Gorilla and Chimpanzee Visit Rules

The following are Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations would apply as set out by the Uganda Wildlife Authority but which may be updated from time to time.

On the day of the trip:

Before departing on your Gorilla Tracking:

• A maximum number of 8 visitors may visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioral disturbance to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
• Always wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas.

On the way walking in the forest to the gorillas:

• Please always keep your voices low. You will also be able to observe the great bird life and other wildlife in the forest.
• DO NOT liter or leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out with you.

When you are with the Gorillas:

• A 7 meter (21 feet) distance should be observed at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the visited gorilla group will be.
• You must stay in tight group when you are near the gorillas.
• Keep your voices down at all times. However, it is okay to ask questions gently.
• Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking will inevitably increase the risk of food/drink droplets, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases to the gorillas.
• Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away.
• Flash photography is not permitted; please disable the flash feature on your camera. When taking pictures, move slowly and carefully to avoid exciting or scaring the gorillas.
• Do not touch the gorillas; They are wild animals.
• The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide may finish the visit early.
• After the visit, please keep your voices down until you are a minimum of 200 meters away from the gorillas.

General Health Rules:

Remember that gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following rules are ways to minimize the risk your visit might poses to them:

• Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
• If you are feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious disease, please volunteer to stay behind. 50% of the permit fee will be refunded your money.
• If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
• Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
• Do not leave any rubbish (eg. food wrappers) in the park; foreign items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
• If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig for you a hole. Make sure the hole is 30 cm deep and fill it in when you are finished.