Is Gorilla Trekking Safe?: Safety is always the main concern for travelers planning a gorilla trekking safari, the answer is gorilla trekking is safe and your safety is guaranteed.
Truth is getting close to Mountain Gorillas is very safe compared to the rest of the wild animals, however there are some rules to be abided by, like a couple of vital dos and don’ts in order your safety is guaranteed.
Each of the tourists before setting off and venture into the rainforests in search for the endangered mountain gorillas, you have to have a briefing by the park ranger guides at the park headquarters about the park, the gorillas and the rightful way to conduct yourself while in the presence of the gorillas.
As long as the gorillas are calm and comfortable in their natural habitat, they are not dangerous or unsafe to visit. While in the presence of the gorillas, the nearest one is allowed to be when watching these gentle giants is seven (7) meters and the park wardens are very precise when it comes to keep this very crucial distance.
When in company of Silverbacks and their families, there are several points to note to ensure your safety.
- One is not allowed to take any snacks or drink. Looking into the eyes of the Mountain Gorillas in not allowed.
- Trackers must talk softly, no making noise as it can disrupt the mountain gorillas.
- Flashy photography is no permitted because it irritates and shock the mountain gorillas, thus making them end up charging.
The above are some of the guidelines one has to follow with no compromise, there are minimal chances of any hostility from these animals if the above guidelines are followed. They are dubbed as the forest “gentle giants” and this is for a very good reason, mountain gorilla families that are visited during gorilla trekking are fully habituated making them familiar with humans. This means they are used to meeting humans and that is not a threat, the successful familiarization (habituation) process of the mountain gorillas takes at least two 2 years.
The park administrators are very observant and are always on the look-out for any dangers like human rebels in the national parks just as the United Nations (UN) Peace Keepers that are in these regions precisely on the watch for rebels. Thankfully, there are no rebels in these rainforests but just Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Both countries take safety and security very key so there have been no scenarios of rebels against tourists in these National Parks.
Places to Trek Mountain Gorillas
Volcanoes National Park
Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range, home of the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.
Within the boundaries of Volcanoes National Park are 20 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla trekking, Buhanga Eco-Park, an ancient forest holding Rwanda’s most intriguing folklore and Musanze Caves, formed 62 million years ago after the last estimated volcanic eruption.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Home to half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best place for gorilla trekking adventure. This wildlife sanctuary offers stunning scenery, lush rainforests and diverse wildlife. Here you can choose between different gorilla families and various trekking options.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest national park, offers an iconic gorilla trekking adventure. Here you can track endangered mountain gorillas, hike the Virunga Volcanoes, and witness abundant wildlife. The park has one habituated gorilla group that lives there.
With our warm and extensive safari knowledge allow us to offer authentic, immersive, and remarkable Gorilla Trekking Experience that will leave you with endless memories and also contribute to the well-being of the gorillas.