A silverback watching calmly from the undergrowth while juveniles tumble nearby. Roughly 1,000 mountain gorillas remain in the wild, split between the Virunga Massif, which spans Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Tourism funds much of their protection, but it only works because visitors follow strict rules designed to keep these animals safe. This guide explains what those rules are, why they exist, and how to behave so that your visit is good for you and for the gorillas.
Why the rules are so strict
Mountain gorillas share about 98 percent of their DNA with humans, which makes them highly vulnerable to our illnesses. A common cold, flu or stomach bug that is a minor nuisance for a person can be serious, even fatal, for a gorilla with no natural immunity. Habituated groups are also accustomed to humans but remain wild, powerful animals. The regulations enforced by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Volcanoes National Park and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks are nearly identical, because they come from the same international conservation guidelines. Rangers take them seriously and can cancel your trek if you break them.
Permits, group size and age limits
You cannot simply turn up and trek. Every visitor needs a permit, issued by RDB in Rwanda or UWA in Uganda, and permits are limited: only eight visitors are allowed to visit each habituated gorilla group per day. This cap reduces stress on the animals and lowers the risk of disease transmission. Book months ahead for peak seasons, which run roughly June to September and December to February. Prices differ between the two countries and have changed over the years, so check current rates directly with the park authorities or a licensed operator.
The minimum age to trek is 15 in both countries, with no exceptions. Younger children are not allowed because they are harder to manage around wildlife and are more prone to carrying childhood infections. Permits are non-transferable and tied to your passport details, so bring your passport on the morning of your trek.
The seven-metre rule
The most important rule is distance. Visitors must stay at least seven metres (about 21 feet) from the gorillas at all times. This distance reduces the chance of airborne disease passing between humans and gorillas and helps prevent the animals from feeling threatened.
In practice, the gorillas do not always respect the rule. Curious juveniles may approach, and a silverback may walk straight through your group. When that happens, do not touch them, and do not reach out, even though the temptation is strong. Instead, calmly step back and let the animal pass, following your guide’s lead. Touching a gorilla is dangerous for both of you and is explicitly forbidden.
Several related behaviour rules support the distance requirement:
- Stay together as a group and remain behind the guide.
- Do not surround the gorillas or crowd in for a better photograph.
- Keep your voice low. Whispering and quiet conversation are fine, but shouting or loud exclamations are not.
- Avoid sudden movements, and never make threatening gestures.
- Do not stare directly into a gorilla’s eyes for long periods, which can be read as a challenge. Brief glances are fine.
Health rules: if you are sick, you do not trek
Health screening is central to responsible trekking. If you have a cold, cough, sore throat, diarrhoea or any other contagious illness, you will be refused permission to go, and rangers will make this judgement on the morning of the trek. Do not hide symptoms in the hope of getting through. A sick visitor risks infecting an entire family of gorillas, and the consequences can be grave.
Here is what you should do for the best chance of a smooth trek:
- Avoid sick people for a week or so beforehand, and look after your own health as you travel.
- Wash or sanitise your hands before you set out.
- Wear a face mask when you are near the gorillas. Both countries require this, and rangers usually supply masks if you forget.
- If you must cough or sneeze, turn your head away from the gorillas, cover your mouth and nose with the crook of your elbow, and try to step back from the group.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke while within the viewing area. Food and drink are for before or after, and you should never leave scraps behind.
- If you need the toilet while on the trail, tell your guide. They will take you well away from the gorillas, and you will be asked to dig a hole about 30 centimetres deep and fill it in afterwards.
It is also wise to ask your doctor about routine vaccinations and the usual travel health precautions for Rwanda or Uganda, including malaria protection and, where required, yellow fever certification.
No flash, and other photography rules
Photography is welcome, but flash is strictly prohibited. Gorillas have sensitive eyes adapted to dim forest light, and a sudden flash can startle or frighten them, possibly triggering an aggressive response. Modern phones and cameras work well in forest conditions without flash, so switch it off before you leave and double-check that automatic flash is disabled.
Some practical tips for photographers:
- Use a higher ISO setting, a fast lens, or your camera’s night or low-light mode, since the forest canopy is dark.
- Bring a lens with a good zoom, because you must stay at a distance.
- Keep the camera strap secure and your gear in a waterproof bag, as rain is common.
- Do not use drones. They are generally prohibited in the parks without special permission.
- Do not step closer to take a better shot. If the animals move toward you, you will naturally get closer shots without breaking the rules.
- Spend some time simply watching, not looking through a screen. You only have an hour.
Time with the gorillas
Once your group finds its gorillas, you are allowed one hour with them. This limit is designed to reduce stress and disease exposure. The hour starts when you first reach the group, not when you leave the trailhead, and the trek to find them can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on where the family has moved. If the gorillas appear distressed, your guide may end the visit early.
What to do if a gorilla charges or approaches
Charges are rare but possible, usually a bluff by a juvenile or a protective silverback. Your guide will give a briefing beforehand, and the basic rules are consistent:
- Do not run. Running can trigger a chase response.
- Crouch down slowly, avoid eye contact, and stay still. Making yourself smaller signals that you are not a threat.
- Do not scream or wave your arms.
- Follow the guide’s cue. Guides often make a soft, low grunting sound to reassure the gorillas, and they will tell you if you should do the same.
- Let the animal pass, and then calmly resume your position.
Respecting guides, trackers and porters
Your experience depends on a team: park rangers, trackers who locate the gorillas, armed guards who protect against wild forest animals such as buffalo or elephants, and porters who help carry your bag. Treat them with courtesy. Listen carefully to the safety briefing, ask questions beforehand, and follow instructions without argument. Hiring a porter is strongly encouraged. It supports local families, makes the climb easier, especially at altitude, and the cost is small compared with the overall expense of your trip. Tipping is customary and appreciated, and you can ask your lodge or operator for current guidance.
Leave no trace
The forests are fragile ecosystems. Carry out everything you bring in, including wrappers and tissues. Do not pick plants, break branches or take souvenirs, and stay on the paths your guide chooses. Avoid using strong perfumes, and be careful with insect repellent around the animals. Nothing should be left behind that could alter their habitat or diet.
What to wear and bring
Trekking can be muddy, steep and wet. Sturdy waterproof boots, long trousers tucked into socks, long sleeves, a rain jacket and gardening-style gloves are all wise choices, as they protect against stinging nettles and thorny vegetation. Bring plenty of water, a packed lunch, sunscreen and a hat for your journey, plus a spare layer, since high-altitude weather changes quickly. Keep clothing in muted colours, such as green, brown or grey, and avoid anything bright that might unsettle the animals.
Rwanda versus Uganda: how do they differ?
The core conduct rules are the same, but the experiences differ. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is compact and closer to Kigali, with treks that are often shorter, though the volcano slopes can still be steep. Uganda’s Bwindi offers more groups, denser and more rugged terrain, and sometimes longer hikes, along with a cheaper permit in recent years. Uganda also allows the gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi for longer time with the animals, which comes with additional rules. Rules can be updated, so always confirm the latest requirements with RDB, UWA or your operator before travelling.
Final thoughts
Gorilla trekking is a privilege rather than a right. The rules on distance, health, flash photography and time are not bureaucratic hurdles but a framework that has helped mountain gorilla numbers grow over recent decades. Follow them closely, listen to your guides, and treat the encounter with humility. Do that and you will leave with unforgettable memories, and the gorillas will be undisturbed, healthy and wild.
