Why do I need a Mask for Gorilla Trekking? While Wearing a Face Mask during your encounter with Mountain Gorillas has been termed “uncomfortable” by most travelers, we need to bear with it as it has more benefits than merely being uncomfortable.
The core reason all trekkers are required to wear a Mask during Gorilla trekking is to protect both themselves and the mountain gorillas from contracting communicable diseases like tuberculosis, and measles including common colds and Flu.
Before the outbreak of COVID-19, wearing a mask during gorilla trekking was not compulsory. All that was followed was a set of gorilla trekking rules that stipulated how tourists were expected to behave during their encounter with the mountain gorillas. Most emphasized was the rule of social distance where all tourists were expected to maintain a safe distance of 7 meters from the gorillas. This has all changed; Masks are a must-wear, and the social distance has been increased to 10 meters.
Wearing a face Mask in the presence of Mountain Gorillas is now mandatory in Uganda & Rwanda, this is a measure that was introduced during the last COVID-19 outbreak after researchers found out that without protection from wearing a Mask, Humans could easily pass on disease to the Gorillas and in return, humans could also easily contract the same from the Gorillas. To further increase the safety and effectiveness of the Mask, the acceptable social distance between humans and mountain gorillas was increased to 10 meters from the previous 7 meters.
What Kind of Mask should I bring/wear during Gorilla Trekking?
Honestly speaking, this might perhaps be the most interesting subject we’ve had to discuss thoroughly before writing this article. Enjoy the read!
Three (03) things we think you should focus on when deciding on what Kind of Mask to bring/wear during gorilla trekking are;
- Comfort that the mask delivers – remember you are going to be wearing it for a great deal of the day.
- Breathability – Choose a mask that freely lets in plenty of air for you to breathe well while on the trek to the mountain gorillas.
- Medical Safety – While there are cheap reusable/washable masks on the local market, their layering does not serve the purpose of protecting both you and the mountain gorillas from disease.
Recommended Masks for Gorilla Trekking in 2024 – 2025
While there might be a variety of cheap/Reusable, and washable face masks on the local market that take into account comfort, breathability, and washability, Most of these masks are built out of single layering using lightweight fabrics that don’t meet the International standard of a medically recommended masks that can protect both you and the Gorillas from disease. And for this reason, we like to recommend that you buy, use, or wear only medically recommended face masks for Gorilla trekking.
If you prefer to bring your masks (we provide all clients with medical/surgical face masks), then feel free to look at these recommendations on Amazon.
- EnerPlex Premium Face Mask: With this mask, you won’t have to compromise protection for breathability. it is designed with 3 layers of fabric—including 2 layers of cotton and a polyester exterior—that not only keeps virus droplets from escaping but delivers comfort by preventing you from overheating. Already a favorite of hundreds of reviewers, the reusable face mask has stretchy ear loops and comes in 4 different sizes to ensure it properly fits your face. You can buy this on amazon.com for $19.
- Koral Netz Face Mask: This mask comes with a sleek design that maximizes comfort, and breathability and is washable. It’s made with the brand’s unique Netz performance fabric, an antimicrobial blend of polyamide and spandex that’s fast-drying, stretchy, and breathable. This mask can be bought on Koral.com for $20.
Can I locally buy a mask in Uganda or Rwanda?
Yes, you can locally buy a medical/surgical mask. However, it has become a norm for great value Gorilla Tour Operators like Realm Africa Safaris™ to provide unlimited complimentary masks to our clients. We charge NO extra fees to protect both you and the mountain Gorillas.
