Gorilla trekking has a couple of rules and regulations designed to guide tourists and protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Among the rules that stand out is the number of persons allowed to track a group of habituated mountain gorillas which is limited to only eight (08) tourists accompanied by a ranger guide to assist in interpreting the flora & fauna. Why is gorilla trekking limited to only 08 persons Why is gorilla trekking limited to only 08 persons
Reasons why gorilla trekking is limited to only eight (08) tourists per group.
- Minimise Disturbance: Keeping the group small (limited to eight tourists) helps to minimise the pressure resulting from overcrowding. This allows for the gorillas to remain relaxed and be able to go about their daily business without feeling overwhelmed by the number of viewer surrounding them for the official 01-hour.
- Reduce the risk of disease: Because humans share up to 98% DNA similarity with mountain gorillas, this makes them highly susceptible to contracting a human disease such as flu and colds – a risk conservationists are not ready to take. It is for this reason that they limit the number of tourists visiting a specific gorilla group. To further reduce the chances of transmission of disease, a 7-meter distance is recommended.
- Reduced Human footprint impact on the flora and fauna: The more number of people means extra destruction of vegetation cover including micro-organisms that get trampled on during the trek through the forest to get to the mountain gorillas.
- For a better experience: Keeping the group small & limited to 08 persons allows for proper enjoyment of gorilla trekking. This allows the ranger guide and his small support crew to personally attend to each individual tourist providing all necessary care and information as required by the tourists. This would not be as enjoyable if the groups were larger than 08 persons.
