Rules and Regulations of Trekking in Uganda : Uganda safaris are generally conducted by different groups of people in Uganda all the foreigners and the in habitants are permitted to have a safari in Uganda.
Gorilla trekking is one of the major activities done by the different parties on the safari and all the of the kind this activity involves so very many different kinds of doings and is mostly loved by vibrant visitors due to the fact that it is very tiresome and hectic.
When on a gorilla trek just like any other trek in the country there are numerous regulations and rules that govern the trek and hence one has to be so alert not to make mistakes in the trek so as to avoid the dangers that may occur.
These are some of the rules that are involved in the trek for gorillas and possibly other treks as well the grasp of these will honestly give you a very easy trek in the country
PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS
Right before we get to know the rules for the gorilla trek we have to first understand the regulations and the rules for the national parks and the reserves in Uganda these will drive one to the gorilla trek rules. These are:
- Do not camp or make campfires except at designated sites
- Do not drive off the tracks.
- Do not disturb wildlife by sounding motor horns.
- Do not drive in the park between 7:00pm and 7:00 am.
- Do not bring dogs or other pets into the park.
- Do not litter.
- Do not bring firearms or ammo into the park.
- Do not pick flowers or destroy any vegetation.
- Do not exceed the speed limit of 40km per hour (25mph)
- Retain all official receipts for inspection.
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Gorilla trekking
after these rules and regulations just be sure that peace is to follow you in all the national parks that you are to safari from in Uganda and these will help you not to get worried off this or that.
GORILLA TRACKING RULES
These below are the rules and regulation that govern gorilla trekking and these are sub divided into two parts before the trek and during the trek.
BEFORE YOU SET OUT:
- Ensure to carry with you payment receipts and permits
- Do not visit the gorillas if you have a cold or other infectious illness
- Minimum age for tracking is 15 years
- Human waste should be buried 30 cm (12) deep
- Maximum number of visitors is eight persons per gorilla group
WHEN YOU ARE WITH THE GORILLAS:
- Maintain a 7m (21ft) distance from the gorilla
- Smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted on the tour
- If you must sneeze or cough cover your face and turn away from the
Gorillas, as they can catch coughs and colds from humans
- Visits are limited to one hour per gorilla group per day
- Do not use flash photography.
CHIMPANZEE TRACKING RULES
Even though gorilla trekking is the major trekking activity in Uganda this means not that other treks are not involved or even carried out therefore its believed that even the rules and regulations governing the chimpanzee would be of great benefit too because next to the gorilla trek comes the chimp trek. and as follow are the rules and regulations of the trek.
For your own safety and the protection of the Chimpanzees, you are required to follow a few rules along the forest trails.
- Chimpanzees can catch your diseases; you must not enter the forest if you are sick.
- Minimum Age for tracking is 12 years
- Do not leave litter in the forest
- If you need to urinate or defecate, do so off the trail. Bury your waste in a hole (30 cm deep) along with any toilet paper.
- Keep as quiet as possible in the forest, you will see more.
- Keep at least 8 meters (25 feet) from the chimpanzees at all times.
- Do not mimic Chimpanzees’ vocalization (you do not know what you might be saying!)
- Do not eat near the Chimpanzees.
- Do not chase the Chimpanzees.
- Do not use flash photography.
GENERAL HEALTH RULES
after all the others these would actually be considered as the general rules because sanitation is a general thing everywhere we go, remember Mountain Gorillas and chimpanzees are very susceptible to human diseases. Therefore the following are ways to diminish the risk your visit might pose to them;
If you are feeling ill, or have a contagious disease when you are already at the park, please volunteer to stay behind. An alternative visit will be arranged for you or you will be refunded your money as per gorilla reservation guidelines.
If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near them, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of viruses or bacteria.
Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away from them. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
Respect the limit imposed on the time visitors are allowed with the creatures each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
If you need to go to the “toilet” while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole and ensure you cover it when you have finished.
Do not leave any rubbish in the park.
Those are the only ways that can push you on your trek and they will help you to have a great chimp or gorilla moment on your trek, Rules and Regulations of Trekking in Uganda .
By following the rules above and through purchase of a permit, you are contributing to the conservation of the Mountain Gorilla and the wildlife at large.
NOTE: A percentage of the funds raised from park entrance fees and the community levy on permits are shared with the local communities living adjacent to the parks so as to help contribute to their development projects and also improve on the natural resource management in the region.
Any breach of these rules may lead to termination of tracking without any refund.
