Gorilla Trekking Safety Guidelines and Whether It is Safe to Visit Gorillas in Uganda

Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Safe?

As experienced gorilla safari operators, we assure you that gorilla trekking in Uganda is generally safe. However, it’s essential to understand the safety measures that are in place to ensure your safety on the gorilla trek. Uganda has taken significant steps to enhance security and safety in the national parks, which include those for gorilla trekking. There have been no reported incidents in the last ten years.

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense forests and uneven terrain, which can be physically demanding. It is advisable for visitors to be in good health and have a moderate level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience. To ensure a safe and successful gorilla trekking adventure, it is essential to follow the instructions of the park rangers and guides.

Is it safe to track gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?

Yes, it is generally safe to track gorillas in either Uganda or Rwanda. These countries have well-established systems in place to ensure the safety and security of visitors during gorilla trekking experiences. The national parks where gorilla trekking takes place, such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, have dedicated park rangers who are highly trained and experienced in guiding visitors through the trekking process. They are knowledgeable about the behavior of gorillas and the surrounding environment, ensuring that visitors maintain a safe distance and follow guidelines to minimize any potential risks.

Both Uganda and Rwanda prioritize the protection and conservation of gorillas, and strict regulations are enforced to ensure the well-being of these endangered animals. In addition, visitor permits are limited, allowing for controlled and sustainable tourism practices. This helps to minimize overcrowding and maintain a peaceful and respectful environment for both the gorillas and visitors.

Overall, with proper preparation, adherence to guidelines, and guidance from experienced professionals, gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is considered a safe and remarkable wildlife encounter.

Here are a few steps to ensure you are safe when you go gorilla trekking in Uganda:

Check Travel Advisories

Before traveling, check the travel advisories issued by your country’s government and relevant authorities. These advisories provide information about safety and security concerns in specific regions. And at the time of writing this (2023), Uganda is one of the safest safari destinations to visit. If you are worried about the anti-LGBTQ laws in the country, just don’t bring it up or advocate for your rights during your visit, and you’ll enjoy the genuine hospitality of Ugandans. Ugandans are generally hospitable and private people. They will not police your sexual orientation as long as you respect theirs. Travel with an open mind.

Local Guidance

Follow the guidance of your tour guides, park rangers, and other local authorities. They are experts in navigating the area and ensuring your safety. You will meet different guides on your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. The first guide will be your driver and trip manager and will chauffeur you during your journey but may not accompany you on the gorilla trek. They usually inform you of what to expect, furnish you with rules and regulations, and help you in difficult situations. You and your trekking group will have a local tracker guide and two armed rangers during the trek. Working for the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the guide and rangers are there to ensure that it is safe to trek gorillas. Follow their steps and guidance, and you’ll be safe during your unforgettable experience trekking with gorillas in Uganda.

Health Precautions

When planning a trip to Uganda, it’s important to take the necessary health precautions and vaccinations. The country requires all visitors to have the Yellow Fever vaccine, and malaria is prevalent. To ensure your safety, it’s wise to consult with a travel health clinic or your healthcare provider before embarking on your journey.

It’s worth noting that the Uganda Wildlife Authority prioritizes the health of primates. As a result, anyone showing symptoms of contagious diseases, like a running nose, cough, high temperature, or sneezing, will not be allowed to trek gorillas. Therefore, it’s recommended to stay back and recover before making any plans to visit.

While visiting gorillas in Uganda, it’s mandatory to wear a mask to protect both yourself and the gorillas against any potential contagion. To avoid infections, visitors must maintain a distance of 20 meters and avoid touching the gorillas during their visit.

Travel with a Reputable Gorilla Safari Operator

To ensure a safe and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience, it’s crucial to choose a reputable tour operator. Such operators have experienced guides and staff familiar with the local conditions and can offer valuable insights and assistance. From arranging a serviced car for your transfers to booking you in verified safe accommodation and providing financial protection, a local operator will take care of everything to ensure your safety during your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.

Stay Informed About Security Threats

Keep yourself informed about the current security situation in the region you plan to visit. This can include checking with the Ugandan Wildlife Authority, your local Destination Management Company, your assigned guide, and other relevant sources for any updates on safety, park regulations, and gorilla trekking procedures.

