Eco-tourism means tourism to natural areas which contributes to:

• Conserving the natural environment
• Improving the well being of the local people
• Developing the national economy
  
  In order to do this you must follow the rules below.

1. On the way to the Gorillas

• A maximum number of 6 visitors may visit a group of habituated Gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioral disturbances to the Gorillas and the risk of exposure to human-borne diseases.
• Keep your voices low, you will then also be able to observe great bird life and other wildlife in the area.
• DO NOT leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back with you.
• You will be taken to where the guides observed the Gorillas the day before. From there you will follow the Gorillas trail to find them. Look out for the Gorillas nesting sites on the way.
• When you approach the Gorillas the guides will inform you when to get your cameras ready.
• Always wash your hands before you head out to the Gorillas.

2. When you are with the Gorillas 

• Keep a minimum of 5 meters (15 feet) from the Gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human disease.
• You must stay in a tight group when you are near the Gorillas.
• Keep your voices down at all times. However it is alright to ask the guides questions.
• DO NOT eat or drink while you are near the Gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably increases the risk of food or drink morsels or droplets falling, thus increasing the risk of transmission of disease.
• Sometimes the Gorillas will charge. Follow the guides example, crouch down slowly,
  • DO NOT look the Gorilla directly in the eyes and wait for the animal to pass.
  • DO NOT try and take pictures
  • DO NOT attempt to run away, running away will increase the risk.

3. Taking Pictures

• Flash photography is NOT permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully.
• DO NOT touch the Gorillas, they are wild animals.
• 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 tour early.
• After the visit keep your voices down until you are 200 meters away from the Gorillas.

4. General Health Rules

• Remember that Gorillas are very susceptable to human diseases. The Following are ways to minimize the risk that your visit might pose on them.
• Respect the limits on the number of visitors allowed with the Gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
• 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.
• 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 and viruses.
• Always stay 5 meters (15 feet) away from the Gorillas. The further back you are the more relaxed the group will be.
• DO NOT attempt to touch the Gorillas.
• DO NOT smoke, drink or eat when you are with the Gorillas.
• DO NOT leave any rubbish (eg. food wrappers) in the park, foreign items can harbour diseases or other contaminations.
• If you need to defecate, whilst in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure that this hole is 30cm deep and fill it when you are finished.

5. What to bring

• Ensure that you have long pants and a long sleeved shirt, to protect you from the large patches of stinging nettles.
• Layers of clothing are better as the temperatures change often. Warm clothing such as a sweater, long sleeve shirts, moisture wicking undergarments, water proof hiking boots, long trousers, a light raincoat or poncho are essential.
• Gloves are also good to bring.
• Also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack, water and a sun hat.
• Backpack for cameras.