Each year, thousands of holidaymakers come mainly to see mountain gorillas in the wild but rarely do these creatures charge at visitors. But incase it does happen that a gorilla charges at you, what should you do? Some visitors may think running can save them but it is absolutely wrong because this may end at its worst. You can’t run faster than a gorilla in the wild, one important point to take note if you are planning for a gorilla trekking safari holiday in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo!
Most significantly, it is a good idea that you listen to your park guide’s piece of advice while on a trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Each park ranger guide is equipped with a gun and the purpose is primarily to ensure visitors are safeguarded but this doesn’t mean that a mountain gorilla should be shot dead. Park ranger guides are well-trained on how to handle such matters as to when a gorilla charges that is why listening to what you tell you is very important.
It is Uganda, Rwanda and Congo’s obligation to ensure mountain gorillas are protected from any harm. For a long time that we have been organizing Uganda gorilla trekking safaris or Rwanda gorilla holiday safaris, such cases related to a gorilla charging against clients hasn’t been recorded.
All gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo are only done in already fully habituated gorilla family groups. Habituated groups underwent a process in which they were initiated to get used to human presence also popularly known as habituation. This takes about 2 or less years and other families even take less than the period planned for them to undergo habituated and they can be ready for trekking.
How gorillas charge?
There are many ways gorillas can show that they have charged against you. They can thump their chest several times, grunt loudly and / or release a strong smell. Gorillas have loud voices and when they charge, you can easily notice them throw vegetation at you. Once you notice such signs, then know that they are angry at you.
WHAT YOU CAN DO WHEN GORILLAS CHARGE AGAINST YOU?
Rarely do gorillas charge and the ones that charge are regarded as fake. Usually, they charge in order to give their group members time to locate to safer areas. In case the oppression continues, they can also attack with no fear. Therefore, here are some of the ways you can survive attack from gorillas or what you can do in case they charge.
Study how they behave.
A charged gorilla can shout loudly and can go ahead to thump its chest, the ground and throw vegetation at you then release a strong smell. However, when they get close to you with none of the above signs then they just want to socialize with you.
Look the opposite direction.
Even your park guide will remind you that once you come across a charged gorilla, never ever attempt to look directly to its eyes. You can choose to lower your head down and not have direct/straight eye contact which is a sign of challenging them. If you lower your head down, it is a sign that you have submitted to them. Note, mountain gorillas are stronger than humans-never try to challenge them to prove it.
Keep calm.
At that moment, it is of no doubt that you can be filled with fear. But don’t over react or be tempted to scream at a gorilla otherwise you will be worsening the situation at hand. Be humble, calm down and quiet.
Groom its hand.
In case a gorilla gets hold of your hand, begin to groom it. In the process, it can relax more and you can be in position to remove your hands.
Walk away but steadily.
Running away puts you at a higher risk of being attacked and the best is to simply walkaway one step at a time but without making any noise. In the process, you would have created a distance between you and the gorillas.
Observe all your guide’s instructions for safety.
Although you will be briefed on the same dos and don’ts, the park guide upon leading you through the jungles to look for a gorilla family will remind you of the same rules to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience.
Maintain a distance from gorillas at all times.
This is a standard rule ever trekker on gorilla trekking must observe. A distance of 8-10 meters must be kept away from gorillas once found in the wild. Don’t touch them otherwise such actions can mean to them as a threat and they can be forced to attack you in away to defend themselves.
What makes gorillas charge at you?
- Wearing brightly colored clothes-that is why it is recommended to wear those that blend with their natural habitat.
- Loud voice made by trackers/trekkers that is why you must keep your voices low.
- Sudden and unexpected movements while with gorillas.
- Meeting wild gorilla family.
- When you spend too much time with the family.
- Attempts to touch a gorilla.
- When you get close to a breastfeeding mother gorilla.
- Obstruction/surrounding a family of gorillas.
- Large number of people.
