Responsible Gorilla Tours

Responsible Gorilla Tours

Native Africa Tours is currently the only Travelife Certified Safari company offering Responsible Gorilla Tours in Uganda and Rwanda. No other wildlife encounter guarantees nature lovers a remarkable thrill in the wild with no harm like a face-to-face interface with a family of mountain gorillas. To any primate enthusiast or eco-conscious traveler, that is the kind of encounter to look forward to when planning your next vacation to Africa. As you utilize every opportunity to enjoy up close with gorillas in the wild, there is also a need to promote sustainable principles to ensure these apes survive today and tomorrow.

It takes an individual decision to promote sustainable gorilla tourism and conservation. The benefits afterward are tremendous. The one bold step you can take is to book a gorilla trekking adventure with a responsible gorilla tour company. There are few accountable travel companies to deal with, so you should consider contacting Native Africa Tours to plan and book all your gorilla safaris to Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

About Native Africa Tours

At Native Africa Tours, gorilla tours are designed by experts with a vast knowledge of wildlife conservation. The environmental consciousness at the back of the minds of our safari experts means we offer eco-friendly gorilla tours. We craft unique and responsible gorilla tours and safari packages that guarantee captivating encounters while harmonizing your adventure with conservation.

Beyond inspirational gorilla experiences, local communities aren’t left out. Responsible gorilla tours offer lasting memories and accountable travel, focusing on ethical practices and sustainable tourism. Achieving this all starts with planning your gorilla tour, which means choosing the right company that prioritizes wildlife welfare and local communities.

Regardless of how long you plan to be in a gorilla safari destination, ensuring that your travels positively impact the environment is far better. Embark on a gorilla trekking adventure with Native Africa Tours, where every step in the wild is respected. Contact our team and be one of the nature enthusiasts who explore the jungles responsibly.

Why Responsible Travel

Responsible travel matters a lot, and promoting it comes with enormous benefits. First, we must understand that responsible travel promotes ethical and sustainable practices that benefit the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage. On the other hand, it enriches the visitor experience.

Through responsible travel, local communities can be empowered. The environment can be well-protected as it encourages travelers to make conscious choices with minimal negative impacts, but maximize positive contributions to the destinations. Sustainable tourism goals are achieved in the long term, and guests are guaranteed meaningful and authentic travel experiences.

Understanding Gorilla Habitats & Conservation Efforts

Gorillas dominate the dense tropical and subtropical forests of East-Central Africa. They inhabit varying altitudes, and two types are currently present: Eastern and Western gorillas. The two gorilla types comprise four subspecies, all in different African habitats.

Efforts to protect gorillas focus on saving their habitat, considering the threat from habitat loss. The primary focus also lies on human-wildlife conflict, curbing the spread of diseases, and poaching practices. The measures include anti-poaching measures, community involvement, and research to understand gorilla behaviors and their population dynamics deeply.

Gorilla Species and Their Habitats

Mountain gorillas

Mountain Gorillas are a unique species, and globally, they exist only in the 4 National Parks at an altitude of 2200 to 4300m. Gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park- Southwestern Uganda. Volcanoes National Park in the Northwestern end of Rwanda and Congo’s Virunga National Park. Suppose you plan to be part of the responsible gorilla tours in Africa. In that case, these are the key places to consider visiting to enjoy up close and personal encounters with an already habituated group of mountain gorillas.

Eastern Lowland gorillas

The Eastern Lowland gorillas, the second subspecies of Eastern gorillas, reside in the lowland tropical forests of the DRC. They inhabit the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Maiko National Park.

The Western lowland gorilla, which lives primarily in Central West African states, comprises the Western lowland gorilla. Lastly, the Cross River gorillas live in Nigeria and Cameroon.

Book the gorilla tour with the right safari company

When you think about responsible gorilla tours, think not beyond Native Africa Tours. We are a recognized tour operator/company with vast experience and are fully committed to sustainability.

Key considerations for eco-conscious travelers on gorilla tours

As an eco-conscious traveler on a gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, the primary focus should be ensuring minimal environmental impact. This can be done by making responsible transportation, consumption, waste management, and accommodation choices. Key considerations include choosing sustainable destinations for your gorilla tours, reducing carbon emissions, supporting local communities living adjacent to gorilla trekking parks, conserving water, and ensuring proper waste management.

What to expect on a gorilla trek

Like any adventure, a lot comes to mind when considering a gorilla trek tour. But what is most important is that a gorilla trek mainly involves hiking through the thick forests and at times the hilly terrains before you come across a group of gorillas. Typically, a usual gorilla trek can run for 2-6 hours, and it is a physically demanding hike through varying terrain. Experienced guides accompany visitors, and at the end of it all, expect a thrilling encounter with a group of gorillas in their natural habitat.

Essential packing list for gorilla tours

A responsible gorilla tour requires you to pack wisely, first with essentials. Some of the items to include on your packing list for a gorilla tour in Uganda or Rwanda are: long-sleeved shirts, a waterproof daypack, a good camera with a flashlight, a waterproof rain jacket, insect repellent, waterproof hiking boots, and snacks. Additional items include a first aid kit, gardening gloves, bottled drinking water, sun protection gear, extra camera batteries, memory cards, a face mask, a pair of socks, and more.

Gorilla Trekking Rules to Observe

Anyone on a responsible gorilla tour must adhere to gorilla trekking rules and regulations. The set rules focus on the safety and well-being of humans and gorillas, reduced gorilla disturbance, and disease spread. Here are some of the gorilla trekking regulations to observe;

• Throughout your trekking journey in the jungle, maintain a safe distance of about 8-10 feet from a group of gorillas.
• Keep your voice low to avoid irritating gorillas.
• Always avoid direct eye contact.
• Flash photography is not allowed –turn off the flashlight before taking photos of gorillas.
• A maximum of 8 people are permitted to visit 1 group of gorillas daily.
• Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking when close to gorillas as it risks their lives.
• Before and after the trek, you must wash your hands.
• If you want to cough or sneeze, turn your face away from the gorillas, ensuring you have covered your mouth or nose.
• Don’t engage in the gorilla trek if you are ill or have any contagious disease.
• Don’t forget to follow the guide’s instructions.

Conclusively, book a gorilla tour with Native Africa Tours, a local safari company making a difference through responsible travel. Please get in touch with us to plan your next memorable gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda or Rwanda.