Cristy S

What to Expect on your Gorilla Trek(Tracking) Everything You Need to Know before you step into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla trekking isn’t like a typical safari where you observe animals from the comfort of a vehicle. This is an immersive, on-foot adventure through one of Africa’s most challenging and beautiful forests. Here’s exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and what you need to know to make the most of your experience. The Day Starts Early Meeting at the Gate Your day begins around 7:00-7:30 AM at one of Bwindi’s sector headquarters: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo. As you arrive, you’ll immediately feel the energy—guides preparing, porters waiting to be hired, and fellow trekkers buzzing with excitement. The Welcome Performance Before any briefing, you’re treated to something special: a traditional welcome performance by locals. Drums, singing, colorful dancing—it’s joyful, vibrant, and a beautiful reminder that this experience isn’t just about the gorillas. It’s about the people who protect them and the communities that surround the forest. The Briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) After the performance, the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers gather everyone for a mandatory briefing. This is where you learn the rules, safety procedures, and what to expect. Here’s what they cover: Family Assignment You’ll be assigned to a specific gorilla family based on your fitness level and the family’s current location. Some families are close (a 30-minute to 1-hour hike), while others require 4-6 hours of trekking through challenging terrain. Rules for Behaving Around Gorillas: Stay Quiet – Avoid loud noises and sudden movements. Use a low voice if you need to talk. Keep Your Distance – Stay at least 7 meters (23 feet) away from the gorillas at all times. (Note: In the dense forest, this is often impossible as gorillas move freely. The guides handle this carefully, but remember—these are wild animals, and they don’t always respect the 7-meter rule!) Avoid Mimicking Their Sounds – Gorillas communicate through vocalizations. Imitating them may be interpreted as a threat or challenge. No Eating or Drinking Near Them – Human food and germs can harm gorillas. Keep all food and water packed away. No Flash Photography – Flash can startle and upset the gorillas. Turn off your flash before entering the forest. Eye Contact is OK—But Read the Room – Brief eye contact is usually fine and can even be charming. But if a gorilla looks uncomfortable or stares back intensely, look down to show submission and respect. Personal Note: I had the privilege of making eye contact with a gorilla. His eyes were deep and dark brown, and for a moment, it felt like he was looking into my soul. And then, I swear, he smiled. Or at least, I like to think he did! Always Follow Your Guide’s Instructions – Your guides and trackers know these gorillas and this forest intimately. Listen to them at all times. Personal Note: One member of my group slipped and fell closer to a gorilla. The gorilla screamed—LOUD. It was startling and a powerful reminder that these are wild animals deserving of space and respect Meeting Your Team and Hiring a Porter After the briefing, you meet your tracking group (usually up to 8 people per gorilla family) and your guide. This is also when you can hire a porter. Why You Should Hire a Porter Hiring a porter is one of the most thoughtful decisions you can make. Here’s why: For You: Your hands are free, so you can focus on the hike and your footing You have someone to help you navigate tricky terrain They literally extend a hand (or stick) when you need help going uphill or downhill For Them: Porters work on a rotation schedule, sometimes just once or twice a month This is a vital source of income for them and their families Your hire directly supports the local community Cost: $20 flat fee + $2-$5 tip for good service Personal Note: I was paired with Sarah, and she was terrific. She carried my bag, helped me navigate slippery slopes, and literally extended a hand as I went downhill. Hiring her wasn’t just practical—it felt meaningful. She deserved every dollar I gave her. Pro Tip: Use the Bathroom Before You Leave There are bathrooms at the gate. Use them. If nature calls during the hike, there are ways to handle it in the woods (your guide will discreetly help), but it’s best to avoid it if possible. The Journey to the Starting Point From the gate, you’ll drive to the actual starting point of your trek. This drive can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on which