Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations

Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

Gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are carefully designed to protect endangered mountain and eastern lowland gorillas while ensuring visitor safety and sustainability. These three countries are home to the world’s last remaining populations of mountain gorillas, with Congo also hosting the eastern lowland gorillas. To ensure that tourism does not harm these critically endangered primates, strict guidelines are enforced by wildlife authorities. Understanding these regulations before your trek is essential for a respectful and rewarding experience.

Why Gorilla Trekking Rules Matter

Gorillas are extremely susceptible to human diseases due to their genetic closeness to humans (they share ~98.4% of our DNA). Because of their low population numbers, even minor infections can be devastating to their survival. In addition, gorilla groups are vulnerable to stress, poaching, and habitat destruction.

The rules in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo aim to:

  • Protect gorilla health and safety

  • Maintain natural behaviors

  • Support long-term conservation

  • Ensure ethical, low-impact tourism

  • Educate and guide visitors on responsible trekking practices

These regulations are enforced by each country’s wildlife authority:

  • Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)

  • Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

  • Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN)

General Gorilla Trekking Rules (Applicable Across All Countries)

While each country may have slight variations, the core rules are consistent across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo:

1. Permit Requirement

  • Permits are mandatory to visit gorilla families.

  • Limited to 8 people per group per day.

  • Must be booked in advance due to high demand.

  • Permit costs as of 2025:

    • Rwanda: $1,500

    • Uganda: $800

    • Congo (DRC): ~$400–$500

2. Minimum Age Limit

  • Only individuals aged 15 years and above are allowed to trek.

  • This helps minimize unpredictable behavior and potential disease transmission.

3. Health Screening

  • No trekking allowed if you show signs of illness (cough, flu, fever, diarrhea).

  • Some parks may check temperatures or require recent health declarations.

  • If sick, your permit may be rescheduled, depending on park policy.

4. Group Size and Duration

  • Maximum of 8 visitors per gorilla group per day.

  • Time spent with the gorillas is strictly limited to 1 hour.

  • This limits stress on the animals and reduces the risk of human disease transmission.

5. Distance from Gorillas

  • Maintain a minimum of 7 meters (about 21 feet) from the gorillas at all times.

  • If a gorilla approaches you, remain still, avoid eye contact, and let the ranger guide you.

6. No Flash Photography

  • Flash is strictly prohibited as it can startle or distress the gorillas.

  • Use cameras or phones with flash turned off and minimal sound.

7. Silence and Behavior

  • Speak in low tones and avoid sudden movements.

  • Never point, shout, or attempt to touch a gorilla.

  • Don’t mimic gorilla sounds—this can be seen as a challenge or threat.

8. No Eating or Drinking Near Gorillas

  • Consumption of food or water is forbidden during the viewing hour.

  • It can attract the gorillas and increase the risk of disease transmission.

9. Littering and Hygiene

  • Do not drop trash or biodegradable waste in the forest.

  • If you need to relieve yourself during the trek, ask the ranger for guidance and follow proper disposal methods.

10. Obey the Ranger’s Instructions

  • Always follow the lead of your armed ranger and guides.

  • They are trained to handle gorilla behavior and human safety.

Country-Specific Regulations and Guidelines

Each country has developed its own structured systems for gorilla trekking. Here’s how their approaches differ and align:

Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks

Key Guidelines:

  • Trekking starts with a mandatory briefing session at park headquarters.

  • Rangers evaluate visitors and assign gorilla families based on fitness level and interest.

  • The Bwindi forest terrain is challenging, with steep, muddy trails—good physical fitness is recommended.

  • Porters are available to carry backpacks and assist on steep climbs.

Unique Offering:

  • Uganda also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, allowing visitors to spend up to 4 hours with a gorilla group still undergoing the habituation process (permit cost: $1,500).

Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Key Guidelines:

  • Rwanda maintains some of the strictest gorilla regulations due to the premium nature of its permit.

  • Treks typically begin at the Kinigi Headquarters, where tourists are assigned a group.

  • The Sabinyo and Amahoro groups are usually assigned to those seeking easier treks, while the Susa group requires higher endurance.

  • Cleanliness and silence are emphasized at all times.

Additional Rules:

  • Visitors are encouraged to disinfect footwear before the trek.

  • Government authorities enforce zero-tolerance policies on rule violations.

Congo – Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks

Key Guidelines:

  • Gorilla treks in Congo are offered for both mountain gorillas (Virunga) and eastern lowland gorillas (Kahuzi-Biega).

  • Security is a priority; armed rangers escort all treks.

  • Most treks begin at Bukima Patrol Post (Virunga) or Tshivanga Visitor Center (Kahuzi-Biega).

  • The gorillas in Congo tend to roam widely, so treks can last several hours.

Security Considerations:

  • Virunga has previously experienced instability; however, the park operates treks only during safe and approved windows.

  • Visitors are required to book through licensed operators for safety reasons.

Penalties for Breaking Rules

Breaking the established regulations can lead to:

  • Immediate termination of your trek without refund

  • Fines or legal action (especially for deliberate misconduct)

  • Lifetime bans from gorilla parks

  • Increased stress or aggression from gorillas

  • Potential disease outbreaks in gorilla families

Responsible trekking helps protect both humans and gorillas, ensuring the survival of the species and the sustainability of ecotourism.

Additional Tips for a Responsible Trek

  • Hire a porter: It supports local communities and makes the trek easier.

  • Avoid perfumes or strong scents: These can disturb gorillas.

  • Support local conservation: Visit gorilla information centers and contribute to park programs.

  • Leave no trace: Respect the habitat as you would your own home.

Following gorilla trekking rules in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo isn’t just about complying with regulations—it’s about contributing to a broader conservation mission. Your one-hour encounter with a gorilla family is the result of decades of scientific research, community engagement, and habitat protection. When you follow the guidelines, you honor that legacy and help ensure that future generations can share in this incredible experience.

By respecting the rules, you’re not only protecting one of the world’s most endangered species, you’re also becoming a guardian of Africa’s wild heart.