If you are planning your first gorilla trek, the idea can feel both thrilling and a little daunting. How hard is the walk? What happens when you find the gorillas? Here is how a typical day unfolds, so you can arrive prepared and relaxed.
The morning briefing
Trekking days start early. You meet at the park headquarters or sector office, usually around 7:30 or 8:00 a.m., for a briefing from the rangers. They explain the rules, assign you to a gorilla family and group you with other visitors, usually no more than eight in total.
This is a good moment to ask questions. Rangers know which family you will visit and roughly where it was seen the day before, which helps set expectations for the walk ahead.
The trek
The hike is the unpredictable part. Gorillas move through the forest each day, and trackers go ahead at dawn to find them. Depending on where the family is, a trek can take anywhere from about two hours to most of a day. The terrain is steep, often muddy, and it can be slippery after rain. You walk with armed rangers, who guard against wildlife encounters, and a guide who sets the pace.
You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be able to walk for several hours on uneven ground. Many travelers hire a porter to carry their bag and give a hand on steep sections, which is a good idea and supports the local economy.
The hour with the gorillas
Once you reach the family, the clock starts on a single hour. You leave bags behind, keep your voice low, and stay about seven meters from the animals. Visitors must be at least 15 years old, and anyone with a cold or flu will be asked not to go, as gorillas are vulnerable to human illness.
What you see varies. Some days the family is feeding quietly, other days juveniles are playing or the silverback is resting near you. Gorillas sometimes approach, in which case your guide will tell you how to react. The usual advice is to stay still and avoid direct eye contact. More About Silverbacks Gorillas
What to bring
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good grip.
- Long sleeves and long trousers for stinging plants and insects.
- Lightweight rain jacket, as forest weather changes quickly.
- Garden or work gloves for gripping vegetation on steep slopes.
- Water, snacks and a packed lunch.
- A camera without flash, and a spare battery.
Booking and timing
Permits are limited and sell out in the busiest months, so book well ahead. Our first-time gorilla trekking guide walks through permits, fitness, packing and what the day looks like in more detail.
Most first-timers describe the hour as shorter than they expected and more moving than they planned for. Arrive curious, walk at your own pace, and let the forest do the rest.
Wondering where to start from? Join a 3 days Gorilla trekking Safari in Bwindi Forest