Can I Touch A Gorilla?

Can I touch a gorilla? NO, following the standards or gorilla trekking rules and regulations, touching gorillas isn’t allowed – it is one important guideline or safety measure that everyone visiting mountain gorillas or lowland gorillas must observe. Find details for gorilla trekking guidelines in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo with Silverback Gorilla Tour

Any attempts to touch mountain gorillas in their habitat come with their own impacts considering their status. Mountain gorillas are human closest relatives in the natural environment sharing up to 98% of their DNA with us and this also implies that they are the most susceptible to human infectious diseases.

There are less than 1063 mountain gorillas left on earth, and on gorilla trekking, a high level of caution should be exercised. Even when you cough, it is advisable to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing. Note, that there are only 4 locations where these apes live: Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi & Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park.

When mountain gorillas walk close to you, higher chances are you will be tempted to touch but don’t. Leave them to move and perhaps find a way of distancing yourself from these apes to avoid any likelihood of spreading infectious diseases.

Mountain Gorillas

When you approach a family of mountain gorillas, you are advised to keep a distance of about 8-10m. Keeping this distance makes these apes also have a relaxed environment and they carry on with their daily life while you observe, take pictures, etc.

Besides, mountain gorillas are wild animals touching them might be mistaken for an attack. As a result, they can charge you or cause harm to and this is why you shouldn’t be tempted to touch them.

Other important information/guidelines for gorilla trekking

1. Don’t leave behind any rubbish before and after your gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. Ensure that all your used items are kept in the bag and dump them in the designated areas at the park offices or at the lodging facility.
2. Make sure that your voices are kept low while in the jungles tracking gorillas.
3. The maximum time to be spent with mountain gorillas is strictly one hour -this is for you to take pictures and observe how they behave.
4. Flashlight cameras aren’t acceptable during photo-taking and for visitors whose cameras do have flashlights, it is advisable to turn it off prior to taking pictures. The flashlight does scare away gorillas or even make them get irritated or charge at you.
5. Wash the hands prior to visiting gorillas.
6. Don’t smoke, or drink/eat while in the presence of gorillas to avoid the spread of infectious diseases caused by such actions.
7. A maximum of 8pax or tourists are allowed will be accompanied to visit a single gorilla group per day. In Uganda, 21 gorilla families are open for tourism 20 groups in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
8. For tourists who feel ill/sick, you are advised not to visit gorillas.
9. Only adults above 15 years can visit mountain gorillas or purchase a gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda.

What to pack for a gorilla safari?

Gorilla Experience

Anyone intending to visit Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking requires to pack well and begin with essentials. The following essentials should be a must-have including packed lunch, bottled drinking water, long-sleeved shirts, a raincoat or jacket, waterproof hiking boots, trousers, a camera, a good sweater, insect repellent, a simple first aid kit, sunscreen, sun hat, gardening gloves, and others.

Gorilla permits

Gorilla permits are essential if you are to visit Uganda or Rwanda for mountain gorilla trekking. If you are looking for a budget destination, then Uganda is the right place to be – each gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 per person and for high-end travelers on gorilla safaris in Africa, Rwanda is the place to visit – gorilla permits costs US Dollars 1500 per person.