Gorilla trekking is a rare, moving privilege – and it comes with responsibility. To protect these endangered animals and ensure safe, meaningful encounters, parks enforce clear rules: groups are small and guided, visitors keep their distance, illness and poor hygiene bar entry, and respectful behaviour is required at all times.
Following the rules keeps gorillas wild and visitors safe while maximising the chance of an unforgettable, low-impact experience.
Key rules at a glance
- Gorilla trekking safari is thrilling, but it can also be dangerous, and for anything useful, there must be rules; if money is not regulated, it would be worthless. The laws and regulations of gorilla trekking safari are discussed here
- A minimum of eight individuals are permitted to follow a particular Group or family.
- Ensure you have clean palms before embarking on a gorilla trekking safari expedition.
- Keep your voices as quiet as possible when trekking gorillas and when you encounter them.
- You will be guided by the guide or ranger guide through the park’s trails; please follow them and do not become separated from your group.
- As you approach the gorillas, your guide will inform you so that you can prepare for their presence.
- When encountering gorillas, please maintain a distance of approximately 7 metres. If these gorillas feel provoked or threatened, they may charge.
- Do not consume food or smoke in the presence of the gorillas.
- Flash photography is prohibited; therefore, remove the flash from your camera before taking photos during gorilla trekking safari.
- One hour is the utmost time allowed with the gorillas.
- Please do not monitor gorillas if you are ill; instead, contact the authorities, who may offer you another gorilla trekking session if you recover or refund your money.
- Do not discard trash in the forest.
- If you need to use the loo, consult the Ranger guide for advice.
- It is recommended that you wear hiking footwear.
- Since this is a tropical rain forest, it is possible that the weather will alter.
- Carry your packed lunch and water, as you cannot predict how long the walk will be.
- During the briefing, you will be provided with additional regulations; please adhere by them for proper gorilla trekking safari.