How close can I get to the gorillas? ‘‘A close encounter with nature’s majesty’’

How close can I get to the gorillas? Mountain Gorilla Trekking is an extraordinary adventure on African Holiday Tours /African Wildlife Safaris to witness the most awe-inspiring creatures on earth. This is definitely an activity that you should indulge in when you are still physically able to hike in highlands. This epic African Wilderness adventures introduces travelers to the “Mountain Gorillas” that live in the dense forests in Africa in the jungles of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.  Witnessing the awesome creatures is one-in-a-time experience to hike in the forests and observe the unique landscapes of the Gorilla Trekking National Parks of Africa.

For Gorilla enthusiasts, hiking in the tranquil rainforests in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on this exhilarating wildlife tour keeps you wondering; How close can I get to the gorillas? Here is an informative article to enlighten about some of the rules and regulations to guide you on Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

Gorilla trekking is a unique adventure offering face-to-face encounter with gorillas in the wild, however ,there is need to keep reserved and observe the guidelines in the different Gorilla National Parks in Uganda and Rwanda. During the briefing sessions early morning at the receiving centers for visitors at the trekking destination, officials issue guidelines and answer several questions about gorillas. In case you are eager to know “How close can get to the gorilla?” In spite of the efforts to train habituated gorillas to remain calm before humans, it does not disqualify them from being regarded as wild. This implies that their behavior around people is not predictable at times hence the need to keep a reasonable distance. This safety measure is one of the most emphasized guidelines on the gorilla trekking safaris, visitors should observe a 7 meter distance from the gorillas in the wild.

If you are wondering, “How close can I get to the gorillas? “while in the jungle, visitors can take photographs of gorillas at 7 meters distances. When a gorilla walks closer to you, avoid eye contact with it, be and remain submissive.

Encounter with gorillas in the wild – How close can I get to the gorillas?

Gorilla encounters are made after lengthy hikes into the wild involving walking for several hours to find the primates. After exploring the vegetation and landscapes in the forest, you will finally see face to face with gorillas. Along the hidden trails, you will be led by a guide who will be cutting your way out of the thick bushes with a matchet. On way to see mountain gorillas, armed rangers are in company of the gorilla trekking groups of travelers to scarce away elephants and buffalos that may try to attack. Sometimes the 7 meter rule is broken when a random gorilla passes past trekkers, never be too carried away by the moment and attempt to touch the primate whose guardian, the silverback is always watching.

When any member of the family or silverback charges, endeavor to remain calm and be submissive. These creatures like to feel superior and dominant so any action intimidating to them would provoke the silverback to make a threat. If you are hungry eat before and after seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat. Feeding the babies and other young primates is prohibited. Trash and other non-degradable material are not allowed inside the Gorilla National Parks of Rwanda and Uganda.

Any attempt to disrespect the guidelines will be against conservation of the endangered species of primates and will be destructive to their home. Therefore, ensure utmost heed to the stated guidelines during the Gorilla trekking Safari in Uganda and Rwanda and contribute towards conservation and protection of the only home of the last mountain gorillas in the world. The 7 meter distance will protect them from human contact and prevent them from catching communicable diseases.

Gorilla trekking rules and guidelines – How close can I get to the gorillas?

Gorilla trekking rules and guidelines are a set of regulations put in place to ensure that the endangered mountain gorillas are protected and safeguard their natural habitat plus trekkers. All the various stakeholders involved in gorilla conservation like trekkers, guides, rangers porters, neighboring communities must observe these regulations in all the countries where primate tracking is done. This ensures safety and protection for the creatures and their natural home.

Maintain distance with gorillas: Trekkers should observe a 7 meter distance from gorillas while in the wild. The 7 meter gap is the minimum distance that a traveler is required to be away from the gorilla while viewing them in their natural habitat. This minimum distance ensures protection for mountain gorillas and any diseases that humans can spread since they share their DNA with us. The 7 meter distance ( 21 feet) is paramount to all stakeholders involved, although gorillas may go against this rule and move close to trekkers. In such situations, do not panick, stay calm and be submissive to prevent the gorillas from agitating.