gorilla family you’re tracking and where they were last seen. Personal Note: We drove about 45 minutes on bumpy African roads. In distance, it was only three miles, but on those roads, time moves differently. The Trek: What It’s Really Like   The First Part: Reaching the Forest The first part of the hike is usually fairly manageable—steady walking through villages or farmland until you reach the forest boundary. For many trekkers, this involves crossing a wooden bridge over a river. That river marks the transition. On one side, the village. On the other hand, the forest. Once you cross it, you’re officially in Bwindi. The Forest: Why It’s Called “Impenetrable” And then everything changes. Bwindi is called “Impenetrable” for a reason. The vegetation is thick, tangled, and relentless. The slopes are steep, often muddy, and covered in layers of vines, giant ferns, ancient trees, and mist that never fully clears. You’re not walking on a clear trail. The trackers lead the way with machetes, cutting a path through the undergrowth as you go. You duck under branches, step over roots, push through leaves taller than you are (or taller than me, at least!). The terrain is challenging: Steep switchbacks that test your stamina Muddy slopes that can be slippery Uneven ground with exposed roots and rocks High humidity that makes you sweat

Your Visit Makes a Difference How Responsible Tourism Protects the Gorillas The story of the mountain gorilla is one of the greatest conservation successes of our time. In the 1980s, fewer than 300 mountain gorillas remained in the wild. Today, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts and responsible tourism, that number has increased to over 1,000. But this progress didn’t happen by chance, and it won’t keep going without our support. Financial Support for Protection   Every gorilla trekking permit purchased funds: Ranger patrols that protect gorillas from poachers Veterinary care for sick or injured gorillas Habitat restoration and protection Research and monitoring programs Economic Incentive for Conservation When local communities benefit economically from gorilla tourism, they become the gorillas’ greatest protectors. Tourism creates jobs as guides, trackers, porters, lodge staff, and artisans. It funds schools and healthcare. It gives people a reason to protect the forest rather than clear it for agriculture. Global Awareness Every person who treks to see mountain gorillas becomes an ambassador. You return home with stories, photos, and a deep connection to these animals. You tell others. You donate. You care. And that matters. Responsible Tourism: The Rules That Protect Uganda has strict regulations to ensure tourism doesn’t harm the gorillas: Maximum of 8 tourists per family per day – This limits disturbance and stress Masks required – Prevents transmission of human diseases Health checks before trekking – Anyone showing symptoms of illness cannot trek 7-meter distance rule – Though not always possible in dense forest, guides enforce this carefully One hour with the gorillas – Limits exposure time No eating or drinking near gorillas – Prevents contamination and habituation to human food Supporting Subheading What Can You Do Choose Responsible Tour Operators Book with companies that prioritize conservation and community benefit. At Mi Bella Mondo, we partner with the Bwindi Foundation for Future Generations to ensure every trip supports local education, women’s empowerment, and conservation efforts. Follow the Rules The guidelines exist for a reason. Stay quiet, keep your distance, wear your mask, and always follow your guide’s instructions. Support Local Communities: Hire porters, buy from local artisans, stay in community-owned lodges, and tip generously for good service. Spread Awareness Share your experience. Tell people why mountain gorillas matter and why protecting them matters. Inspire others to travel responsibly. Contribute to Conservation Organizations. Organizations like the Bwindi Foundation for Generations Foundation do critical work. Even small donations make a difference. THE BIG PICTURE Conservation isn’t just about saving gorillas. It’s about protecting entire ecosystems. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most biodiverse forests in Africa, home to: Over 120 mammal species 350 bird species 200 butterfly species Countless plants, insects, and microorganisms When we protect gorillas, we protect this entire web of life. Everyone is a Conservationist!   You don’t need to be a biologist or live in Uganda to make a difference. You need to care. And if you’ve read this far, you already do! Let’s Travel For GOOD.

