GORILLA TRACKING INFORMATION
GORILLA TRACKING RULES
For
those are planning to do a mountain gorilla safari in Uganda,
the following briefing information would apply (according
to the printed leaflet by the Uganda Wildlife Authority
'Gorilla Rules'):
Sample
itineraries that include a visit to the mountain gorillas
in Uganda or Rwanda:
Uganda
Gorilla Safari
Primate Tour
Uganda Classic Safari
Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Before
departing on your gorilla tracking:
1) A maximum number of 8 visitors may visit a group of habituated
mountain gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioural disturbance
to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne
diseases.
2) Always wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas.
On
the way to the gorillas:
1) Please always keep your voices low. You will also be
able to observe the great bird life and other wildlife in
the forest.
2) DO NOT leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring
into the forest should be carried back out with you.
3) You will be taken to where the guides observed the gorillas
the day before. From there you will follow the gorilla's
trail to find them. Look out for the gorilla's nesting sites
along the way!
4) When you approach the mountain gorillas, the guides will
inform you to get ready.
When
you are with the gorillas:
1) A 7 meter (21 feet) distance should tried to be observed
at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are,
the more relaxed the group will be.
2) You must stay in tight group whey you are near the gorillas.
3) Keep your voices down at all times. However, it is okay
to ask the guide questions.
4) Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are near the gorillas.
Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of
food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase
the risk of transmission of diseases.
5) Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example
(crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in
the eyes and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt
to run away because that will increase the risk.
6) Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures
move slowly and carefully.
7) Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
8) The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one
hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous,
the guide will finish the visit early.
9) After the visit keep your voices down until you are 200
metres away from the gorillas.
gorilla safaris and General
health rules:
Remember mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human
diseases. The following are ways to minimize the risk your
visit might poses to them:
1) Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors
allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk
of disease transmission and stress to the group.
2) If you are feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious
disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate visit will
be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your money.
3) If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are
near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover
your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria
or viruses.
4) Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away form the gorillas.
This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
5) Do not leave any rubbish (eg. food wrappers) in the park;
foreign items can harbour diseases or other contaminants.
6) If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest,
please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make
sure the hole is 30 cms deep and fill it in when you are
finished.
What
to bring on this Uganda safari
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy
slopes.
- Put on ear plugs for those who feel uncomfortable with
the jungle sounds.
- Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water.
- Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather
is unpredictable) and insect repellent.
- Bring a photo of film camera. Using flashlight is not
permitted so we recommend to use films of 400-800 ASA.
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