How the Rules and Guidelines for Gorilla Trekkers in Uganda are implemented during a Gorilla Trek
Gorilla Trekking- Rules – Guidelines in Uganda – The Do’s and Don’ts for Gorilla Trekkers while Trekking
Simple to follow Gorilla Trekking- Rules – Guidelines in Uganda help keep everyone safe, secure, and healthy. The same rules and guidelines apply to the Gorilla Habituation Experience. Many Human Illnesses, such as respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, can be transmitted to them.
During these Post-Covid Pandemic Times, the Gorilla Trekking Rules and Guidelines in Uganda have been updated by Uganda Wildlife Authority to protect the endangered Gorillas and Humans.
The DNA of Gorillas is 98.4% like Humans, and they are prone to the same diseases as we are, including COVID-19. At present, about 20% of Gorillas die of respiratory diseases.
Gorilla Tourism contributes to Gorilla C conservation efforts. That is not related to the Coronavirus shutdown but due to the conservation efforts that tourism directly supports.
Gorilla Conservation is at the forefront, and the trekking is secondary, though critical in funding conservation efforts of the endanger d Mountain Gorillas. As Gorilla Trekking has reopened, a COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedure has been implemented to protect the gentle giants of the forest and humans.
Gorilla Trekking- Rules – Guidelines in Uganda
The Do’s and Don’ts for Gorilla TrekkersGorilla trekking is a highly regulated activity in Uganda, and there are strict rules and guidelines that visitors must follow to ensure the safety of both the visitors and the gorillas. Here are some of the rules and guidelines for gorilla trekking in Uganda:
Wearing a Facemask is mandatory for Gorilla Trekking
Wearing a face mask while in the presence of gorillas is required drive ng Pandemic Times.
A mask protects trekkers and gorillas alike. The Mask is the required gear on pri te treks in Uganda. The covers protect primates from human respiratory diseases that humans can pass to them when in proximity—one reason for the now ten-meter distance Rule.
If properly worn, the Masks will protect the endangered Primates as they help block the transmission of microorganisms such as droplets, sprays, spl matter, and splashes. The Mask also reduces the likelihood of hand-to-face contact.
All those visiting primates must wear masks to reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory diseases to Gorillas and other primates.
What you need to do before the Gorilla Trek:
- Proper Gorilla Trekking Wear and Gear: Long Trousers, a long-sleeved Shirt, and Waterproof Hiking Boots are
well-worn. A hat, a wide-brim red hat, is the best. Thick socks that you can tuck your trousers into or add protection. You will need extra face masks.
- Have a comfortable waterproof Daypack: We suggest you have a light daypack to put your lunch from the lodge. We supply two liters of water, Photographic Equipment, and insect repellent, which repels the mosquitoes (ke p in a Ziplock bag). Add a small sanitizer bottle and keep it light since you will carry it in and out.
- Use the services of a Porter: We highly recommend using the services of a Porter. We feel so strongly about Porter’s services that we automatically include them for our clients. They carry your daypack, which frees you on the Trek and assists you on challenging portions.
- Obtain a Walking Stick: Use a Walking Stick to steady yourself on the Gorilla Trek. We automatically furnish our clients with walking sticks.
- Cancel the Trek if you are ill: If you are sick with flu, cough, cold, or stomach ailment, be a Hero, and for the sake of the p inmates, do not trek. Two clients have done so, and surveys have shown that most continue to walk even if ill. We suggest that you cancel the day for the sake of the gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking- Rules – Guide Lines in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking Briefing and Orientation, where the Gorilla Trekking Rules and Guidelines are gone over in detail:
Your Gorilla Trek begins with a Briefing and Orientation at the trailhead, where your Trek begins and ends. Besides
wearing the proper clothing masks, Handwashing Stations are required, and you must wash your hands or sanity e them upon arrival. Please follow the distancing rule of two meters or six feet.
