Have the rules for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda changed?
Have the rules changed in Uganda for going on treks with mountain gorillas? No, there have been no changes to the rules for walking mountain gorillas in Uganda. Follow these rules if you want to see mountain gorillas in Uganda at either Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga National Park. They haven’t changed since they were first made.
Some of Uganda’s mountain gorilla rules are, but are not limited to:
The goal of mountain gorilla hiking is to protect mountain gorillas, not people. To make sure that the gorillas stay safe and healthy for many years to come, no one will be able to walk with them if they are sick or have a disease that can be spread. So the apes don’t get the sickness, this is done.
Because gorillas and humans share about 90% of their DNA, they are more likely to get these diseases. Since gorillas are not people, it is easy for them to die from these diseases. A gorilla’s death lowers the number of gorillas that are already in danger of going extinct.
To go on a trip with these gorillas, everyone should have a hiking pass. The park and its managers get money from selling hiking passes that is used to continue protecting mountain gorillas. If you want to see these animals, we ask that you help this cause. Also, seriously, you won’t be able to hike without a hiking ticket, so buy one ahead of time and bring it with you on the hike day along with your passport. To go on a mountain gorilla trip in Uganda, you need to pay 700 USD.
While exploring for mountain gorillas, you will be put with a group of eight people. Make sure you stay with that group the whole time.
As you’re on the walk, make sure you follow the trekking ranger’s instructions to stay safe and in line with the rules for gorilla trekking.
You can only spend an hour with the gorillas, so be sure to stick to that time limit.
Since you walk a lot, please be kind to the forest and leave it the way you found it. Remember that this is the gorillas’ home, so don’t do anything that will damage it.
Keep at least 7 meters of space between you and the gorillas when you’re with them.
Do not touch the gorillas at any time, as this could make them angry.
Do not cough or squeeze in front of the gorillas, because you could give them germs by mistake.
Again, don’t feed the apes and don’t eat in front of them either. You might give them something. Do not do it in front of the apes, just like you shouldn’t smoke or drink.
Do not use a flash when taking pictures because it makes the gorillas crazy.
While you’re trekking, don’t shout or make noise, but especially when you’re near the gorillas. When you are close to gorillas, noises may annoy them and make them angry. When you are hiking, any strange noises they hear may sound like danger to them, and they may move, making you have to walk farther to find them, or they can hide and you can find them.
Have the rules changed in Uganda for going on treks with mountain gorillas?
Great apes
If an ape comes at you with anger and wants to attack, try to stay as still and calm as you can and don’t look it in the eyes.
The most important thing is to follow the rules and instructions that the hiking ranger and your tour company give you.
In Uganda, you can go on mountain gorilla treks all year long in the parks above.
