Is gorilla trekking safe in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC?

Is gorilla trekking safe in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC? Both yes and no. Indeed, it is safe to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda because the government, conservationists, and park officials have implemented safeguards to protect both the trekkers and the mountain gorillas. The implementation of rules and guidelines for gorilla trekking, cameras in various areas of Volcanoes National Park, a security check for all visitors at the park entrance, and round-the-clock security are some of the measures implemented to guarantee the safety of gorilla trekking. The following guidelines must be adhered to when hiking gorillas:

The age limit for trekking in Uganda is 12 years and 15 years in Rwanda.

Tourists have to keep a distance of 7 meters between them and the gorillas.

Tourists have to turn away from the gorillas when sneezing and coughing and you have to cover your mouth.

All visitors have to avoid feeding the gorillas.

Tourists who are sick have to inform the guides and they will not be allowed to trek Mountain gorillas.

When taking pictures of the gorillas, visitors must turn off the flash on their cameras.

The mountain gorillas cannot be touched or fed by visitors.

Visitors have to keep the national parks clean by taking back all the rubbish from the park.

Guides help with digging a hole of 30cm to use as a toilet and this has to be covered well so the gorillas do not find it.

Tourists have to keep calm, communicate in low tones and not scare the gorillas.

When visiting the gorillas, tourists must abide by all rules provided by the guides.

No, gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo is not safe and this is because of the unending political unrests that are still being experienced in the national parks. All tourists have been advised to avoid trekking gorillas in DRC for now until it becomes safe to trek gorillas in Virunga National Park. Gorilla trekking is currently limited to Rwanda and Uganda.

The age limit for gorilla trekking in Africa

Depending on the safari destination you have selected, the minimum trekking age in Africa varies. This was established to ensure trekkers’ safety while also preserving and safeguarding the mountain gorillas. The minimum age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 12 years and the age limit for trekking in Rwanda and DRC is 15 years. No maximum age was set and all ages 12 and above for Uganda and 15 and above for Rwanda and DRC can purchase gorilla permits and be able to participate in gorilla trekking.

If you wish to participate in gorilla trekking but are weak due to old age, there was an introduction of sedan chairs which are carried by porters and these are used to carry around trekkers so that they can be able to participate in the exercise. The sedan chairs come at an extra cost of about $500 to 600 dollars.

When to go for gorilla trekking in Africa?

Although gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year in Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo), the best time to go is during the peak, dry season. The gorilla trekking routes are more accessible and the gorillas are easier to see during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. The gorilla trek paths are more difficult to use during the wet season, which runs from March to May and October to November, because to the muddy and slick conditions. Trekking gorillas in the three nations is challenging because of the heavier foliage in the national parks during the rainy season

What to pack for gorilla trekking in Africa?

When it comes to gorilla trekking in Africa, you need to feel at ease, and this includes the items you bring for the safari. Weather in the national parks can range from sunny to wet and muddy all the time, so it’s important to prepare appropriately for the three gorilla trekking countries. For a gorilla trekking expedition, the following goods are advised to pack and bring:

Light-weight pants and long-sleeved shirts, Insect repellent, Torch/light, Refillable water bottle

A camera should come with batteries, extra lenses, a camera bag and extra memory cards, Binoculars, Toiletries including wet wipes and biodegradable toilet paper, Sleeves for garden
A raincoat, Sweater, fleece and ponchos to keep warm, Hat and sunscreen, Knee-length boots
Apply sunscreen.