- Temperature Screening: The mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infra-red thermometers at the critical tourism
- Gorilla Family Assignment: You are assigned to a Gorilla Family based on your input, your physical stamina, your level of f fitness, and your age. A maximum of eight participants will track the assigned Gorilla Family.
- The Trekking Briefing: The Ranger that will lead the Trek is the one that will brie before heading out. You will be instructed to conduct yourself on and Trek during the Gorilla Encounter.
- If you are ill: Tourists, staff, and porters who, during the briefing, are observed to be sick shall not be allowed o track the Gorilla. These include anyone with signs of flu and those who report having diarrhea, stomach upsets, and malaria.
- Face Masks must be worn: Tourists, Ranger, and Porter all must wear a fresh mask during the orientation.
- BeforTrailding out on the Trail, wash or sanitize your hands again.
During the Trek to and from your Gorilla Group:
- Follow the Rangers’ instructions: The rangers know what is best in the wild and want you to have a memorable experience. Follow the leader along tracking trails and stick to the group for your safety, but even so that you can listen to him explain the attractions seen along the way to the mountain gorillas.
- Keep your voice low: You are requested to keep your Voice at a low volume as you head to track the mountain gorillas and even be quieter when y you finally meet them. It is so that you do not disrupt their peace and allow you to enjoy other wildliTrailecies along the Trail, especially the birds, golden monkeys, and butterflies.
- Keep a two-meter distance from others on the Trail: This is an enforced rule, and please allow a span of two meters or six feet from other trekkers.
- Breaks on the Trail: Breaks may be taken depending on the group’s fitness level.
- Do not pick flowers or plants: Leave everything as you find it. Do not pick flowers s, plants, or roots. Only leave your footprints behind; pictures are the only thing to take.
- Final Instructions before the Gorilla Encounter: You will be given some last-minute instructions before you come near the gorillas. You will be asked to sanitize your hands once more.
- Medical Issues: If a tourist or accompanying team members experience a health-related problem, UWA staff shall apply the established evacuation and first aid guidelines to move the affected individual from the field.
- Medical Emergency: If a Trekker or accompanying team members experiences a health-related problem, UWA staff shall apply the established evacuation and first aid guidelines to move the affected individual from the field to the nearest hospital or c init.
- DO NOT LITTER! Pack it in and pack it out: Like in any national park or protected area, you are advised to keep any form of garbage with you. If you have a backpack, please put all trash into it, and you can always empty it at a designated disposal point when you return to the briefing area. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park are fragile ecotourism sites that need to be kept free from litter.
- UsiTraile Toilet on the Trail: Should you need to use the toilet, please speak to a ranger to advise you on how to do it ecologically. We suggest that you have sanitary wipes with you in your daypack.
Gorilla Trekking Rules and Guidelines – In the presence of t Gorilla Family
- Keep a ten-meter Distance: You must keep a distance of ten meters from where the mountain gorilla family is. This distance is maintained to reduce the chance of transmission of diseases such as COVID-19. Infections can spread to the gorillas or from gorillas to humans.
- Wearing a face mask is mandatory during the Gorilla Encounter:
- No Eating or Smoking: Eating or smoking while in the presence of mountain gorillas is prohibited.
- No Flash Photography: Flash photography is also prohibited with gorillas and frightens them unnecessarily.
- Time with the Gorillas: You will be allowed 60 minutes with the mountain gorillas to watch them foraging, playing, and going about their usual business of the day, after which you will e required to leave the family.
After the Gorilla Trek:
- Debriefing: Time for the Gorilla Trekking Certificate of Completion. There is also time for feedback with the tracking team.
- Return to Lodge: Your Driver-Guide will meet you and return to the lodge.
For further Gorilla Trekking Information, please look at our Gorilla Trekking Information Page. You will be glad that you did.
Gorilla Trekking- Rules – Guidelines in Uganda: Following these rules and guidelines allows visitors to have a safe and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience while minimizing the impact on the gorillas and their habitat. Respecting the gorillas and their natural environment ensures their continued protection and conservation.
