Rwanda

• There are no ATM machines that connect to banks outside Rwanda. Therefore we recommend you exchange your money at the airport.
• Film is hard to get in Rwanda. Make sure you bring plenty.
• Rwanda, as a country, has outlawed plastic bags. This is part of the reason why Rwanda is so clean. If you bring plastic bags with you, the bags themselves maybe confiscated at the airport.

Items to bring while treking

• Avoid brightly coloured clothings.
• A small backpack where you can put a bottle of water, food, extra clothing and other requirements while in the park.
• Waterproof / water resistant hiking boots are recommended on the mountainous terrain which can get slippery.
• Comfortable clothing. In particular, we recommend long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid stinging nettles and other plants.
• A rain jacket is strongly recommended due to the fast changing weather in the region.
• Dress in layers the day usually begins cool and warms up steadily.
• A hat, sun glasses and sun block to protect yourself from the sun.
• Gloves are optional but many prefer them to help deal with the stinging nettles.
• A first aid kit including band-aids for blisters and any necessary medication.
• Camera, lenses and plenty of film. Film is hard to come by around the park, so bring plenty.We recommend at least 400 speed film.
• Batteries and an adaptor if you need to recharge your batteries often.

Gorilla trekking rules

• Park rules limit your time with the gorillas to one hour. This is a conservation measure to prevent over habituation of gorillas and to minimize the disturbance of the gorillas in their daily activities.
• Minimum distance: You must stay at least 7 meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas. This allows enough space for the gorillas to be comfortable and protects both gorillas and humans from passing disease to one another.
• Keep your voices low. Animals don't like loud sounds which can cause them to flee. Keeping talking to a minimum will also increase your chances of observing other animals while in the park.
• Don’t take anything from the park or leave anything behind. As the old adage goes, “take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints”.
• You are not allowed to drink or eat near the gorillas as this might attract their attention and incite them to grab food from you, which is dangerous for you and the gorillas. Before approaching the gorillas, you will be instructed to leave your backpacks with the trackers.
• Remember that while the gorillas are habituated, they are wild animals; don't reach out to touch them.
• No flash is allowed when taking photos. The flash scares the gorillas and makes them flee. If you can not turn the flash off, then you must cover it with dark tape.
• Follow your guide's instructions while in the park, it is for your safety and the safety of the animals.
• If you need to take a bathroom break, ask your guide for direction and recommendation.
• If you have a cough or influenza, please report it immediately to the guide, as you may put the gorilla population at risk.
• If you have any other health problems, inform the guide who will advise you accordingly.
• We recommend at least one liter of water per person.
• We cannot predict how long the trek will last as the gorillas are constantly moving. We recommend that you bring snacks such as trail mix, energy bars, or other that can satisfy your hunger.