Gorilla Trekking Rules

Gorilla tracking rules, procedures and guidelines are generally uniform in all gorilla parks of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with slight variations.

Gorilla trekking activity is done once a day and starts with briefing at park headquarters of Bwindi Impenetrable National park (Uganda), Mgahinga Gorilla National park (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). Briefing is normally from 0730am or sometimes earlier. Adventure Consults’ guide will brief you on timings a day before your trek.

Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) has got one briefing point, which is the case at Mgahinga Gorilla National park(Uganda).

Bwindi Impenetrable National park (Uganda) has got various sectors spread apart hence different briefing points. If you have booked a gorilla trip to track in Bwindi, you need to know which sector has been reserved for you. Please check with your safari advisor at Adventure Consults for specific information. See detailed info about Bwindi Gorilla families here.

Eight tracking permits are issued per Gorilla family, per day in both countries (Uganda and Rwanda). The number of permits or participants allowed to visit each Gorilla family, can however change and sometimes at short notice. This would be due to unforeseen circumstances as relevant authorities may deem necessary. With such limitations on number of permits available each day, it is highly recommended to book your Gorilla trekking permits in advance. Gorilla safari inquiries can be sent directly to sales@adventureconsults.com

General/common Gorilla trekking rules & guidelines.

  1. Gorilla trekking starts early in the morning and once a day.
  2. No person under 15 years is allowed to track gorillas.
  3. No one with communicable disease like cough, Flu, Diarrhea etc is allowed to enter the park.
  4. You are required to stay together in a group while with the gorillas, do not surround them.
  5. Do not get closer than 7 meters (21 feet) to the gorillas. This might change depending on circumstances at the time of your visit.
  6. Please switch your flashes while photographing the gorillas.
  7. Do not eat, drink or smoke when with the gorillas or within a distance of 200 meters from the gorillas.
  8. If you must sneeze or cough, please turn away from the gorillas. Cover your nose and mouth in the process.
  9. Burry all human faeces a minimum of one foot deep and ensure that the hole is properly covered. Your forest guide will advise and always feel free to talk when you feel like easing yourself.
  10. Do not leave litter. All litter must be carried out of the park and disposed off properly.
  11. Do not make loud noise or move suddenly when with the Gorillas.
  12. Maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide has a right to finish the visit early.
  13. Do not spit on vegetation or soil while in the park, use your hankie or other garment.