Gorilla trekking rules and regulations also referred to as safety measures are a must to observe on a trek with gorillas whether it is in Rwanda, Uganda or Congo. 
Before the gorilla trek, the park official briefs visitors about these rules and regulations. The whole idea is to ensure that both gorillas and visitors are safe.
The set rules and regulations for gorilla trekking have significantly contributed to the survival of mountain gorillas among other measures that have been applied. A total of 1063 endangered mountain gorillas reside worldwide and these exist in the 4 National Parks –Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Virunga National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Top Gorilla Trekking Rules to observe
- The standard rule is that on a single day, a maximum of 8 (eight) guests are allowed to go to trek one habituated gorilla group. This safety measure is intended to limit any behavioral disturbance on the gorillas and also to reduce any chance of exposing them to infectious human diseases.
- A valid gorilla permit should be presented before the park authorities. Anyone intending to go trek gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda must have a valid gorilla permit. Gorilla permit fees cover park entry and they can be obtained through a reliable tour operator on the ground.
- You can obtain a gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda only if you are above 15 years. If you fall below 15, you are considered to be a child and children often carry flu, mumps, chickenpox and colds. Such infections put gorillas at the risk of contracting them and the set minimum age limit is intended to reduce their wide spread.
- On actual day of trekking gorillas, visitors are assigned park guides. No trekking is done without the park guide. One park guide is allocated to lead a group comprising of 8 visitors.
- Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Congo or Rwanda is only done in already habituated gorilla groups. On a single day, only one group is visited.
- Once you have stepped foot into the jungles in search for gorillas, ensure that your voices is kept low at all times. Observe the park guide’s instructions and other guidelines.
- Do not leave the park dirty –carry back all the used items and drop them off to the designated areas.
- Do not clear the vegetation as a way to create good view of gorillas. In the process of breaking vegetation, you catch the attention of the primates and they may get scared. Your park guide can do it on your behalf using the machete.
- A distance of 10m must be kept off from a family of endangered mountain gorillas at all times. Avoid any body contact with gorillas even if they rub themselves to you.
- Do not drink, eat or smoke in the presence or nearby gorillas. These actions can make gorillas get tempted to grab what you are eating and smoking puts them at the risk of contracting infectious respiratory diseases.
- When a gorilla group charges at you, it is important to observe what your park guide tells you to do. Any attempts to run may make these apes follow you up and meaning you may get attacked with interpretation that you an enemy.
- Taking photos once you have come across gorillas is everyone’s moment but consider using a non-flashlight camera.
- On locating a family of gorillas, a maximum period you can stay face-to-face with these apes is an hour.
- The fact that mountain gorillas are susceptible to human infectious diseases, visitors free of flu or illnesses can only be part of the gorilla trek.
- When choosing what to wear, consider environmentally friendly dress code. Do not wear brightly colored clothes as these may scare away the gorillas.
Where to go to enjoy gorilla trekking adventure
There are only 5 parks to consider a must-visit for gorilla trekking. 
They include 4 parks for mountain gorilla trekking that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri –Northwestern Rwanda and in the D.R. Congo –visit Virunga National Park. Still in the D.R. Congo, there is a chance to explore the Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
What to pack on gorilla safari
Gorilla trekking is completely a distinct experience from the normal walks in the cities or savanna park areas. The search for mountain gorillas involves active walking through the jungles and at times, you bump into steep slopes, muddy areas.
With the nature of habitat where these mammals live and other factors, it is important carry essentials such as waterproof walking shoes, long-sleeved shirts, first-aid kit or medical kit, long trousers, packed lunch, sunscreen lotion, a tin of insect repellent, rain jacket, a good camera, daypack, bottled drinking water, and others.
When to travel to trek gorillas
Gorillas can be trekked at any time of the year. The most preferred period to experience the best of gorilla trekking is during the dry season and this occurs twice a year. That is from June to September and December to February –the months characterized by low or completely no rains.
