Trekking mountain gorillas is one of the famed experiences in Eastern Africa—Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. These countries are fortunate to host some of the world’s most sought-after primates. Many tourists wonder if gorilla trekking comes with risks. So, is gorilla trekking safe? Are mountain gorillas dangerous to humans? We discuss all these in this article.
There are approximately 1000 mountain gorillas worldwide, with a significant number (about 680) thriving within the Virunga region—a conservation area encompassing iconic parks like Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. Another prime gorilla destination is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, home to about 400 mountain gorillas.
Because this encounter is rare and highly sought after, travelers from around the globe visit these destinations for a close encounter with these primates. However, this high demand necessitates strict safety guidelines to protect both the mountain gorillas and the visitors.
When considering this adventure, safety is a top concern for many travelers before embarking on their first gorilla safari holidays in Africa. Below are major safety and security concerns to consider:
Gorilla Trekking Activity
To ensure trekkers’ safety during gorilla trekking, different governments have established rules and guidelines for visitors’ safety and the protection of mountain gorillas. Onsite park rangers and guides remind visitors of these rules throughout the trek.
In addition to regulations, each trekking group is escorted by 2 armed park rangers and tourism police to protect against potential wildlife or gorilla encounters. These armed personnel are authorized to fire into the air if necessary to scare away any threatening animals.
A pre-trek briefing is conducted before every gorilla trek, where park rangers explain the expected behaviors and guidelines for trekking in the jungle. Despite mountain gorillas being gentle and sharing up to 98% of human DNA, they are still wild animals and can be dangerous if provoked. Specific rules must be followed for a safe and smooth trek:
- Maintain a distance of about 7 meters to avoid irritating the gorillas or spreading diseases.
- Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited in the presence of gorilla families.
- Direct eye contact with gorillas is discouraged, as it may provoke them due to their natural shyness.
- Keep voices low at all times to avoid startling the gorillas, which could lead to an aggressive response or them fleeing.
With these precautions followed carefully, gorilla trekking in Africa is one of the safest wildlife encounters.
Safety at Accommodation Facilities
Most safari lodges/hotels/campsites in gorilla destinations are well-guarded and secure, located outside the national parks in safe areas. Each lodge often has tourism police officers and sometimes private security personnel. Some luxury lodges also use CCTV surveillance for added security.
Safety within Local Communities
Previously, local communities posed threats to mountain gorillas and visitors through poaching and viewing tourists as adversaries. However, extensive sensitization programs have changed this perception. Local communities now participate as porters, rangers, and park guides, and tourism has improved their livelihoods through the sale of local crafts and souvenirs.
Overall, gorilla trekking in Africa is generally safe, with the exception of Virunga National Park in DR Congo, which has experienced civil unrest. Despite this, tourism activities have resumed normally. Always follow precautions and advice from your booking agency, park rangers, guides, or local communities for the best and safest gorilla trekking experience.