Meet the Gentle Giants Fast Facts About Mountain Gorillas   Mountain gorillas are among the world’s most endangered species and among our closest genetic relatives. Here’s what makes them so remarkable: Where They Live Mountain gorillas are only found in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They inhabit high-altitude forests between 1,160 and 2,607 meters above sea level, making their habitat as rare as the animals themselves. Population & Conservation Status Once critically endangered with fewer than 300 individuals remaining in the 1980s, mountain gorillas have made a remarkable comeback thanks to devoted conservation efforts. Today, there are over 1,000 mountain gorillas in the wild, with more than half living in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Family Structure Mountain gorillas live in family groups led by a dominant silverback—an adult male named for the distinctive silver hair on his back. Families typically include one silverback, several females, and their young. When young males mature, they often leave to start their own families or live alone until they can attract females. Daily Life Gorillas are herbivores that spend most of their day eating leaves, shoots, stems, and sometimes fruit. They can consume up to 40 pounds of vegetation each day. The rest of their time is devoted to resting, grooming, and playing—especially the young ones, who tumble and wrestle just like human children. Communication     Mountain gorillas communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including grunts, roars, and screams. They also use body language and facial expressions. That rumbling sound you might hear? That’s their way of expressing contentment while eating—basically a gorilla’s version of “this is delicious.” Threats & Protection     Despite their recovery, mountain gorillas still face threats from habitat loss, disease (they’re vulnerable to human illnesses), and poaching. Strict conservation efforts—including limited tourism, health checks for visitors, and armed ranger patrols—have been vital to their survival. Intelligence & Emotion     Gorillas display remarkable intelligence and emotional depth. They form strong family bonds, grieve their dead, and show affection through grooming and play. When you look into a gorilla’s eyes, you see something unmistakable: recognition, curiosity, and a presence that feels deeply familiar. Why They Matter Mountain gorillas are conservationists’ “umbrella species.” Protecting them means safeguarding entire ecosystems—the forests, the rivers, and the countless other species that share their habitat. When gorillas thrive, so does the biodiversity around them. And perhaps most importantly, they remind us that we’re not alone on this planet. We share 98% of our DNA with these gentle giants. Their survival is connected to ours.      

More gorillas, better value, authentic experiences Why Uganda is the Ultimate Destination for Gorilla Trekking If you’re dreaming of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild, you have three options: Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Here’s why Uganda stands out as the best choice. The Numbers Don’t Lie Uganda is home to over half of the world’s mountain gorillas, with more than 20 habituated families available for tracking. This means: Higher permit availability You’re more likely to get a permit on your preferred dates. More flexibility in booking With so many gorilla families, there are more options. Less crowded experiences More families lead to smaller groups and more personal encounters. Wider range of trekking difficulties From easy walks to challenging hikes, there’s something for every fitness level. UNBEATABLE PRICE $800 USD per permit UGANDA $1,500 USD per permit Rwanda $400 USD per permit DRC (Significant Safety Concerns) Uganda offers the same fantastic experience as Rwanda for less money. For travelers on a budget or planning several treks, Uganda is the clear choice. And here’s the bonus: for $1,500 (the price of one trek in Rwanda), you can do TWO treks in Uganda or upgrade to the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which provides up to four hours with a newly habituated family—one of the most intimate wildlife encounters anywhere in the world. Authentic Cultural Connection Education initiatives in 16 villages Women’s empowerment programs Conservation efforts led by locals Community-based tourism that creates sustainable livelihoods Uganda’s gorilla tourism is closely tied to local communities. From hiring porters to staying in locally owned lodges, your visit directly helps the people living near Bwindi. When you travel with Mi Bella Mondo through our partnership with the Bwindi Foundation for Future Generations, you’re supporting: Diverse Experiences Beyond Gorillas Experience the Batwa Cultural Experience Go bird watching (over 350 species) Take guided nature walks through incredible biodiversity Visit local communities and support artisan cooperatives Hike to stunning waterfalls Explore multiple national parks, including Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Lake Mburo While Rwanda offers luxury and convenience (it’s only 2-3 hours from Kigali), Uganda offers adventure and authenticity. Beyond gorilla trekking, you can: Bottom Line   If you want the best chance of seeing gorillas, the most affordable permits, authentic East African experiences, and the chance to make a real impact on conservation and communities, Uganda is the place to go! This goes beyond just checking gorillas off your bucket list.  Let’s Travel For Good.

