Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Rules in Uganda

Exploring Uganda’s national parks for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is an unforgettable experience. However, it is important to follow certain rules and regulations to ensure your safety and the protection of wildlife and nature.

Uganda’s parks are home to unique and endangered wildlife, including mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. It is our responsibility to protect these animals and their habitats. By following the rules above, you can contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying your safari experience.

Always remember that gorillas and chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA with humans, making them vulnerable to our diseases. For this reason, health rules are strictly enforced to keep both visitors and wildlife safe.

Below is a detailed guide on park rules and specific guidelines for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

General Park Rules and Regulations

When you visit any of Uganda’s national parks, it is important to follow these rules:

• Camping and Campfires: Only camp and light campfires in designated areas.
• Driving Rules: Stay on the designated roads and tracks. Driving off-track can harm the environment.
• Avoid Disturbing Wildlife: Do not honk your car horn, as loud noises disturb animals.
• No Pets Allowed: Do not bring dogs or any other pets into the park.
• Keep the Park Clean: Do not litter. Always dispose of your waste in the proper bins.
• No Firearms: It is illegal to bring firearms or any kind of ammunition into the park.
• Protect Nature: Do not pick flowers, break branches, or destroy vegetation.
• Speed Limit: Drive carefully and do not exceed the park speed limit of 40 km/h (25 mph).
• Keep Your Receipts: Hold on to all official payment receipts. Rangers may ask for them during your visit.
• Park Operating Hours: Park gates open at 7:00 AM and close at 7:00 PM. Make sure to plan your activities within this time frame.

Gorilla Trekking Rules

Gorilla trekking is a highlight of any safari in Uganda. To protect the gorillas and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, follow these rules:

Before You Start the Trek

• Carry Your Permits and Receipts: Always have your payment receipts and permits with you. You won’t be allowed to join the trek without them.
• Health Rules: Do not visit gorillas if you have a cold, flu, or any infectious illness. Gorillas can catch human diseases.
• Minimum Age: Only individuals aged 15 years and above are allowed to track gorillas.
• Waste Management: If you need to use the bathroom in the forest, bury any human waste at least 30 cm (12 inches) deep.
• Group Limit: Each gorilla group can only be visited by a maximum of 8 people in a day.

While With the Gorillas

• Maintain Distance: Always keep at least 10 meters (32.8 feet) away from the gorillas to avoid disturbing or infecting them.
• No Smoking, Eating, or Drinking: These activities are not allowed while tracking or observing gorillas.
• Sneeze or Cough Carefully: If you need to sneeze or cough, cover your face and turn away from the gorillas to avoid spreading germs.
• Time Limit: You are allowed to spend only one hour with a gorilla group.
• Photography Rules: Do not use flash when taking photos of the gorillas. Flashlights can scare them.
• Keep the Forest Clean: Do not leave any litter behind.

Chimpanzee Trekking Rules

Tracking chimpanzees is another popular wildlife activity in Uganda. Like gorillas, chimpanzees are sensitive to human presence, so it’s important to follow these rules:

Before the Trek

• Health Rules: Do not join a chimpanzee trek if you are sick. Chimpanzees can catch human illnesses.
• Minimum Age: The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking is 12 years.
• Waste Disposal: If you need to relieve yourself, bury your waste at least 30 cm (12 inches) deep.
• Stay Quiet: Be as quiet as possible in the forest. You are more likely to see chimpanzees and other wildlife if you do not make noise.

During the Trek

• Keep a Safe Distance: Stay at least 10 meters (32.8 feet) away from the chimpanzees at all times.
• No Mimicking: Do not imitate chimpanzee sounds. You might accidentally provoke them.
• No Smoking, Eating, or Drinking: These activities are prohibited during the trek.
• Do Not Chase Chimpanzees: Let the chimpanzees move freely in their natural habitat.
• Photography Rules: Avoid using flash when taking photos of the chimpanzees.
• Time Limit: You are allowed to spend only one hour with the chimpanzees.
• Keep the Forest Clean: Do not leave any litter in the forest.

Payment Guidelines

To enjoy activities like gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, you need to book permits in advance and pay for other park services. Here’s how payments are handled:

Booking Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits:

All permits for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda can only be booked through licensed tour operators.

These permits allow you access to gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and chimpanzee trekking in parks like Kibale Forest and Budongo Forest.

Payment for Other Services:

Payments for other products and services can be made at the reservations office or at the gates of different parks.

Payment Options:
The following payment methods are accepted:

Mobile Money: Use Airtel Money Pay or MTN Momo Pay.

Point of Sale (POS): Pay with a credit or debit card using POS machines.

Bank Transfers: Payments can be made directly through bank transfers.

Online Payments: Some services accept payments through an online payment portal.