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Volcanoes National Park Rules And Regulations
Volcanoes National Park rules and regulations are just a set of guidelines that must be followed by visitors undertaking gorilla trekking in the park.
Rwanda Volcanoes national park rules are simply set to conserve the health of the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Also, it helps you from any possibility of getting hurt by the strange and unpredictable behaviors of the Gorillas.
Please note that gorillas are so susceptible to human contagious diseases and infections. Also, in the case of many people visiting them, they can get stressed.
Remember, Gorillas are wild animals and can always act defensively to protect their young ones, especially when strangers are in their zones.
Therefore, for a memorable gorilla safari experience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park, you are encouraged to adhere to these park rules and regulations.
Below Is A Summary Of Volcanoes National Park Rules And Regulations
- It’s a prerequisite to present all the necessary official papers at the park entrance point for a check.
- Firearms are not allowed in Volcanoes National Park
- Pets like dogs, cats, and birds among others are prohibited from the park.
- Only a maximum number of 8 people are allowed to visit a habituated mountain gorilla family in a day.
- Note that only persons above 15 years of age are allowed to do gorilla trekking in Volcanoes park
- You must wash your hands before and after being with the gorillas
- During the hike, you must keep your voice low.
- Don’t litter the park
- Please, you’re prohibited from plucking leaves, flowers, or uprooting any plants in the park
- You must keep a 7m (21ft) distance from Mountain Gorillas.
- Always stay tight in your group while near Gorillas.
- While in Gorilla’s presence, always keep your voice low. However, you can ask the guide any questions.
- You’re not allowed to smoke, eat or drink near the gorillas
- At times Gorillas can charge. But, you must follow the guide’s example by crouching down slowly, etc.
- Flash photography is not allowed.
- You’re prohibited from touching the gorillas.
- You are limited to one hour while with Gorillas.
- After the visit, you must keep your voice low until you’re about 200m away from the Gorillas.
- Please respect the limits imposed on the number of travelers allowed to visit a Gorilla family each day.
- If you feel ill, or you carry a contagious disease please, volunteer to stay behind.
- When you feel like coughing or sneezing while near Gorillas, please, turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth.
- Always keep a 7m distance away from the Gorillas, as this helps to protect them from getting human contagious diseases.
- Don’t leave any rubbish such as food wrappers in the park.
- If you need like visiting a toilet in the jungle, please request the guide to dig you a hole with his machete.
Here Are The Detailed Rules And Regulations
Please note that Volcanoes National park rules and regulations are categorized into rules before and during the hike.
They’re also those to follow while with the gorillas. Health guidelines are also emphasized.
Volcanoes National Park Rules And Regulations Before The Hike For Gorilla Trekking
- It’s a prerequisite to present all the necessary official papers at the park entrance point for a check. Therefore, you are advised to travel with all your park receipts, passports, and driver’s license for review if needed.
- Firearms are not allowed in Volcanoes National Park. These will be left at the park’s gate after the check-up.
- Pets like dogs, cats, and birds among others are prohibited from the park. This is so because they can easily be lost or get attacked by wild animals in Nyungwe NP.
- Only a maximum number of 8 people are allowed to visit a habituated mountain gorilla family in a day. This is done to minimize the risk of them getting exposed to human-borne diseases. More so, it helps to limit them from getting so used to people.
- Note that only persons above 15 years of age are allowed to do gorilla trekking in Volcanoes park. But, those below 15 years, and looking mature can be allowed to track by the Authorities in Rwanda. The reason behind this guideline is that young people are prone to childhood diseases like measles, and mumps which can attack gorillas.
- You must wash your hands before and after being with the gorillas. This helps to reduce the possibilities of infection transmission to the gentle giants.
- Volcanoes National Park Rules And Regulations While The Hike To The Gorilla
- During the hike, you must keep your voice low. This gives you an opportunity of spotting a variety of wildlife counting beautiful birds and other wildlife along the trail.
- Don’t litter the park. You must carry back whatever you came with out of the forest. This promotes eco-tourism.
- Please, you’re prohibited from plucking leaves, and flowers, or uprooting any plants in the park. This action violets eco-tourism which aims at conserving nature for feature generations.
- Rwanda Volcanoes National Park Rules And Regulations While With Gorillas
- You must keep a 7m (21ft) distance from Mountain Gorillas. This will help to keep the Gorillas relaxed and minimize disease infections.
- Always stay tight in your group while near Gorillas, as this helps to keep them calm.
- While in Gorilla’s presence, always keep your voice low. However, you’re free to ask the guide questions.
- You’re not allowed to smoke, eat or drink near the gorillas. Eating or drinking unavoidably increases the risk of food droplets falling, which might increase the risk of disease transmission.
- At times Gorillas can charge. However, you must follow the guide’s example by crouching down slowly. Also, don’t look the Gorillas directly in the eyes, and always wait for the shy gentle giant to pass. Never attempt to run away, as this will increase the risk.
- Flash photography is not allowed! When taking photos avoid flashlights as this stress up the Gorillas. You’re reminded to move slowly and carefully as take photos.
- You’re prohibited from touching the gorillas. Though habituated, the fact remains that, they are wild animals!
- You are limited to one hour while with Gorillas. But, if the gorillas become agitated, your guide will finish the visit early for safety reasons.
- After the visit, you must keep your voice low until you’re about 200m away from the Gorillas.
- Health Rules And Regulations In Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Remember that Mountain gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases. Therefore the following health regulations help to reduce the risk your visit might pose to them.
These include:
23. Please respect the limits imposed on the number of travelers allowed to visit a Gorilla family each day. This reduces the chances of disease transmission and pressure on the group.
24. If you feel ill, or you carry a contagious disease please, volunteer to stay behind. An alternative visit can be organized for you, or you’ll be reimbursed your money.
When you feel like coughing or sneezing while near Gorillas, please, turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth. This helps to reduce the transmission of bacterial or viral diseases.
25. Always keep a 7m distance away from the Gorillas, as this helps to protect them from getting human contagious diseases.
26. Don’t leave any rubbish such as food wrappers in the park. Foreign items usually harbor diseases or other impurities which might be dangerous to Gorillas.
27. If you need like visiting a toilet in the jungle, please request the guide to dig you a hole with his machete. The hole must be over 30cm deep and after, you fill it.
Please, you’re encouraged to follow the above rules and regulations while on your visit to Volcanoes National Park for a memorable Rwanda gorilla safari experience.
For Any Inquiries About Volcanoes National Park Rules And Regulations Please, Feel Free To Email Our Lovely Team.