What Should You Not Do AT A Gorilla? To any traveler on their gorilla trekking safaris, at the time of approaching the gorilla family you’re assigned to, never look directly into the Gorilla’s eyes though they are shy primates. If you look at them directly they may think that you want to charge back them or challenge them, therefore if you don’t pay attention to the park rangers, in the end, the gorillas will attack you.
Mountain gorillas are the biggest land mammal –primates known to be peaceful, calm, and with charming characters which makes them unique primates to visit while on a gorilla safari in Africa. More so, Mountain gorillas can be found in national parks that as; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and Mgahinga National Park Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountain gorillas are herbivores species that inhabit the tropical rainforest at high altitude areas in Africa. However, gorillas live in families of 2 to 30 individuals and the mountain gorilla family is normally led by a male gorilla known as a silverback the family is comprised of female gorillas, juveniles, and babies. However, the silverback’s duty to the family is to defend and offer protection to his family in case of insecurity with other gorillas /humans in their presence. Gorilla trekking in Africa is quite an amazing experience done in the dense forests with an escort of the park guide in search of the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural environment. Once gorillas are allocated trekkers will spend one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas.
What to do if a gorilla charges?
Mountain gorillas are strong species and the silverback’s role is to defend and protect their families in case of a threat. What tourists can do if gorillas charges;
Crouch down: If a gorilla charges during a gorilla trekking experience, it’s advisable to be calm, quiet, and respectful, lowering yourself to the ground and making yourself smaller than the silver.
If you follow such instructions given to you by the park ranger, this will stop the silverback not to fight back.
Walk away steadily; The moment the gorilla charges at you, you are advised not to run away because the gorilla will run after you and attack you. The important solutions are to create distance between you and the gorilla without making sudden movements. Take a step back slowly and get off the scene. You can also fall on the ground to pretend that it has already defeated you or choose to look at the trees.
Follow your guide and what he/she tells you; Before you head out in the gorilla inhabits, you will be briefed at the park headquarter about the expectations, rules, and regulations while with the gorillas in the wild. While on gorilla trekking activity, we advise you to go with park rangers in case the gorillas become wild in their presence.
Never look directly into the gorilla’s eyes: Just know, gorillas are shy primates and they take long
What can I expect from a gorilla trek?
You should expect muddy and slippery trails during the wet season that starts from March to May. There is an hour given to interacting with the gorilla family, during trekking activity – trekkers are required to Keep a low tone so that they enjoy memorable photography and video capturing.
Note; While trekking always avoids a direct look into the eyes of the gorillas.
How do I prepare for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda Rwanda and Congo?
To trek gorillas in three countries, you must have gorilla trekking permits of which a few gorilla permits can be on daily sale around 152 permits from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