Respect Guidelines During Your Visit With Gorillas

Follow all guidelines and regulations provided by the park authorities. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of both visitors and the gorillas. Gorilla trekking is an incredible opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat while contributing to their conservation. To ensure a safe and respectful experience for both visitors and gorillas, it’s crucial to adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Respect Distance: Maintain a distance of at least 7 meters (about 23 feet) from the gorillas. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress for the animals.
2. Stay in Groups: Always stay together with your trekking group. This helps reduce the impact on gorillas and ensures your safety.
3. Keep Quiet: Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that could startle the gorillas. Speak softly and move calmly.
4. No Flash Photography: Using flash photography is prohibited as it can distress the gorillas. Use your camera without flash and ensure it makes minimal noise.
5. Limit Trekking Time: You’re typically allowed to spend only one hour with the gorillas. This reduces the disturbance to their daily routines.
6. No Eating or Drinking: Avoid eating or drinking in the presence of gorillas. Food smells can attract them and disrupt their behavior.
7. No Pointing or Staring: Direct eye contact and pointing can be perceived as threats. Keep a calm demeanor and avoid direct staring.
8. Follow Ranger Instructions: Always follow the guidance of your ranger or guide. They are experienced in gorilla behavior and will direct your interactions.
9. Stay Healthy: If you have any illness, especially contagious ones like a cold or flu, postpone your trek. Gorillas are susceptible to human diseases.
10. No Littering: Respect the environment and local guidelines by not leaving any trash behind.
11. Don’t Touch the Gorillas: While gorillas may sometimes approach you, avoid touching them. This is for your safety and the gorillas’ well-being.
12. Be Patient: Trekking through forests can be challenging, and gorillas’ locations can change. Be patient and prepared for varying terrain and weather.
13. Leave No Trace: Minimize your impact by not disturbing vegetation or wildlife other than gorillas.
14. Respect Cultural Norms: If you’re visiting local communities, respect their customs and traditions.

Remember, gorilla trekking is a privilege, and these guidelines are in place to ensure the well-being of gorillas and the sustainability of their habitat. By following them, you’re contributing to conserving these incredible animals for future generations.

Get Gorilla Safari Travel Insurance

As a travel planner for gorilla safaris in Uganda, I cannot stress enough the importance of obtaining travel insurance before embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Gorilla trekking is an incredible and exhilarating experience, but it involves venturing into the tropical forests of Uganda, where unforeseen circumstances can arise. To ensure a worry-free and enjoyable experience amidst the wonders of Uganda’s gorilla population, visitors must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other potential issues.

The dense terrain and remote locations of gorilla habitats make it crucial for visitors to have adequate insurance that provides financial protection and assistance during their journey. With comprehensive travel insurance, visitors can embark on their gorilla safari with peace of mind, knowing that they are fully protected in case of any unforeseen events. From medical emergencies to lost or delayed baggage and even emergency medical evacuation, travel insurance provides essential coverage for a range of potential risks.

In short, obtaining comprehensive travel insurance is an investment that is worth every penny. It not only provides financial protection but also ensures that visitors can fully enjoy their experience without worrying about any potential risks. As a travel planner, my top priority is to ensure that every visitor has a safe and unforgettable gorilla safari experience in Uganda, and having comprehensive travel insurance is an essential part of that equation.

Group Trekking: it is safe to visit gorillas in small groups

Trekking to see gorillas is an unforgettable experience, usually in small groups of up to eight people per gorilla family. This practice is not only beneficial for minimizing the impact on the gorillas but also enhances safety during the experience. By traveling as a group, visitors are provided with a greater level of safety during the trekking excursion and visit with the gorillas, as experienced guides lead the way and ensure that visitors stay on designated paths and follow guidelines that protect both the gorillas and the visitors.

Conclusion

Embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda is an unparalleled experience that lets you witness Africa’s breathtaking gorillas while also contributing to their conservation in a secure setting. With a focus on safety measures and expert guidance, you can be assured of a safe visit with gorillas. The well-established security efforts, health precautions, and the guidance of experienced operators make your encounter with gorillas in their natural habitat not only a thrilling journey but also a responsible and secure opportunity to appreciate and protect these endangered beings. So go for it.