera, among others.

Mistakes to avoid when planning for a gorilla trekking safari

When planning for a gorilla trek, tourists should consider the gorilla permits and the accommodation facilities. Bwindi National Park has four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. All these have a distance of about 2 to 4 hours. When planning for a gorilla trek, tourists should book accommodation according to the trekking sector.

Gorilla permit discounts

Gorilla trekking permits are discounted only in the rainy season because there is limited competition for the permits. The discounted permits cost $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens.

Early permit booking

Plan your trekking experience early to avoid further inconveniences. During peak seasons, gorilla permits are more competitive compared to the rainy season. During peak seasons between the months of December and February and June and July, trekkers should book their tickets 6 months early, while during the rainy season, trekkers should book their tickets 3 months early.

Gorilla trekking vs gorilla habituation

Bwindi National Park offers tourists two gorilla adventures, i.e., gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation. Gorilla trekking: This is where tourists spend one hour with the mountain gorillas, observing their behavior and feeding habits. The trekking permits cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens.

Gorilla habituation experiences are where tourists spend four hours with the gorilla families. A maximum of 4 individuals are allowed to habituate each gorilla family. Habituation costs $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $1,000 for foreign residents, and UGX 750,000 for East African citizens.

How to book for a gorilla permit

A gorilla trekking permit can be booked through a licensed tour operator. Payment costs for gorilla trekking permits are done through a bank because theft is done through mobile money transactions.

In conclusion, gorilla trekking is a life-changing experience. The gorilla trekking rule and safety tips are emphasized to protect the health of the mountain gorillas and the tourists.