Follow the instructions given by the guide: On gorilla trekking days, travelers are led by experienced and informant guides to see the wild animals. It is important to take the information from the guide seriously especially about the behavior of people and gorillas. This will ensure your  safety and also success in trekking mountain gorillas on your African primate tracking tour and also protect the home of the rare species of primates.

Stay in your group:

Visitor grouping is a common practice done during the gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda and Uganda. The groups usually comprise of at most 8 members who are given armed rangers and guides to visit their assigned Gorilla family. Visitors are required to stay with the group during their trek into the jungles of Rwanda and Uganda and avoid wandering off during the trek. While in the forest, the tracks are impassable and the impenetrable nature could prove a challenge to locate visitors you leave the group. Furthermore, it ensures that trekkers are safe and protected during the expedition.

Avoid flash photography: While on gorilla photography tours In Uganda or Rwanda, the flash light should be off. This could disorganize the gorillas and ruin the entire trekking experience. To prevent such disasters, the authorities prohibit flash cameras and photos of gorillas are taken when the flash light is off. Travelers are free to take as many photos as they want of gorillas with the one hour period allocated to them.

Avoid making noise: Gorilla trekking is one the most tranquil African wilderness Safaris due to its peaceful and quit nature. While on these adventures, everyone is required to stay silent or speak in a low tone only when you are trying to ask the guide for some clarifications. The loud voice and sudden movements should be avoided during the trek so as to maintain peaceful surrounding for the gorillas.

Do not touch the gorillas:

Despite the tempting babies and infants seen during the mountain gorilla trekking, never touch any of the wild animals in the wild. The gorillas however habituated they may seem, gorillas are not  used to humans toughing or holding them. Always stay in lane and avoid getting into contact with the gorillas in the wild whether they pull closer to you. The silverback may be agitated once it sees you touching any of its members.

Do not eat or drink near gorillas:  However much it is allowed to rehydrate and reenergize during the hectic gorilla trekking adventure, eating and drinking are not recommendable near the gorillas. We recommend carrying packed food or snacks and water to take before or after seeing the primates. Food can attract gorillas to move towards visitors and break the minimum distance for seeing them.

Wear appropriate clothing:

Choosing the right clothing is a key aspect to look at while embarking on the trek for gorillas. You could consider clothes like;  long sleeved shirts , jungle shoes, gloves and long trousers and cover the entire body. Wearing animal inspired prints is not allowed because of the wildlife egos which make them uncomfortable. Wearing appropriately will make convenient for you to move undisturbed by ants and other insects even pricking plants. The muddy trails, ant infested walking routes and thick bushes require hiking boots.

Animals print attire is prohibited since it can attract attention and also make gorillas uncomfortable. Dress in long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from nettles, thorns, and insects. Do not forget to carry a pair of comfortable hiking boots.

Stay healthy: Maintaining good health habits before going for the gorilla trekking is crucial. You can do regular checks up and use anti-malaria drugs to keep yourself fit and healthy. For the safety of gorillas, you can check up before heading into the jungle at the Visitor Cenetr to protect the endangered creatures which share more 98% of their DNA with humans. In case you are found with any illness, forego the trek until you are well and in the right physical state.

Respect the environment:

The natural home of mountain gorillas is a lush green untapped world protected from human destruction. It is preserved specifically to house the last mountain gorillas in the world. You can contribute to its protection by leaving no trash behind and avoid damaging vegetation during the trek. In conserving this wilderness, you will be allowing their number to increase in the future.

How many miles do you walk to see the gorillas?

If you have never gone gorilla trekking before, you be asking,” How long will it take to find mountain gorillas?” if you are inquisitive about the distance moved in search for mountain gorillas, it largely depends on the position where you started the trekking from. You could experience a lengthy hike if your assigned gorilla family is far from the Visitor Center. Those whose assigned families are close move shorter distances in the wild.

The gorillas are constantly moving and it takes you a considerable amount of time to locate them as they keep moving. For the lucky trekkers whose gorilla family is somewhere waiting at place of  feeding or resting, it will take you little distance and time to locate them.