Safety Measures for a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda offer a remarkable chance to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, particularly in the Volcanoes National Park. To ensure the safety of both the visitors and the endangered gorillas, the Rwandan government has established a range of safety measures. These measures not only protect against health risks but also promote responsible tourism, helping to conserve the gorillas and their environment. Below are the key safety protocols and guidelines to be observed during a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda.

Preventing Disease Transmission

A major focus of Rwanda’s gorilla trekking safety protocols is the prevention of disease transmission between humans and gorillas. Mountain gorillas share about 98% of their DNA with humans, which makes them highly susceptible to human-borne diseases, including respiratory infections and viruses like COVID-19.

Key preventive measures include:

• Wearing masks: All trekkers are required to wear face masks to minimise the risk of transmitting diseases to the gorillas.
• Maintaining social distancing: Trekkers must keep a minimum distance of 7 meters (23 feet) from the gorillas to reduce the likelihood of disease spread. This also helps prevent the gorillas from feeling threatened.
• Health checks: Before starting the trek, tourists undergo mandatory health screenings to ensure they are not carrying any infectious diseases. If a tourist shows symptoms of illness, they may not be allowed to participate in the trek.
• Vaccinations and precautions: It is recommended that visitors are up to date on vaccinations, especially for diseases like COVID-19 and yellow fever. Taking anti-malaria medication and using insect repellent is also advised.

Guidelines for Behaviour Near Gorillas

To ensure the safety of both the trekkers and the gorillas, strict behavioural guidelines must be followed. These guidelines are enforced by experienced guides and park rangers who accompany the groups on the trek.

• Minimum distance: Trekkers must maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters from the gorillas at all times. This distance helps protect the gorillas from catching human illnesses and prevents any aggressive reactions from the gorillas.
• Avoid direct eye contact: Making direct eye contact with a gorilla can be interpreted as a challenge, potentially provoking aggression. Tourists are advised to avoid staring directly into a gorilla’s eyes.
• Stay calm and quiet: Sudden movements, loud noises, or any behaviour that could startle the gorillas should be avoided. Gorillas are generally gentle creatures, but they can become defensive if they feel threatened.
• No touching or feeding: Under no circumstances should trekkers attempt to touch or feed the gorillas. Not only could this transmit diseases, but it may also alter the gorillas’ natural behaviour, which is carefully managed by conservationists.
• Stick to designated trails: Tourists are expected to remain on designated paths to prevent habitat disruption and to avoid getting lost in the forest.
• Avoid trekking if unwell: Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms or respiratory issues should refrain from participating in the trek to protect the health of the gorillas.

Protective Gear and Clothing

When preparing for a gorilla trekking safari, it is important to wear appropriate clothing and gear to ensure personal safety and comfort during the trek.

• Wear long sleeves and trousers: These protect against insect bites and scratches from vegetation.
• Sturdy boots or shoes: The terrain in the Volcanoes National Park can be rugged and slippery, so wearing proper hiking shoes is essential.
• Gloves: Gloves can provide added protection, especially when trekking through thick vegetation.

Importance of Safety Measures

The safety protocols and regulations in place during gorilla trekking serve several vital purposes:

• Disease prevention: By minimising the risk of human-to-gorilla transmission of illnesses like COVID-19 and Ebola, these measures help to ensure the long-term survival of the critically endangered mountain gorillas.
• Gorilla well-being: Limiting stress and disturbance to the gorillas helps maintain their natural behaviours and contributes to the success of ongoing conservation efforts.
• Tourist safety: While gorillas are generally peaceful, they are powerful animals. The safety measures help prevent any potential aggressive behaviour that could pose a danger to visitors.
• Habitat protection: Ensuring that trekkers stick to designated trails helps preserve the delicate ecosystem of the Volcanoes National Park.
• Responsible tourism: By following these guidelines, tourists are contributing to sustainable and ethical tourism practices that support both the local community and the environment.

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Volcanoes National Park

The gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a well-organised and deeply rewarding experience. The trek begins early in the morning at the park headquarters in Kinigi, where trekkers gather at 7:00 am for a briefing session. During the briefing, the park rangers explain the rules, safety measures, and what to expect on the trek.

After the briefing, groups of eight trekkers are assigned to a specific gorilla family. Accompanied by an experienced guide and tracker, the trek begins through the dense forest, bamboo thickets, and rugged terrain of the park. The duration of the trek can vary widely, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family on that particular day.

During the trek, visitors may encounter a variety of wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and other primates. Once the gorilla family is located, trekkers are allowed to spend one hour in their presence. During this time, visitors can observe the gorillas’ behaviour—whether it’s feeding, grooming, or playing—while following all the safety protocols.

The guides provide insights into the behaviour of the gorillas, enriching the experience with valuable knowledge about these magnificent creatures. Photographs and videos can be taken, but it is important to use cameras with minimal flash to avoid disturbing the gorillas.

After the hour-long encounter, trekkers begin the journey back, following either the same route or an alternative path. Upon returning to the park headquarters, there is a debriefing session, and each trekker receives a certificate of completion. Souvenirs can also be purchased as a memento of this extraordinary experience.

Age Limit and Fitness Requirements

The minimum age for participating in a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda is 15 years. This age restriction is in place to ensure the safety of both the tourists and the gorillas. Children under 15 are not permitted to join the trek due to the physical demands of the activity and the risk of disease transmission. Additionally, emotional maturity is required to follow instructions and behave appropriately around the gorillas.

Physical fitness is also a key consideration, as the trek can be quite strenuous. The terrain is often steep and muddy, and the altitude can make the hike more challenging. Trekkers should be prepared for a physically demanding experience and ensure they are in good health before participating.

Acquiring Gorilla Trekking Permits

To join a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, visitors must obtain a trekking permit, which costs $1,500 per person. Permits can be purchased through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), either in person at their office in Kigali or online via their official website. It is advisable to book permits well in advance, particularly during the peak season, as only 96 permits are issued daily.

Reputable tour operators can assist with the permit application process and help ensure everything is in order for your trekking experience.