RESPONSIBLE TOURISM & ECO-TOURISM IN RWANDA, UGANDA, & THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Gorilla Viewing

We at Amahoro Tours look forward to welcoming you to Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Please contact us, should you have any questions about Rwanda tours, Congo tours, Uganda tours, gorilla tours, or any of the ecotourism adventures in Central Africa that we offer. We hope these gorilla viewing tips will help you in your preparation for this unforgettable journey.

RULES & REGULATIONS

  • Visitors are required to keep a distance of at least 23 feet (7 metres) away from the gorillas.
  • People who are ill will not be allowed to visit. The transmission of illnesses can be fatal to gorillas, who have no immunity against human viruses. Gorillas can die from a cold!
  • Do not attempt to touch the gorillas. Like all wild animals, they can be unpredictable.
  • Always stay in a tightly packed group, and never wander off by yourself.
  • Keep your voices low at all times and avoid speaking unnecessarily.
  • Eating and drinking are prohibited when you are near the gorillas.
  • Occasionally, a gorilla will charge. Always follow the guide’s instructions — crouch down slowly, do not make eye contact with the gorilla, and do not run as this will only increase the risk of attack. Wait for the animals to pass by.
  • Flash photography is prohibited. Gorillas are scared of bright flashes, and white ones in particular.
  • So as not to disturb or influence the behaviour of a gorilla family, visitor’s group sizes are limited and different from one country to the other.
  • Visitors must be 15 years or older, depending on the country.
  • Gorilla trekking can be strenuous. To enjoy the trek, you need to be fit, healthy, and capable of walking for several hours in difficult terrain.
  • There are some gorilla family groups nearer to the entrance. Those visitors who can’t walk far are kindly asked to ask their driver guide for assistance.

SUGGESTED GORILLA TRACKING GEAR

  • Good hiking boots, preferably waterproof
  • A rain jacket over a warm sweater
  • Long water-resistant trousers
  • Long-sleeved shirt or jersey
  • A hat and gloves to protect yourself against stinging nettles
  • 1-2 litres of drinking water
  • Snacks

CONTACT AMAHORO TOURS WITH QUESTIONS

If you have any additional questions or concerns about your gorilla tour, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We will happily provide any information to help you prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure.

Note: A few of the locals live very close to the park, but they’ve never seen the gorillas for lack of means (finances, transport, equipment, etc). However, some NGOs occasionally help schools, co-operatives, and villagers by sponsoring them to go and see them.