Gorilla trekking rules and Regulations : Gorilla trekking rules are instructions which are put in place for tourists to note while engaging on the gorilla trekking safari so as to have an amazing and memorable experience. Mountain gorillas are known to be endangered primates with 1000 of them left in the whole world. And these are found in 3 countries basically that is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo. The mountain gorillas live in the thick forests as well as mountain ranges of Virunga and Bwindi impenetrable national park. That is the Virunga mountains have Congo’s Virunga national park, Rwanda’s volcanoes national park and Uganda Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.
The task of hiking into the thick vegetation with altitudes in exploration of mountain gorillas is what is called gorilla trekking. Tourist are able to carryout the trekking to only the habituated mountain gorilla groups in the parks. Due to the 98% DNA that is almost of humans this makes them to be vulnerable to any kind of illness and also become exhausted and distressed whey spend a lot of time with humans.
Therefore, gorilla trekking rules have been put in place purposely to conserve the endangered mountain gorillas as well as the tourist’s safety. Though the gorillas are fully habituated they remain wild animals that are so protective especially to the young ones so following the regulations makes the tourists to contribute to the conservation of the mountain gorillas and the natural habitat. The following are the rules and regulations
BEFORE DEPARTING
Persons of 15 years and above are allowed to go for the gorilla trekking safari. The little ones always carry illnesses like mumps, measles and colds which are harmful to the mountain gorillas.
8 persons per gorilla group a day are allowed. This is to minimize the behavioral disturbances and possible risk of infections from humans.
If one falls sick before the trek, he or she can volunteer not to trek. Another session can be organized or a full refund can be given.
The tourists have to wash their hands fully before they commence on the gorilla trekking activity.
DURING THE TREKKING
The tourists have to keep their voices low and be on the lookout for the other wildlife and plant species within the park.
Time with the mountain gorilla is strictly one hour per day. So, tourists need to make proper use of the time with the gorillas.
The mountain gorilla trekkers need to maintain a distance of 7 meters away from gorillas all the time. In case the inquisitive mountain gorillas approach you, the tourists are advised to move slowly backwards until 5 meters and if its impossible the tourists are advised to be calm and act in accordance with the park ranger.
The tourists are also advised to remain within their groups and not to scatter or surround the gorillas.
Tourists are also advised not to do body language such as raising arms or point at the mountain gorillas and also not to stare at them. The mountain gorillas can take these as a threat.
Tourists shouldn’t clear the vegetation in order to have a clear view of the gorillas. Therefore, they should wait until they can easily view them.
Incase the tourists wants to cough or sneeze, they are advised to turn away from the primates and cover their nose and mouth. This is done so in order to reduce on the spread of airborne bacteria’s that can easily spread to the gorillas.
The tourists are also advised not to touch the gorillas even when they are in contact with them. They might consider it as a hostile act.
The tourists are told not to leave any waste material within the national park. Therefore, they should carry whatever they came with outside the park.
Incase the silverback thuds his chest, the tourist shouldn’t run away. They should remain can and act in accordance of the park ranger because they know what to do in such instances.
The tourists shouldn’t use flash cameras for taking photos. The flash light is a threat to the gorillas and this can make them to be hostile.
Smoking, eating and drinking by the tourists should be done 200meters away from the mountain gorillas.
Human waste should be buried 30cm deep. This is because its infectious to the mountain gorillas and other wildlife within the park.
Therefore the above are the rules and regulations for the successful mountain gorilla trekking safari in rwanda. This is so because its for the safety of both tourists as well as the gorillas. Hence the gorillas have to be fully conserved.
