Is Gorilla Trekking Safe?

Gorilla trekking is generally safe, whether you're in Uganda or Rwanda. Both countries have established robust safety measures to protect both visitors and the endangered mountain gorillas.

Safety Measures in Uganda for Gorilla Trekking

In Uganda, gorilla trekking primarily takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The Uganda Wildlife Authority regulates all trekking activities, ensuring that experienced guides and rangers accompany all groups. These guides are trained to handle various situations, including encounters with wildlife other than gorillas. Trekking groups are kept small, usually with a maximum of eight people, to minimise the impact on the environment and ensure a more controlled experience. Security personnel are also present to provide an added layer of safety.

Safety Measures in Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking

In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the main destination for gorilla tracking. The Rwanda Development Board supervises all activities related to this adventure thus ensuring not only safety for visitors but also conserving these endangered species. Guides and trackers employed within parks have high level qualifications concerning behavior patterns shown by different groups of gorillas as well as knowledge about local topography among others necessary skills for their work performance; they conduct pre-trek briefings which enlighten guests on what should be done or avoided during interaction with these creatures so as to ensure safety and respect towards them.

In Rwanda you will notice that it has established a strong anti-poaching background there by making it even safer to track gorillas within its territory.