The UWA Rangers Who Make It Possible Meet Nicholas: The Man Who Teaches Gorillas to Trust A Ranger’s Story of Patience, Dedication, and Four Years in the Forest When I met Nicholas after our trek with the Shajare family, I didn’t realize I was standing before one of the people who made that magical hour possible. He wasn’t just a ranger patrolling the forest—he was one of the architects of the experience I’d just had. Nicholas is a gorilla habituation expert, and for four years, his job was to earn the trust of wild mountain gorillas! A Day Job Like No Other “I came to this forest every single day,” Nicholas told me, his voice filled with quiet pride. “8 AM to 5 PM, like a normal job. Except my office was the forest, and my colleagues were gorillas.” For four years, Nicholas followed the Shajare family through Bwindi’s impenetrable undergrowth. He observed them, cared for them, and gradually taught them that humans weren’t a threat. He learned their personalities, documented their behaviors, and watched them grow from a wary wild family into gorillas comfortable enough to allow visitors into their world. At the time of habituation, there were eleven members in the Shajare family. Nicholas knew each one by name, by temperament, by the role they played in the group. He explained that gorilla families often split into smaller groups since each typically has just one silverback—the dominant male who leads and protects them. The Work Behind the Magic Habituation isn’t quick or easy. It takes between 2 and 5 years of daily commitment, and Nicholas was there for every step of the Shajare family’s journey. Every morning, he would follow the family to their nesting spot from the night before. He began by observing from 15-20 meters away, watching how they fed, played, groomed, and interacted. Gradually, over months, he moved closer—but only when the gorillas showed no signs of stress or fear. He made soft sounds so they learned to recognize his voice. He moved predictably so they understood his intentions. He showed calm, non-threatening body language. Essentially, he taught the gorillas a simple lesson: “We’re not a threat.” Over time, the gorillas ceased running when he approached. They stopped watching him nervously. They went about their daily routines—eating, playing, resting—as if he were just another part of the forest. And that’s when a family is considered habituated The Bashate Family: Years of Dedication Nicholas didn’t just habituate the Shajare family. Years earlier, he had done the same work with the Bashasha family, another gorilla group in Bwindi. As we talked, his eyes lit up. He pulled out his phone and began scrolling through photos—images of gorillas he’d spent years getting to know. Each photo came with a story. This one is the playful youngster who always got into trouble. That one is the gentle mother who fiercely protected her baby. This silverback had the calmest temperament Nicholas had ever seen. You could see the pride in his face. These weren’t just animals he’d observed for work. These were individuals he knew intimately, gorillas whose trust he’d earned through patience and respect. “It’s Like Watching Your Children Graduate” “When a family is finally habituated,” Nicholas said, “it’s like watching your children graduate. You’ve been with them through everything—births, deaths, fights, and peaceful moments. You know each one by name, by personality. And now, they trust humans enough to share their world with visitors like you.” He paused, looking back toward the forest where the Shajare family was somewhere deep in the trees. “The Shajare family took four years. Every day, rain or shine, I was here. And now, you’ve got to meet them. That’s why I do this work.” Why Habituation Matters Habituated gorilla families are the backbone of gorilla tourism, and tourism is what funds conservation. Without habituation, there would be no permits, no tourism revenue, and far less protection for these endangered animals. But Nicholas’s work goes beyond tourism. Habituation also allows researchers and veterinarians to monitor gorilla health more closely, respond quickly to injuries or illnesses, study behavior and social dynamics, and track population changes. It’s essential for the survival of the species. The Question Everyone Asks: Is It Ethical? I asked Nicholas directly: Is it ethical to habituate wild animals this way? “The gorillas we habituate are calm,” he explained. “They don’t run. They don’t show stress. They’ve learned that we mean no harm. Is it different from their natural life? Yes. But without tourism, without the money and attention it brings, we probably wouldn’t have gorillas at all.” He’s right. In the 1980s, fewer than 300 mountain gorillas remained in the wild. Today, thanks to conservation efforts primarily funded by tourism, that number has grown to over 1,000. Habituation changes gorilla behavior—they become comfortable around humans in a way wild animals typically aren’t. But when done carefully, ethically, and with strict limits (only 8 visitors per family per day, one hour maximum, masks required, health checks mandatory), the benefits for conservation far outweigh the risks. Nicholas put it simply: “These gorillas are ambassadors. Once you meet them, you’ll do anything to protect them. And that’s what keeps them alive.” The Rangers Behind Every Encounter When you trek to see mountain gorillas, you see the trackers who find them, the guides who lead you, and the porters who carry your bags. But you might not see the rangers like Nicholas, who spent years in the forest before you ever arrived, building the trust that makes your encounter possible. Every calm moment with a gorilla family. Every curious glance from a silverback. Every playful youngster tromps through the undergrowth. It’s all built on years of daily dedication by people like Nicholas, who chose to spend their lives in the forest, teaching gorillas to trust. The hour you spend with the gorillas? It’s the result of thousands of hours that came before it. And that’s something worth remembering. Photo Credit: Nicholas, UWA Ranger 

