30 days East Africa Adventure

Expert tips:

Visiting one of the most remote tribes in Africa is definitely an unforgettable experience. To reach their village you will be guided on a long unmarked hike through the stunning landscape surrounding Mount Morungule in Kidepo Valley National Park. During the hike, there will be some opportunities to stop and admire the breathtaking views in the valley below you. Once arrived at the village, you will be greeted warmly with traditional dancing.

As it is an African tradition that a visitor brings some gifts, your guide will assist you with buying some basic things such as flour, sugar or salt that will be distributed among the tribe members after the dance.

While being guided around the village, you will be able to ask questions about the lifestyle and traditions of the Ik people.

Expert tips:

When you are with the gorillas:

1. A 7 meter (21 feet) distance should tried to be observed at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
2. You must stay in tight group whey you are near the gorillas.
3. Keep your voices down at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
4. Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
5. Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
6. Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully.
7. Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
8. The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
9. After the visit keep your voices down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.

General health rules:

Remember that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following rules are ways to minimize the risk your visit might poses to them:

1. Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
2. If you are feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your money.
3. If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
4. Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
5. Do not leave any rubbish (eg. food wrappers) in the park; foreign items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
6. If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole is 30 cm deep and fill it in when you are finished.

What to bring on your Gorilla Safari:

1. Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
2. Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water.
3. Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable) and insect repellent.