GORILLA TREKKING RULES

ON THE WAY TO THE GORILLAS

1. always wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas

2. A maximum number of 8 visitors may visit a group of habituated gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioral disturbances to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human borne diseases

3. You will be taken to where the guides left the gorillas the previous day. From there you will follow the gorillas’ trail to find them. Look out for the gorillas’ nesting sites along the way

4. When you reach the gorillas, the guides will inform you when to get your cameras ready

5. Please always keep your voices low. You will also be able to observe the great bird life and other wildlife in the forest

6. Do not leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back with you

WHEN YOU ARE WITH THE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

1. Keep your voices low at all times. However, it is okey to ask the guide questions.

2. You must stay in a tight group when you are near the gorillas

3. Keep a minimum of 7 metres (21 feet) from the gorillas. This is to protect the gorillas from human disease transmission

4. Do not eat or drink while you are near the gorillas

5. Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guide’s example crouch down slowly. DO NOT look the gorilla in the eye. Wait for the gorillas to pass and do not attempt to run away as this could increase the risk of attack

6. Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals

7. Flash photography is not allowed.  When taking pictures, move slowly and carefully.

8. The maximum time visitors are allowed to spend with gorillas is one hour. This is done to limit their disturbance. If the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will end the visit early

9. After the visit, keep your voices low until you are 200 metres away from gorillas

GENERAL HEALTH RULES

remember that gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following are ways to minimize the risk your visit might pose to them

1. If  you are feeling I’ll,or have a contagious disease when you are already at the park, please volunteer to stay behind. Alternative visit will be arranged for you or you will be refunded your money as per gorilla reservation guidelines

2. If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of viruses or bacteria

3. Always stay 7 metres (21feet) away from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be

4. Respect the gorilla limit imposed on the time visitors are allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group

5. If you need to go to the “toilet” while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole and ensure you cover it when you have finished

6. Do not leave any rubbish in the park

By following the rules above and through purchase of the permit, you are contributing to the conservation of the mountain gorillas

A percentage of the funds raised from the park entrance fees and the community Levy on permits is shared with the local communities living adjacent to the park so as to help contribute to their development projects and also improve in the natural resource management in the region

Any breach of these rules may lead to termination of tracking without any refund.