Meeting the Shajare Family An Hour That Changed Everything!             This was my second attempt to see the gorillas. My first try had been cut short when I caught a cold. One of the strict rules is that if you show any signs of illness, you can’t go on the trek. So when I finally got my chance, the anticipation was even greater. All trekkers meet at the Bwindi gate early in the morning, usually around 7:00-7:30 AM. We were welcomed with a traditional song and dance, a joyful reminder that this experience isn’t just about the gorillas; it’s about the people who protect them. After the performance, a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger gathered everyone for a briefing, going over the dos and don’ts: stay quiet, keep your distance, no flash photography, and wear your mask. Then we met our team: our guide, trackers, and the armed rangers who would accompany us, for a quick huddle before starting our journey.   We drove for about 45 minutes on bumpy African roads (African massage, as they call it!) to reach the starting point. In terms of distance, it was only three miles, but on those roads, time feels different. When we arrived, the real journey started! The first part of the hike was pretty easy—about an hour of steady walking until we reached a wooden bridge crossing a river. That river is the boundary. On one side, the village. On the other side, the forest. Once you cross it, you’re officially in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest! And then everything changed. The trek became relentless—steep switchbacks, muddy slopes, and thick vegetation that seemed determined to slow us down. For another hour or so, we pushed uphill through Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forest, with the terrain growing more challenging with each step. But finally, the trackers who had been following the Shajare family since dawn signaled that we were close. We put on our masks, left our belongings with the porters, and followed the trackers off the main trail. This is when you truly realize why it’s called the Impenetrable Forest. The vegetation is so thick that a person with a machete leads the way, clearing a path as we move. You duck under branches, step over roots, and push through leaves taller than you are. And then, suddenly, they appear! Seven Gorillas in a Clearing (Plus a glimpse of a mom and her newborn!)   We were tracking the Shajare family, one of the newest habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi. When we reached a small clearing—shaped over time by these gentle giants—seven gorillas waited for us. They didn’t arrive all at once. They emerged from the undergrowth one by one, as if deciding in their own time whether to welcome us. Deep in the dense brush, we saw two more: a mother and her tiny newborn. She shielded her baby with her body, opting for privacy, and our guides fully respected that space. Then the silverback appeared, the dominant male. He looked young, strong, and remarkably composed. At one point, as I tried to photograph him, he dropped his entire body to the ground and began eating, utterly relaxed. Completely unbothered. Completely unfazed by our presence. The Moment That Stopped Time! At one point, a gorilla looked directly at me. His deep, dark brown eyes locked onto mine; steady, curious, impossibly human. For a heartbeat, the entire forest seemed to go silent. It felt as though he was acknowledging me, greeting me in the only language we shared. Part of me even joked that he was searching for a long-lost sister and that he was welcoming me! The ranger told us it was okay to make eye contact, as long as we looked down if the gorilla showed any sign of feeling threatened. So I held his gaze gently, just for a few seconds. Then he blinked, looked away, and settled back into his world, completely content. I’m sure he smiled. And yes, I even got a selfie with him. It’s a moment I will remember forever! Life in the Forest The gorillas went about their day as if we weren’t there. They munched on leaves, groomed each other, played, and rested. The forest was quiet except for their soft chewing and the occasional click of our cameras. I also had the chance to meet Nicholas, one of the rangers who helped habituate the Shajare family. For four years, he came into the forest every day from 8 to 5, caring for them, observing, feeding, playing, and gradually earning their trust. His pride and passion were unmistakable as he shared their stories. He even showed me photos of the gorillas. At the time of habituation, there were eleven members in the family, although they often split into smaller groups, since each family usually has just one silverback. One Hour with the Gentle Giants     You get one hour with the gorillas. Sixty minutes. It may seem short, but when you’re standing there, surrounded by these fantastic creatures, time feels both endless and fleeting. Every moment with them was extraordinary. Watching their movements, hearing their breath, and seeing the kindness in their eyes, it’s humbling in a way that’s hard to put into words. And here’s the thing: it won’t be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. I will return. I have to go back. Once you’ve been that close to a mountain gorilla, looked into their eyes, and felt that connection, you’re changed. And you’ll want to experience it again and again!