Gorilla Trekking Guidelines:

• To minimize possible transmission of human diseases, visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. If you are sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, please do not visit the gorillas.
• Viewing time is limited to one hour.
• Maximum 8 visitors per group.
• Spitting in the park is strictly prohibited.
• Should you need to cough, cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
• When with the gorillas, keep your voice low.
• Try not to make rapid movements that may frighten the gorillas.
• If a gorilla should charge or vocalize at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions.
• Do not litter.
• Do not use flash photography
• Human waste should be buried 30cm (12”) deep

Hand ware during gorilla trekking
It is advisable that you bring and have hand gloves (mitten) to cover your hands. The jungle has thorns on its trees and shrubs so touching on them will injure you fingers

TIPPING/GRATUITIES
Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you:

ON THE GORILLA TREK
Porters do not earn any salary. If you do choose to take a porter the minimum tip we recommended for a porter is US$10
Guides (1 per group), Trackers (2-3 per group) and Security personnel (2-4 per group) do earn salaries. We recommended US$15 for the trackers/security personnel and US$25 for the head guide/assistant per guest per day of tracking.

Rest of the safari

• Camp or Game Lodge Guides, Specialist Guides and Butlers We recommend US$10.00 per guest per day.
• Paddlers and Trackers
  We recommend that each paddler receive US$5.00 per guest per day and that camp/lodge trackers receive US$5.00 per guest per day.
• The General Safari Camp / Lodge Staff
  We recommend about US$10.00 per guest per day for safari camps. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff
• Porterage

– We recommend about US$5.00 to US$10.00 per guest per movement.

– Some lodges have slightly different gratuity schedules, but these are usually stipulated clearly in the camp’s collateral.

– We would like to emphasize that tipping is definitely not a requirement but should be undertaken only by choice and dependent on service received. Whatever you believe to be appropriate will be appreciated by the staff you have met.

PACKING SUGGESTIONS
Please find herewith a list of suggested items which should be used as a guideline whilst planning your trip. Please bear in mind that as mentioned above, there are luggage restrictions of between 15kg (33lbs) and 20kg (44lbs) (in a soft bag with no wheels, frames or rigid structures) on some light aircraft transfers and 20kg (44lbs) on most scheduled airline flights.

Clothing:

• Sun hat/bush hat.
• Headscarf/bandana – particularly for dusty dry regions.
• Golf-shirts and/or T-shirts – preferably with a sleeve to protect your shoulders from the sun.
• Long-sleeved cotton shirts.
• Shorts and/or skirts – really short skirts are not practical for getting in and out of game drive vehicles. Long trousers/slacks.
• Track suit.
• Pyjamas – lightweight for summer and warm/thermal for winter.
• Underwear – on game drives the roads can be bumpy and uneven so a suitable bra may be required.
• Socks – thermal options are recommended for the winter months.
• Good closed walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine).
• Sandals – preferably low heeled or flat if you are going on safari.
• Swimming costume.
• Lightweight jersey or fleece in summer.
• Light rain gear or jacket for summer months.
• Warm jersey or fleece plus anorak or parka in winter.
• Additionally, a scarf, gloves and beanies/woolen hats for the cold winter months.
  More formal attire for your stay at prestigious city hotels or on one of the luxury trains.

Equipment/Other:

• Good quality sunglasses, UV protected, preferably polarized. Tinted fashion
• glasses are not good in Strong light.
• If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust.
• Torch.
• Southern African bird guide if you are a keen birder, e.g. Newman’s or Sasol.
• Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by most establishments).
• Malaria tablets (if applicable).
• Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from any allergies.
• Anti-nausea tablets if you suffer from motion sickness.
• Moisturizing cream and suntan lotion – SPF 30 or higher recommended.
• Insect repellent for body application, e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc.
• Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and antihistamine cream, etc.) Tissues/Wet Wipes.
• Visas, tickets, passports, money, credit card, insurance details, etc.
• Camera equipment including spare batteries, chargers, film, flash cards, memory sticks, etc.
• Waterproof/dustproof bag or cover for your camera.

BINOCULARS – we highly recommended that you bring your own pair for viewing both wildlife and birds. 8×40 and 10×42 are the recommended general purpose binocular specifications

NOTE 1: Bright colors and white are not advised whilst on safari. Camouflage clothing is not recommended for travel in southern African countries (camouflage or military-inspired clothing is prohibited when travelling in Zimbabwe).
Luggage: Due to limited space available