Is Gorilla trekking safe?

How safe is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking activity is one of the most scaring safaris/tours compared to any Wildlife Adventures therefore leaving a huge or big number of tourists/trekkers wondering how safe it is. Anyway if one thinks of having a Gorilla Trekking safari safety factor becomes the major and center of discussion. This Primate Safari/Tour is the most incredible and remarkable Experience for a life time that one shouldn’t miss. While in the wilds, the park guides who move with you for protection keep on reminding their groups of the same dos and don’ts.

1. No trekker is allowed to long walk/hike in the dark dense and deep forest of Bwindi or any other Gorilla Natural habitat without an armed escort/another person accompanying you for protection. One guide leads the group and the other 1 follows from the back of the group. Usually the Hiking speed is determined by the lowest person in the group and that at which the guides moves at. The purpose of the guns that are with the guides is basically to scare off the wild animals just in case they want to make an attack on the group. They shoot up in the sky to dispatch them and chase them away (wild animals) in the forest.
2. Trekkers are advised to obey all rules and regulations as briefed by their guides. And among these Gorilla trekking rules there includes keeping a distance of 7m away from these Gentle giants, keeping a low talk tone, avoid taking flashy photos while with the Gorillas and crouching down submissively just in case the silverback charges.
3. Tourism police introduced by the Governments of Uganda and Rwanda in all National Parks apart from having the National Park Rangers. Their role (Uganda & Rwanda tourism police) is to watch all through the parks day and night making certain that no existence of rebel groups and other criminals in the hiding in the park. At certain points, the police camp deep in the jungle to ensure travelers are very safe. If you are tracking gorillas and come across army men, do not fear them, they are there to protect you.
4. Avoid eating, smoking, drinking in the presence of the Mountain Gorillas, do not drop rubbish in the park or wastes but can dig a hole and dispose it there.
5. Direct eye contact to these gentle giants is forbidden since it can trigger   misunderstanding in these animals and can lead them to get angry. Just in case a group of these massive creatures get close to you, you are expected to stand still, avoid touching them and let them go.
6. And among these Gorilla trekking rules there includes keeping a distance of 7m away from these Gentle giants, keeping a low talk tone, avoid taking flashy photos while with the Gorillas and crouching down submissively just in case the silverback charges.
7. Keep your voices at low tone when in the presence of the Mountain Gorillas and still when in search for them.  With all the dos and don’ts that you are briefed about and you follow and respect all, your safety with these animals will be ensured.
8.  The way you dress for this activity (Gorilla Trekking) also matters, it should be the recommended format of dressing and avoid wearing bright colors. Usually, trekkers are advised to wear waterproof hiking boots (lightweight), rain jacket, sturdy gardening gloves, first aid kit, insect repellents, long-sleeved shirt/t-shirt, trousers, socks, etc. Gorilla trekking activity is a very safe safari made, done year in, year out. All you need is to strictly obey, respect and observe the set and briefed about rules and regulations and you will incredibly enjoy your Primate adventure or Safari. In conclusion, in Uganda Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are very safe places to do Gorilla Trekking unlike DRC that is still recuperating from the insecurities.