Gorilla Tracking Guidelines in Rwanda

Gorilla Tracking Guidelines in Rwanda

Introduction

Gorilla tracking guidelines in Rwanda have been carefully developed to protect the mountain gorillas’ health and safety. As such, it is important to remember that gorillas are extremely susceptible to human diseases and infections, and become stressed if too many visitors arrive or approach too closely. Additionally, gorillas are wild individuals and very protective of their young. To remain healthy and survive, these apes need to be undisturbed by visitors and allowed to eat, rest, and socialize with their own species.

Precautions/rules

• Health Precautions: If a tourist is unwell, park staff reserves the right to deny gorilla visitation.
• Visitor Limitations: In an effort to further protect the mountain gorillas, each group can only visit once a day, with a maximum of eight or six tourists.
• Age Restrictions: Visitors must be a minimum of fifteen years old.
• Time Limit with Gorillas: Interaction time with great apes is restricted to one hour.
• Photography Guidelines: Flash photography is strictly prohibited.
• Maintaining Distance: Visitors must maintain a minimum distance of seven meters from gorillas. If they approach closer, slowly retreat to five meters. If further retreat is impossible, remain still. Always follow the guide’s instructions. Keep belongings out of young gorillas’ reach.
• Group Dynamics: Tourists should stay in a cohesive group, avoiding spreading out or encircling the great apes.
• Seated Observation: When observing gorillas, crouch or sit whenever possible.
• Mindful Body Language: Avoid raising hands, pointing, or staring at gorillas.
• Vegetation Disturbance: Do not clear vegetation to improve visibility.
• Responding to Silverbacks: If a silverback gorilla displays aggressive behavior, do not run. Guides will provide instructions.
• Eating, Drinking, and Smoking: No consumption or smoking near gorillas or within 200 meters.
• Noise Level: Maintain utmost quietness and whispering.
• Sneezing or Coughing:Turn away from gorillas and cover nose and mouth.
• Waste Disposal: Bury all waste materials. A machete may be borrowed to dig a 30cm hole.
• Litter Management: Be extra careful when disposing of small items like film boxes or tissues.

Adhere to these gorilla tracking guidelines and heed your guide’s instructions for a safe and unforgettable experience. Contact Safari Vacations and Travel Services for seamless permit booking, transport, and accommodation arrangements, ensuring a hassle-free journey from arrival to safari. With over a decade of experience, we are passionate about creating unforgettable vacations in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. Trust our local consultants to curate your ideal itinerary based on expert ground knowledge, handling all logistical aspects for a memorable trip.

Ensure that you follow gorilla tracking guidelines in Rwanda and guide instruction in the jungle for your safety to enjoy your gorilla tracking experience in the jungle.

Safari vacations and travel services designs itineraries in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC with over 10 years of experience and we are proud of our reputation for executing some of the most highly-rated vacation experiences. Our local consultants plan with you your preferred itinerary using expert ground knowledge. We take care of all the local logistics like permits, accommodation, and transport.

Contact Safari Vacations and Travel Services for inquiries, planning advice, permit booking, and seamless transport and accommodation arrangements. We ensure a hassle-free experience from landing to safari.