Almost everyone who plans to see gorillas will ask why wear a mask during gorilla trekking? Well, the answer is simple, if not obvious—to avoid spreading airborne diseases to gorillas in their natural homes. Covid-19 is an example of a disease that humans might spread to the gorillas. Visitors come from all over the world and may carry mysterious microorganisms that might cause diseases to the gorillas. Therefore, the spread of the disease is prevented by wearing a face mask among various other measures. The face mask is considered to be efficient in preventing the spread of several air-borne diseases.
Why Prevent Disease-spread from humans to gorillas?
Mountain gorillas and us humans share above 98% of our DNA, which is impressive and implies that we are relatives. Now, gorillas are very vulnerable species in various ways. Right now, only 1,063 mountain gorillas exist throughout the world. Notice that they are few despite the fact that their population has been increasing. Meanwhile, mountain gorillas are considered endangered species in the IUCN list of endangered species. This suggests that losing them is very disastrous and can lead to extinction if not protected from diseases.
Other things to do to Protect Mountain Gorillas?
A side from wearing a mask, there are a number of rules enforced by park authorities to ensure protection of gorillas. By doing so, the visitor is also protected, possibly because the gorillas are wild and could become aggressive. Firstly, when the gorilla family is encountered, each visitor should keep a distance of 7 meters away from each gorilla. Seven meters is considered a safe distance to avoid suspicion by gorillas that you might want to attack them. The spread of Ebola is also prevented though this. Secondly, you should avoid touching the gorillas, another way of preventing diseases transmission and gorilla attacks.
Capturing gorillas on photograph is fully accepted, but, just do not use flash photography. Like many animals, this might startle the gorillas and subsequently make them come at you aggressively. Ensure that you turn off the flash light setting before taking photographs. Fourthly, you should always stay quiet or talk in a low torn while trekking gorillas. Lastly, only follow designated gorilla trails while on a gorilla safari to avoid wandering off. Being alone in the forest might lead to easy spread of diseases or increase the chances of being attacked by animals.
When Can I see Mountain Gorillas?
Mountain gorillas are accessible for gorilla treks throughout the year. Nothing can stop you from seeing the gorillas even during public holidays. The only question you should be asking yourself is when is the best time to see gorillas. Dry seasons are believed by many to offer the simpler gorilla trekking conditions. From June to August and December to February enjoy your gorilla treks when rainfall is lower and less frequent. In most of the days in these periods, gorilla trails are dry, humidity is low and forest vegetation is not dense. It is then that you can walk comfortably and steadily while also get perfect views of gorillas once encountered.
How Much is it to see Mountain Gorillas?
Foreign non-residents pay an amount of $800 per person to see mountain gorillas in Uganda. Foreign residents are offered gorilla treks at an amount of $700 per person. East African Community, including Ugandans need only 300,000 shillings. The amount put in place for visitors from the rest of Africa is $500 per person. In the low season, specifically April, May and November, discounts are offered to foreign non-residents and foreign residents. They can trek mountain gorillas during these months at $600 and $500 respectively.
How to Book Gorilla Trekking?
Note that the amounts provided above are for buying gorilla permits, that you will show at the park to be allowed. Each gorilla trekking permit only comes from Uganda Wildlife Authority, but you need a registered tour operator to get it. You have to first select the best tour operator, for instance Standard Safaris. Contact us about the availability of a permit on your preferred date. When we communicate to Uganda Wildlife Authority and find out that the place is free for you, we let you know. After this you can pay full or partial payment, the latter is for booking. We shall then reserve the gorilla permit on your behalf with UWA. Then, we shall send you a copy of the permit.
Why Book Gorilla Trekking with Us?
Book with Standard Safaris for the confidence of working with a highly rated tour operator on TripAdvisor. On our page, we are backed by the strong reviews from the travelers who experienced our impeccable services. We have an established relationship with the Uganda Wildlife Authority that has existed for years. This helps us secure gorilla permits efficiently, even when the timing seems tight. Finally, we are a locally based operator, who source genuine on-the-ground expertise, responsive support, and guides who know Uganda inside out.
