Gorilla Trekking Rules in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking Rules in Uganda and Rwanda | Dos & Don’ts 2026

Gorilla trekking rules are guiding instructions that all visitors on gorilla safaris in Uganda or Rwanda must follow. The same gorilla trekking rules in Uganda and Rwanda also apply to gorilla tours in Congo.

The gorilla trekking rules are also popularly referred to as dos and don’ts, guidelines, or regulations. Understanding the rules and regulations for gorilla tracking is essential for safety purposes and also ensuring that you have a memorable adventure.

Gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Uganda and Rwanda are not designed to protect only mountain gorillas but also visitors or anyone who interacts with them.

Mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo remain fewer in the wild. Their population is still estimated at 1063. Mountain gorillas are unique primates by nature in that they share more than 98% of their DNA with humans.

Due to our close relatedness with these apes, strict regulations are essential to reduce any possibility of them contracting infectious human diseases. We have summarized the different gorilla trekking rules and regulations based on their category or day-to-day activity.

• The rules and regulations to follow before the actual gorilla trekking adventure.
• The rules & guidelines/regulations to observe during gorilla trekking.
• Rules to follow when you are with mountain gorillas.
• Health rules to respect on a gorilla trek.

Before you depart for a gorilla trekking session

1. A maximum of 8 tourists are allocated to visit one fully habituated group of mountain gorillas. The motive is to reduce any possible behavioral disturbances on the mountain gorillas. It is also essential in reducing the risk of exposing these unique apes to infectious diseases.
2. Visitors are verified to ensure they meet the acceptable gorilla trekking age limit, which is 15 years. It is believed that anyone younger than 15 is prone to infectious illnesses/cold which can easily affect the health of mountain gorillas.
3. Visitors are required to sanitize their hands or even wear facemasks and also maintain a safe distance before, during, or after orientation.
4. You should have a valid gorilla trekking permit for the destination where you intend to have your adventure.

Rules to respect on your way to see gorillas

1. Ensure that your voices are kept low. At all times, respect the guidelines/instructions from your park ranger guide.
2. If you have a face mask, you can take it off at certain points to get some fresh air.
3. Avoid throwing rubbish when trekking gorillas in their habitat. All rubbish must be returned and dumped into the particular dustbins at the park offices.
4. When setting off to find a gorilla group, ensure that you have the park ranger guide in the lead. It is illegal to move alone in the forest to see gorillas. It isn’t even safe for you to go to trek gorillas alone with a professional park ranger guide assigned by Uganda Wildlife Authority or Volcanoes National Park officials.
5. Always be around the group you departed the park offices with to track mountain gorillas.
6. Carry or wear a rain jacket/poncho in case of unpredictable rains.

Rules to respect when with gorillas

1. A safe distance of at least 10m is a must to be respected when you are with mountain gorillas. Note: this is one of the challenging rules to observe because gorillas can get close at any time.
2. Avoid body contact with gorillas. Respecting this guideline can help reduce any risk of gorillas contracting infectious human diseases.
3. While keeping your voices low is essential, feel free to ask your guide any questions. It is at this point that you need to learn in depth the distinct behaviors displayed by gorillas in the wild.
4. At times, gorillas can charge or get irritated. When this happens, ensure that you calm down and avoid direct eye contact. What you shouldn’t attempt to do is run away from gorillas, as this practice can increase the chances of these apes attacking you. Do not think that you can run faster than gorillas.
5. A flashlight camera isn’t acceptable when taking pictures of gorillas. But you can have it turned off anytime you want to take photos of gorillas.
6. Respect the 1-hour maximum time that the park authorities provide for you to enjoy a face-to-face encounter with gorillas.

Gorilla trekking health Rules/Guidelines.

1. Wash your hands or have them sanitized before you embark on the gorilla trek.
2. Observe the social distancing guidelines as per the park authorities.
3. Cover your mouth when coughing/noise when you need to sneeze.
4. At all times, avoid smoking, drinking, and eating when with gorillas.
5. Do not touch gorillas –we don’t know what is contained in your hands.
6. Should you need to help yourself in the jungle, ensure that you bury your wastes 30cm deep or as instructed by the park ranger guide.

Preparation for Gorilla Trekking Uganda and Rwanda

To ensure that you adequately prepare for your memorable gorilla trek, you shouldn’t forget to pack the right gear.

Among the key items to carry on a gorilla trekking safari include a waterproof daypack, a valid gorilla permit (Uganda/Rwanda), a sweater, a camera without a flashlight, toiletries, strong gardening gloves, a rain jacket, snacks, and trousers. Carry some insect repellent, sunglasses, adequate bottled drinking water, a first aid kit, a walking stick for support, sunscreen, and other items.

Where to go to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Best places to consider a must-visit for you to see mountain gorillas in the wild include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. If you are in Rwanda, expect to track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Best Gorilla Trekking Safari Tours to Book

3 Days (Rwanda) Volcanoes Gorilla Safari

The 3 Days Volcanoes gorilla safari is an exceptional short Rwanda gorilla trekking tour anyone with limited time or on a budget safari can opt for. It is a perfect option designed to let you visit mountain gorillas in the scenic Volcanoes National Park.

4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trek (Uganda)

You can embark on an unforgettable 4 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking tour. This can be by road or by flight. It is a flexible gorilla safari option that lets you explore mountain gorillas in the lush Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

8 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour (Including Wildlife)

Join Flawless Adventure Planners on a captivating 8-day gorilla tour in Uganda combined with wildlife in some of the country’s leading parks. Expect to explore Bwindi combined with Kibale and also the stunning Lake Bunyonyi.

Last thoughts

Observing the gorilla trekking rules in Uganda and Rwanda is mandatory for everyone.

Get in touch with an expert at Flawless Adventure Planners to plan and secure your gorilla trekking adventure.

When you book gorilla trekking safaris with us, we provide insights into everything you should expect, including the rules and regulations, packing list ideas, and more.