5 Safety Considerations for Gorilla Trekking in Africa.

5 Safety Considerations for Gorilla Trekking in Africa. into the dense tropics in the hunt for the elusive gorillas has become a focal point for almost all African adventures. Millions of travelers flock the popular homes of these gorillas just to have themselves exclusive up-close encounters with the endangered apes of the jungle to fulfill their bucket lists.

Mountain Gorilla tourism in Africa is done in only three countries of Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo in the Virunga volcano massif in east and central Africa. Over 750 gorilla reside in the forests of these countries, offering the best once in lifetime gorilla trekking experiences to the tourists, massive local development to the surrounding communities and foreign exchange to the government.

In the view to protect the endangered species, gorilla tourism in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo are closely monitored. A number of safety considerations has been set to ensure the safety of the mountain gorillas and their natural habitats as well as the trekkers on gorilla safaris.

Gorilla Trekking Briefing.

This is the first step on any gorilla trip in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. It is the orientation that prepares visitors for the magical trek in the jungle. The local guide takes you through the rules and regulations to follow for a safe trek. So before any trek, consider this simple briefing as it can safely guide you through the forest.

It’s at this point that trekkers know the dos and don’ts while tracking the gorilla, they are divided into groups that won’t strain them according to their fitness, get walking sticks and porters if needed.

Number of Trekkers.

On any gorilla safari, whether in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo, only eight people visit a single group, strictly for one hour per day. This is done to minimize the human intrusions into their natural habitats that might threaten the gorilla emotionally. This also limits the disturbance and the spread of human diseases like flu, cough and diarrhea.

This number is also small enough for the park ranger to protect in case of an attack and still big enough for team protection among the trekkers themselves against gorilla charges and other uncertainties.

Gorilla trekking rules and regulations.

These are not necessarily laws, but rather simple guidelines that warrant a safe gorilla trek in the forest, creating a harmonious environment for both the trekkers as well as the mountain gorillas.

Just like being told by the local guide during briefing, do not take photos of the gorillas with a flashlight on, this might frighten them away. Be submissive in the presence of these apes, do not look directly in their eyes and do not eat in front of the gorillas. Plus some other simple rules that ensure safety on the gorilla trekking safaris in Africa.

Dress and pack appropriately for the gorilla trek.

It is very vital to dress and park right for both your safety and the gorillas. Dull or nature colors are the most suitable ones for gorilla tracking since they camouflage with the forest colors. But bright colors scare away the gentle apes and put on long trousers to protect the skin.

Pack a rain jacket, garden gloves, insect repellents, waterproof hiking shoes, drinking water and a camera back for snapping the lifelong moments with the gorilla in the forests.

Health precautions.

The fact that gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases, they have been the major cause of their death creating a big need to distant the humans away from the gorillas. Yes, even if the gorillas are very vulnerable, human beings are as much as they are, they can also get infections, so don’t touch them or dump rubbish in their habitat. And if you are sick, please don’t go for gorilla trekking as the gorillas can easily contradict with such diseases.