To what extent may I approach the gorillas?
"A close encounter with the majesty of nature"
Trekking to see mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that transports you into the heart of Africa to meet "mountain gorillas," one of the most amazing animals on the planet. Before you retire, you should undertake gorilla trekking, one of Africa's best wildlife adventure safari activities. Three nations—Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—are home to mountain gorillas in their tropical African forests. In order to find and see mountain gorillas in their native environment, gorilla trekking involves going through deep tropical African jungles.
How close can I get to the gorillas?
This is a question that comes up for people looking for a very immersive wildlife encounter. This comprehensive handbook is intended to provide you all the knowledge you need on the regulations and guidelines pertaining to gorilla trekking.
There are rigorous rules for gorilla trekking in every gorilla trekking area, even though trekking these gentle giants will give you a chance to see them up close. During the briefing, which answers a lot of concerns, guests are often given these established gorilla trekking norms and procedures. If you're asking, "How close can I get to the gorillas?" it's also crucial to remember that, even if they've become accustomed to their surroundings, mountain gorillas are still wild creatures, and their entire behavior may occasionally be surprising. One of the most important rules to follow when gorilla trekking is the 7-meter safe viewing distance for mountain gorillas.
To what extent may I approach the gorillas?
Visitors are permitted to see gorillas at a minimum distance of 7 meters throughout the journey. Gorillas may occasionally approach you, but you must remain composed and obedient, avoid seeing them in the eyes, and refrain from touching them.
Gorilla encounter in the wild: How near may I approach the primates? FAQs on gorilla trekking
You will eventually come into contact with gorillas after your protracted journey through the bush. Your ranger guide will lead the way, and you will do precisely what he says. You will learn how to approach your gorilla family from the ranger guide. Gorillas will be visible from a distance of about seven meters. It is your responsibility as the visitor to abide by these rules because gorillas are wild creatures and might not. When gorillas approach hikers too closely, we advise against touching them since the alert silverback will be observing everything you do.
Since they constantly seek to project their power, you are always urged to remain composed and seem submissive, even when they react or charge at you. Additionally, you are not permitted to feed the playful infants or eat in front of the gorillas while on the hike. Keep in mind that the gorilla habitat should be kept as clean as possible and that no trash of any type should be left there.
By adhering to the guidelines for gorilla trekking, you can support conservation efforts and ensure the safety of both you and the gorillas. Additionally, you will support the preservation of habitat. Therefore, if you're still unsure about how far you can observe gorillas, you can do so up to seven meters away.
Guidelines and regulations for gorilla trekking
The purpose of the gorilla trekking regulations and standards is to safeguard gorillas, their habitats, and tourists. These guidelines must be followed during safaris for mountain gorilla trekking in all African gorilla trekking locales. You can protect the gorilla environment and safeguard your own safety by adhering to the gorilla trekking regulations.
Keep your distance: When walking with mountain gorillas, you must always keep a minimum of 7 meters (about 21 feet) between you and the gorillas. Because gorillas are extremely vulnerable, keeping this distance will protect you and reduce the chance of spreading infections to them. Because gorillas are wild creatures, it's crucial to remember that they can readily approach visitors and won't keep their distance. You must maintain your composure in these situations and refrain from doing anything that might anger them.
Observe the guidelines' instructions: Ranger guides with extensive experience and expertise are always in charge of gorilla trekking. Throughout the hike, pay close attention to and heed your ranger guide's directions. Your safety and success when hiking mountain gorillas on your African safari vacation tour will be guaranteed by their amazing expertise of the gorillas and the jungle. To protect both your safety and the gorillas' welfare, ranger guides get extensive training.
Remain with your group: Typically, gorilla trekking groups consist of eight people apiece. Every group belongs to a certain family of gorillas. In order to find mountain gorillas, your group will be led into the forest by your ranger guides. Staying with your group and not getting lost on the walk is the best course of action. In addition to ensuring your safety, this will lessen the disruption to the gorillas.
Avoid flash photography: It's crucial to understand that flash photography is prohibited if you're interested in gorilla photography or video. Flash photography is strictly forbidden since it might disrupt the gorillas. However, you are free to take as many pictures as you like while hiking as long as you don't use your flash.
Steer clear of noise: It is advised to keep quiet on gorilla trekking trips in the forest and to speak softly only when you have a question you would want your ranger guide to answer. To keep the gorillas in a peaceful atmosphere throughout the trip, loud voices and abrupt movements should be avoided.
Avoid touching the gorillas: Despite the temptation, avoid touching gorillas while on the hike. Because they have been habituated over the years, gorillas may feel at ease in human company and occasionally approach hikers more closely. Even if the gorillas approach you, it's crucial to avoid touching them since their reactions can be unpredictable and the alert silverback may become irritated. Since they are wild creatures, it is best to avoid making direct contact with them when trekking.
It is not permitted to eat or drink in close proximity to gorillas, even if we advise bringing some energy while going on a gorilla trekking adventure. Food and beverages may draw the gorillas' unwelcome attention. We advise consuming water or snacks prior to or following your trip in order to stay safe.
Dress appropriately: It is advised to dress appropriately when getting ready for a gorilla trekking safari excursion. To guarantee that your body is adequately protected, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are the ideal attire for mountain gorilla trekking trips. Because it might draw attention and cause discomfort for gorillas, clothing with animal prints is forbidden. Wear long sleeves and trousers to keep insects, thorns, and nettles at bay. Remember to bring along a pair of cozy hiking boots.
Keep yourself healthy: If you are feeling poorly on the morning of your gorilla trekking trip, it is recommended to skip the activity, especially if you have a communicable disease. Remember that gorillas may readily get human illnesses because they share up to 98% of their DNA with humans. To save the severely endangered mountain gorilla population, this regulation is rigorously implemented.
Respect the environment: You may help save gorillas and their habitat by practicing environmental respect. During the hike, don't damage any plants and don't leave any rubbish behind. It's also critical to keep in mind that gorilla habitats are delicate ecosystems, and protecting them requires minimizing human disturbance.
To view the gorillas, how many kilometers do you have to walk?
It's crucial to understand that there is no set distance for gorilla trekking, so you can't be sure how long it will take you to locate one. The location of your designated gorilla family and their movements often affect the trek's duration and distance. You will probably walk a greater distance than others who will be trekking gorilla families close to the visitor’s center if the designated gorilla family is located further from the center.
If the gorilla family you have been assigned is actively moving, it will take you a long time to find them because they are always on the move. It will take you less time and distance to find your gorilla family, though, if they are not moving about much and are grazing or sleeping in one spot.