Essential mountain gorilla trekking safety precautions in Rwanda : In East Africa, if you are not trekking in Uganda or the democratic republic of Congo, you are surely trekking in Rwanda, which is the other country in the region that is home to the huge and most sought-after primates the mountain gorillas. Though people will always say of how the treks in Uganda the democratic republic of congo are hectic and physically demanding compared to those in Rwanda, trekkers heading to Rwanda, shouldn’t undermine the gravity of trekking in Rwanda or the magnitude of of being the forested mountain trekking huge gorillas. Its remains at an uphill challenge with its good and bad sides alike. That’s why in this article we write our minds on some essential mountain gorilla trekking safety precautions to take in Rwanda to help you stay safe even as you gorilla trek in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.
Yes, Unlike Uganda that has more than one mountain gorilla park, Rwanda has only one mountain gorilla park which Volcanoes national park and that’s where all the gorilla trekking activities are done all year round at 1500 per person per a trek.
So, the safety precautions include but are not limited to: –
- Being health ready before the mountain gorilla trekking experience. Mountain gorilla trekking is physically demanding, though, Volcanoes terrains are not that tiresome, you have to ensure you’re in good health and able to take on a trek. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns or before you go for the trek.
- Obtain necessary permits: Ensure you have the required mountain gorilla trekking permits and follow the rules and regulations set by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). It’s wise to purchase and obtain these permits at least 2 to 3 months in advance.
When you go on a trekking experience, you have these guidelines in mind and make sure you follow them at all times. These guidelines include but are not limited to:-
- Maintaining a safe distance between you and the gorillas: Keep a safe distance from the gorillas (at least 7 meters) to avoid disturbing them or risking attack.
- Avoiding sudden movements while in the presence of the gorillas: Sudden movements can startle the gorillas. Move slowly and calmly when approaching or leaving the gorillas.
- Not touching or feeding the gorillas: Touching or feeding the gorillas can harm them and disrupt their natural behavior.
- Not using flash photography or videography: flashes can be triggering to the gorillas so avoid using them when you’re capturing gorilla moments.
- Don’t eat Infront of the gorillas or even smoke, sneeze or cough Infront of the gorillas.
- Staying on the trail at all times: Stay on the designated trail to avoid getting lost or damaging the forest ecosystem.
- Also pay attention to your surroundings, including other trekkers, guides, and potential hazards like steep slopes or wildlife to stay alert and safe as you trek.
- Not trekking at an abnormal pace, a pace that can harm you or affect your trekking abilities.
- Stay in your trekking group and with your trekking guide at all times.
Gorilla - Report any incidents: If you experience any incidents or concerns during the trek, report them to your guide or the RDB.
- Respect local communities: Respect local communities and their traditions. Avoid taking photos of people without permission and respect their privacy.
- Trekking is strenuous, so try your best to stay hydrated: Bring enough water and stay hydrated throughout the trek. bring sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Carry a snack to keep energized throughout the trek.
- Most of all enjoy your trek, enjoy seeing the gorillas and the whole experience, its worthy it.
