Together with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Uganda's west is the habitat for one of the most extraordinary and special species of animals the Mountain Gorillas (lat.: Gorilla gorilla beringei beringei).

The population of the "gentle giants" at the moment is about 750 animals and slowly rises.

The DNA of a human being shows the third-biggest homology with gorillas, right after chimpanzees and bonobos. In numbers, the degree of relationship between gorillas and human beings is 97,7 %.

Uganda
In Uganda, five families of gorillas can be observed in guided trekking-tours in two National Parks:

4 groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

• Mubare-Group
• Habinyanja-Group
• Rushegura-Group
• Nkuringo-Group

• Nyakagezi-Group

Rwanda
Gorilla Trekkings are also possible on the Rwandan side of the Virunga Mountains. The maximal number of visitors admitted per day and per group is 8.

Since the Ugandan trekking-tours are often fully booked or not enough permits are left, a visit on the Rwandan side is a good alternative to enable all travel companions to do the Gorilla Trekking as a group and therefore share the same unique experience.

Democratic Republic of Congo
Due to the security situation ANS at the moment does not offer Gorilla Trekking in the DRC. As soon as security allows however we will again offer that service.

Please study the following rules and regulations carefully. In the name of the animals, they were developed by international organisations such as the WWW (World Wildlife Fund for Nature) to protect animal interests.

On your way to the gorillas:

• do not exceed the maximal number of visitors allowed to ensure that the gorillas are not disturbed and to keep the risk of infection with for the animals lethal human sicknesses as little as possible
• please wash your hands before you start the Gorilla Trekking
• please try to be as quiet as possible which also contributes to the chance of exploring - apart from the gorillas - the extraordinary variety of birds in the National Park
• do not leave any garbage in the Park and take everything that you brought back to the camp with you: next to the gorillas other animals might infect themselves
• in the beginning you will be guided to the place where the group was seen the day before from where their traces are trekked: carefully watch your environment to the right and left: maybe you are the first to see the gorillas
• once you have found the group, your guide will tell you when to get your cameras ready

• do always keep a distance of at least 7 m (21 feet) to the closest animal to protect them from human infections; the more far you are the more relaxed are the animals
• the group of visitors has to stay together closely
• try to be as quiet as possible and whisper when addressing the ranger with your questions
• do not eat or drink while you are with the gorillas since parts of the food/ drinks can drop and transmit sicknesses
• sometimes the gorillas start moving in your direction: in this case follow the actions of the guide, lower your body, lower your eyes and never stare into their eyes, wait until they have passed and until then do not try to touch them, do not take pictures or try to run away which could be risky
• move slowly and do not use a flash when taking photos: use a light-sensitive film to ensure the quality of your photos
• do never try to touch a gorilla since they are wildlife! they look cute but…
• in general your stay with the gorillas will last about one hour: however, in case the group becomes nervous, your guide will immediately and fast break of the visit
• after the stay with the gorillas please remain quiet until you have reached a distance of at least 300 m

Gorillas are very prone to human illnesses and infections. It is therefore necessary to ensure certain behaviour to minimize the risks:

• respect the limitation of visitors per day which contributes to keeping the risk small and avoids to much stress
• in case you feel sick, please decide to stay away from these precious animals and enjoy the trekking another day or receive your money back
• in case you need to sneeze or cough please turn away from the direction of the animals and cover your nose and mouth (with a handkerchief) to minimize the risk of infection
• in case you suddenly have an "urgent concern" please do not be shy and tell your guide: he will then dig a whole of about 30 cm which you can use as a toilet

It is allowed to buy permits for Gorilla Trekking up to two years in advance.

The fee for the Gorilla Trekking is refunded in the following cases:

• in case the visitor has to leave Uganda and go to her/ his home country due to health reasons,
• in case the trekking is not possible due to e.g. health reasons as advised on by the ranger,
• in case the transport for visitors from neighbouring countries can not be guaranteed/ fails.

The following counts for any other cancellation:

• 0 - 8 days before the trekking - no refund
• 9 - 45 days before the trekking - 25% refund
• 46 - 90 days before the trekking - 50% refund
• 91 days and more before the trekking - 75% refund

• closed hiking shoes with good profile
• camera and/ or video camera WITHOUT flash
• sufficient spare films
• trousers out of good material (against thorns etc.) with long sleeves
• raincoat
• backpack or bag for your equipment
• food and drinks for the trekking
• handkerchiefs

ANS regularly organizes Gorilla Trekking and we would be happy to have you as our guests to arrange this spectacular trip for you. Gorilla Trekking is a unique and special experience in the life of all friends of nature and animals - experience these wonderful animals in their original habitat.

For booking and any further questions please contact office@africannaturesafaris.com. We will be pleased to help you.