Mountain gorillas are an endangered species that can only be trekked in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the Virunga region, which has made these giant primates a top tourist attraction in the three countries. Although they are large and powerful primates, they never have an interest in attacking or causing harm to humans unless they are provoked, which is rare to zero occurrence. Though many people think that gorillas are scary, they are very peaceful animals and gorilla safaris into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Virunga Massif are quite safe.
Safety Tips for Gorilla Trekking
Book with a good local tour operator
Before booking a gorilla trip, make sure that you do extensive research about the company you are about to use so that fake companies do not defraud you. Read reviews on TripAdvisor from other clients who have used the company before, and ensure that the company is legally registered, has worked with clients before, and has a company account for payments or any other genuine online payment plan. Avoid sending money to a personal account because it might be hard to trace it.
Follow all the trekking rules
Mountain gorillas are calm and peaceful primates until they believe they are being threatened. To avoid being attacked and irritating them, make sure that you stay with the group at all times; keep a distance of 7 meters between you and the gorilla; when approached by the gorillas, keep a low profile; bow down and do not look at the gorilla straight in the eye; avoid making noise; do not eat, drink, or smoke around the primates; give them space to move around; do not touch the baby gorillas even though it is tempting because the silverback might think that you want to harm their offspring; and do not litter the compound.
Get an easier hike
If you believe that you are not fit for a hike but would still want to hike, we recommend that you communicate with your operator so that you are assigned a more accessible family to hike with. The hike will still be the same as the rest; the only difference is that you will be given an easier family to hike with. Read more about gorilla trekking for seniors and disabled people.
Dress appropriately
Gorilla trekking rules are extremely important, but so is the dress code if you want to avoid injuries. You will be hiking through an African jungle, and you will need to be well protected by putting on strong, sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, trousers (avoid jeans), gaiters, thick socks, and sunglasses, but only during the hike, waterproof jackets, a warm sweater, and sunscreen, among others.
A Good Hotel
The internet is filled with many hotels you can book. We advise, however, that you get accommodation that is both safe and has comfortable rooms. Cheap hotels are always overcrowded and do not have the best facilities. So, it is best to let your tour operator book the spaces on your behalf since they are well-versed with the accommodations within and outside the national parks.
Purchase of permits
Avoid purchasing gorilla trekking permits from the black market and sites that are not genuine and usually offer the licenses at a low cost. The only authentic places to get your permit are the local tour operators registered with the Association of Uganda Tour Operators, the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda, and the Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda.