Are mountain gorillas dangerous!
While planning a gorilla trekking safari to Uganda or Rwanda, the most anticipated part of this trip is always the actual encounter with these highly endangered species. Amidst all the excitement and anticipation, the most common question that subconsciously comes to mind is; Are these mountain gorillas dangerous! This is a valid question that is expected from anyone given the enormous size and incredible strength of the mountain gorillas especially the silverbacks.
The answer to this question is no. Despite the intimidating strength and giant appearance of these primates, mountain gorillas are actually a very gentle and calm species and only become aggressive when they feel threatened and the need to defend themselves arises. It is a rare occurrence that these mountain gorillas attack humans and actually cause any harm to them during the gorilla trekking experience. The most they often do is touch you or rub against humans as they walk by.
This is because the mountain gorilla groups that are open for tourism both in Uganda and Rwanda are habituated gorilla families, meaning they are accustomed to human presence. In addition, before a visit to the gorillas, a trained ranger guide takes the gorilla visitors through the code of conduct while visiting these gentle giants. This is essential for your own safety as well as preservation of these mountain gorillas being an endangered species.
What is gorilla habituation?
In a nutshell, gorilla habituation is the process of training gorillas to get used to human presence in their natural habitat. This is done with the aim of fostering a positive relationship between humans and gorillas, enabling safe and free interaction between them.
Gorilla trekking guidelines
Planning a gorilla trekking trip to Uganda or Rwanda, here are a set of guidelines you are required to follow for a successful gorilla trekking experience.
- Wash your hands before you head out to trek the mountain gorillas.
- Wear clean clothes each time you visit gorillas. Always clean your clothes before and after each trek in the forest.
- Only eight (8) visitors are allowed to visit a habituated mountain gorilla family per day.
- Follow the instructions of your ranger guide at all times during the trek.
- Do not dispose off waste in the forest. (Use restrooms at the visitors’ center before leaving for the trek)
- Leave no trace. From the time you enter the park until the time you exit, ensure to leave no trace of any rubbish or whatever you bring into the forest. Make sure to go back with whatever you come with in the forest.
- Do not make noise while in the forest especially while with gorillas. Always maintain a low voice while communicating. Noise may attract unnecessary attention from gorillas or disturb them. Feel free however to ask the ranger guide questions.
- Do not leave your group. Always stay close to the other members of your group when you are near the mountain gorillas.
- Respect the minimum 7 meters (21 feet) distance from the mountain gorillas.
- Do not eat while in the presence of gorillas.
- When gorillas charge, stay calm, do not look them in the eyes, crouch down and follow the instructions of the ranger guide.
- Do not look into the eyes of mountains gorillas. Staring gorillas in their eyes may make them agitated and uncomfortable.
- Do not touch or feed the gorillas. Sometimes these mountain gorillas may move closer to you, it is advised that you avoid touching them.
- Do not use flash photography when taking pictures.
- You are allowed a maximum of 1 hour with the gorillas. This is intended to minimize disturbance of the mountain gorillas. However, in a scenario that the mountain gorilla becomes agitated, you will end the visit early and proceed out of the forest.
- Do not trek gorillas if you are feeling ill or suffering from contagious diseases such as colds as these can easily be transmitted to the mountain gorillas.
- Cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas if you feel the need to cough or sneeze.
- If you would like to ease yourself, request the ranger guide to dig a hole and after easing yourself, ensure that the wastes are covered properly. This hole is always at least one (1) foot deep.
- After the visit, maintain your voices low until you are about 200 metres away from the mountain gorillas.
