ECO-ROYAL

Mountain Gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda is an amazing and very captivating activity; it involves walking in the wilderness in search of these great apes and can be an exciting but extremely challenging experience. Therefore, it is most important to ensure the physical fitness of all participants. Uganda is ranked number one in the world as a destination to experience the thrill of a mountain gorilla safari.

Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park in Uganda has been designated as a world Heritage site for the protection and conservation of these amazing animals. Today there are 670 Mountain Gorillas left in the world, half of which are found in Uganda in Bwindi National Park and forest.

To obtain a Mountain Gorilla Tracking Permit you have to book with a Mountain Gorilla Tracking Safari with us either as a 3 day safari alternatively as part of a longer safari taking in other Uganda National Parks such as Queen Elizabeth to see wildlife, birds and chimpanzees.

The price of the Mountain Gorilla Permits are 500 USD each. It may look slightly high but upon completion of the Gorilla Track you get a satisfaction of having seen this marvelous primate.  You must be at least 15 years of age.  Permits can be obtained for two different parks, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park.

Most visitors who go for Gorilla Tracking Safaris actually see them since your Guide is particularly an expert about the area where your habituated group is located in.

Also remember the following points when on a Mountain Gorilla safari, their habits, breeding, food, daily life and many more.

Things you need to know before you go Gorilla tracking in Uganda

The threats to the remaining gorilla population and its habitat are many. One of these threats is the possibility of disease transmission from humans to gorillas and vice versa. In order to address the issue of potential disease transmission to the gorillas and to mitigate behavioral disturbances to this fragile population, the gorilla rules have been developed.

By following these rules and through the purchase of the permit, YOU too are contributing to the conservation of the mountain gorilla. Uganda Wildlife Authority uses the funds generated from the sale of this permit for the management of the National Parks. A percentage of the funds raised from Park entrance fees are also donated to local communities living adjacent to the parks to contribute to their development and improve natural resource management in the region.

Before Tracking on Your Gorilla Trek:
Always wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas.

On the way to the Gorillas
a) A maximum number of 6 visitors may visit a group of habituated gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioral disturbance to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
b) Please always keep your voices low. You will then also be able to observe the great   bird life and other wildlife in the forest.
c) DO NOT leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out with you.
d) You will be taken to where the guides observed the gorillas the day before. From there you will follow the gorilla's trail to find them. Look out for the gorilla's nesting sites along the way!
e) When you approach the Gorillas, the guides will inform you to get ready.

When you are with the Gorillas:
a) A 5 meter distance should try to be observed at all times (15 feet) from the gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
b)You must stay in tight group whey you are near the gorillas.
c) Keep your voices down at all times. However, it is OK to ask the guide questions.
d) Do not eat or drink while you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases
e) Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass). Do not try and take pictures and do not attempt to run away. Running away will increase the risk.
f) Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully.
g) Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals. They might look cuddly but!!.
h) The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
i) After the visit keep your voices down until you are 200 metres from the gorillas.

General Health Rules:
a) Remember gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following are ways to minimize the risk your visit might poses to them:
b) Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
c) If you are feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your money.
d) If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
e) Always stay 5 metres (15 feet) away form the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
f) Do not attempt to touch the gorillas.
g) Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are with the gorillas.
h) Do not leave any rubbish (eg. food wrappers) in the Park; foreign items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.