Rules and regulations for gorilla trekking are one guaranteed way to ensure that the next generation discovers some of the Man’s closest cousins in their natural habitat. Restrictions are established by competent wildlife authorities to ensure the safety of trekkers, gorillas and the forest. The rules are simple to follow and enjoyment is never compromised. Because gorillas are in charge of their territory, all trekkers are expected to follow the jungle rhythm and respect the gorillas.
Dian Fossey, a late researcher in Volcanoes National Park, helped to pioneer gorilla conservation. Her efforts resulted in an increase of gorilla population, increased public knowledge of their existence, the abolition of poaching and forest conservation. According to the most current assessments, there are only approximately 1060 endangered mountain gorillas in the world, with half of them living in Uganda.
The laws apply to gorilla trackers visiting Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park and Kahusi National Park. These parks are open all year, and the tracking is done in the early morning hours, when the gorillas have just awoken and are on the lookout for new territory and fresh foliage.
Gorillas are enormous primates with fur-covered bodies. An alpha male with a silver lining on his back—silver back—leads a family. They eat a variety of plants, including roots, leaves, bamboo shoots, and fruits. They only live in high-altitude areas of Africa, which is why there are restrictions in place to protect both the natural environment and the rare species that exist. The rules are stated at the start of the trekking exercise, by a ranger guide at the park headquarters for about thirty minutes.
Best time to Track Gorillas.
Gorillas are present at the misty Jungles of Virunga ranges all year round, and visitors are 99% sure of sighting them. However, for a better hiking experience, it is advisable to visit in the dry months of the year; June to October,
Following the trekking rules and regulations is a must and not an option; failure to do so may attract a penalty because it puts both the visitors and primates in danger.
