ACTUAL GORILLA TREKKING:
Once your group finds the gorilla family the clock starts ticking – the rangers keep on informing you about the remaining minutes to leave.
Silence is needed when you are amidst the gorillas – move slowly and avoid sudden movements in order not to irritate the gorillas. Instead sit down and avoid looking directly into the eyes of the gorillas as this may also irritate them thinking that you want to fight them.
It’s not a problem to look a gorilla in the eye, but if he begins charging at you, hold your ground but lower your eyes to indicate that you do not want a confrontation but rather you are submissive. Prepare your cameras and get ready to take as many photos as you want but please remember to remove the flash lights and sounds.
The gorillas may be feeding from the ground resting, moving around or up in the trees playing about in the branches. Try to get yourself the best view for photographs and learn all their behavior. Follow them in case they are moving but at a recommended distance which should be not shorter than 7 meters. The most important thing is you staying near your guide and following his instructions always.
The trackers will often clear the brush with their machete so you can get a clearer and closer look at the gorillas. It is incredible how graceful and peaceful these animals are, especially considering their incredible size. You’ll be amazed when you see the silverbacks (mature males) get up and move around showing control over the territory.
Guidelines to Visiting Gorillas
Some of the information given below is well written in the printed-leaflet offered by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to get clear information before and during an encounter with these giants. Only eight members are allowed to track gorillas in each family per day, as this help to reduce on the pressure human cause on to these species as well as the risk of exposing them to human borne diseases.
While On the way to the mountain gorillas:
- During your walk to meet the gorillas in their natural habitats, you are required to keep your voice as down as possible, and during the walk you will be in position to see the rich bird life and some wildlife within the forest.
- Do not visit gorillas if you have a cold or other infectious illness like flue or cough
- Human waste should be buried 30cm (12) deep
- Do not leave any rubbish within the park. Whatever you take into the forest must be taken out as you leave.
- The guide will inform you when you close in to the mountain gorillas
When you are with the gorillas:
- Maintain a distance of about 7-10m (21ft) from the gorillas as this will help the gorillas to keep relaxed and not to charge on you in case you get so close to them.
- When you meet gorillas, You should stay together as a group avoid staying alone and follow the guide’s instructions
- Smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted on the tour as this may put the life of gorillas and you in danger
- If you must sneeze or cough cover your face and turn around away from the gorillas, as they can catch cough and colds from human hence this may result into death of gorillas
- Ounce you meet gorillas you are strictly allowed only one hour with them studying their behaviors as well as taking as many photos as you can( a flash camera is not allowed) . But, if the gorillas turn to be restless or nervous, your guide will end the visit earlier.
- When you are with gorillas try much as possible to maintain your voice low. However it is ok to ask your guide questions.
- When the gorilla charge follow the guide’s instructions for example squat down slowly, don’t look directly into the eyes of the gorillas they may think you are an enemy wait for them to pass). Don’t attempt to run away as this will increase the threat.
- You are not allowed to touch gorillas remember they are wild animals they may charge on you. .