Essential Tips for Ethical and Responsible Gorilla Trekking : Gorilla Trekking is an outstanding safari activity that requires perfect planning a responsible travel ways to ensure a safe and marvelous safari experience for both the humans and the mountain gorillas. Before gorilla trekking safari, it’s crucial to select a reputable tour operator like Salt Holidays that considers to ethical and responsible tourism standards, supporting conservation efforts and the local communities. Trekkers should be physically prepared for the demanding for gorilla trekking, which takes place from 30 minutes to six hours, and mentally prepared for the present challenges of encountering mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, trekkers must follow strict guidelines to reduce disturbance to the gorillas, including maintaining a safe distance of at least 7 meters, avoiding direct eye contact, and refraining from touching or feeding that gorillas. It’s crucial to stay healthy, as gorillas are susceptible to human illness, and follow proper hygiene protocols, such as wearing masks and washing hands. During gorilla trekking safari the experienced guides and trackers will lead the way, sharing valuable insights into gorillas behavior, habitat and the conservation status. To further support conservation efforts, trekkers should respect park rules, stay on the designated trails and not litter.
Mountain Gorillas these are endangered Gorillas with less numbers left in the world, mountain Gorillas are found in 3 safari destinations that is Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda the rest of the Gorillas are lowland Gorillas and mainly their found in the zoo.
There are over 1000mountain gorillas left in the world, and their numbers are actually increasing thanks to the conservation efforts. It’s amazing to think that mountain gorillas were once considered to be on the brink of extinction, but thanks to the tireless work of conservationists and organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, their numbers are now on the rise. The International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) has played a significant role in protecting mountain gorillas and their habitat, and their efforts have been instrumental in promoting sustainable tourism practices that support the conservation of these incredible gorillas;
The following are the essential tips for ethical and Responsible Travel for the tourists who would like to do gorilla trekking on a safari;
After the briefing at the headquarters, no more than eight people are allowed to go and trek the mountain gorilla family. The eight people are grouped together so that they don’t make too much noise, don’t bother the mountain gorillas’ behavior too much, and don’t spread diseases from person to person.
The 8 people are grouped in order to have a conducive environment, such as to minimize the behavioral disturbance of the mountain Gorillas and not also to pass human infectious borne diseases.
Wash your hands before you go for Gorilla trekking.
Keep your voices silent, by keeping your voices low this enables one to look out for different mammals in the forest, remember it’s a forest which protects and inhabits a number of birds, mammal by lowering your voices you will have a chance to see more of the inhabitants of the forest.
Do not live the Rubbish behind during your trek, as the mountain gorillas might eat the Rubbish and die; always keep all the Rubbish in bags and go back with them.
Guides and park rangers will advise you that when you get close to mountain gorillas, you should always stand 7 meters away from them. Watch them closely as they eat, play, clean each other, and show off their nests. The farther away you are, the more at ease they seem to be going about their daily lives.
Always keep your voices low, however questions are allowed to be asked in case you need to know more.
Stay in groups of eight and don’t move around, because the gorillas might take over.
Do not look direct in their eyes and do not run away this may increase the risk.
You’re advised not to touch the Gorillas these are ‘wild animals’.
Please don’t eat, smoke, or drink near the gorillas because they might eat your waste and spread diseases.
The gorilla trekking does not allow flash cameras with lights, as flash disrupts the gorillas.
You can only be with the mountain gorillas for an hour at a time. After being with the mountain gorillas for so long, they move 200 meters away and talk quietly.
Additionally, through supporting local communities the responsible tourism practices such as purchasing local handicraft or staying at eco-lodges, contributes to the long-term suitability of gorilla conservation. By doing these ethical and responsible travel practices, trekkers can contribute to the protection of the endangered mountain gorillas’ and their habitats while enjoying once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. Furthermore, trekkers should be aware of and respect local regulations including permits, group sizes and viewing times, to ensure the well-being of both humans and the mountain gorillas. By doing this, gorilla trekking safari becomes not only an unforgettable safari but also a wonderful contribution to conservation and sustainable tourism.
General health Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations.
If you need to use a toilet, you need to dig a hole of about 30 meters fill / cover it up after use.
Staying seven feet away this avoids the risk of catching diseases.
Although people with cough and flu are not allowed to trek the Gorillas. But if you have diseases that are spread through the air, like measles, you need to cover your mouth and nose and turn your head around. This will keep the diseases from spreading.
If one feels ill or carrying a contagious diseases you’re advised to stay behind, you will be refunded.
What to carry with you during gorilla trekking.
Flash cameras are not permitted, bring a film camera.
Bring sunscreen, lotion, a hat, bug spray, and wet gear with you.
Bring enough water bottles and a packed lunch.
People who don’t like the sound of the bush should put in ear plugs.
The forest is steep and slippery, so bring sturdy shoes that are easy on your feet.
