What to Expect on your Gorilla Trek(Tracking)
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.
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
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
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.
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 even when you’re not exerting yourself
The guides keep a steady pace, taking breaks occasionally, but it’s still a serious workout.
Personal Note: Thank goodness for Sarah. She helped me navigate the downhill sections, which were honestly scarier than the uphill ones. It’s wet. It’s slippery. And if you’re not careful, you’ll fall.
How Fit Do You Need to Be?
This is the question everyone asks, and the honest answer is: it depends.
Bwindi offers treks at different difficulty levels: easy, medium, and hard.
Easy Trek: For people with limited mobility or those who can’t handle forest terrain, a gorilla family is located very close to the meeting place. This requires only a few steps and minimal hiking. It’s an excellent option for elderly travelers or those with physical limitations.
Medium Trek: This is what I chose. At first, I wanted the tough track, but everyone talked me out of it. Looking back, I’m glad they did. The medium trek was tough enough.
What “medium” looked like for me:
- About 2-3 miles of hiking before reaching the forest boundary
- 1+ hours of steep, muddy, challenging terrain inside the forest
- Relentless switchbacks across hillsides
- Wet, slippery, uneven ground
Difficult Trek: For serious hikers. You venture deeper into the forest, hike much longer (sometimes over 6 hours), and face more challenging terrain. The reward? A more remote, personal experience with the gorillas.
Best Advice: Go for some hikes before you arrive. Build your stamina and practice on uneven, hilly terrain if possible. This isn’t a casual walk—it’s a serious trek. But it’s also an incredible adventure, and every step is worth it.
When You Reach the Gorillas
After what feels like both forever and no time at all, the trackers—who have been following the gorilla family since dawn—signal that you’re close.
This is when things get real.
The Final Approach
At this point, you’re asked to:
- Wear your mask (to protect the gorillas from human germs)
- Leave all your belongings with the porters, who remain on the main path
Then, you follow the trackers off the trail and into the thick overgrowth. This is why it’s called the Impenetrable Forest. The vegetation is so dense that a person with a machete leads the way, clearing a path as you go. You duck under branches, step over roots, and push through leaves.
And then, suddenly, they appear.
What to Wear: The Essential Gear
The forest is beautiful and very muddy. Expect thick vegetation, wet ground, steep slopes, and unpredictable weather. Dressing correctly makes the trek far more comfortable.
Footwear
Sturdy, non-slip hiking boots are essential. The trails can be slick, especially after rain, and you’ll be climbing over roots, rocks, and uneven terrain. Your boots should have good ankle support and deep treads.
Gaiters
Bring gaiters—your pants will get wet and muddy, and gaiters help keep the mud out. Our guide even slipped on what looked like simple plastic coverings, and they worked surprisingly well.
Gloves
Yes, bring gloves. Vegetation can sting or irritate your skin. Someone in our group brushed against a leaf, and his hands immediately turned red. Gloves protect you from both plants and the occasional need to grab onto branches while climbing.
Rain Gear
A lightweight rain jacket is essential, even if it isn’t raining. The forest creates its own weather, and the humidity can be unpredictable. Look for something breathable and waterproof that you can easily stuff into your daypack.
Pro Tip: Even if it doesn’t rain, the forest is naturally damp. Leaves drip, humidity clings to everything, and the ground is perpetually moist. Embrace it—it’s all part of the experience.
Trekking Poles
I brought a pair of trekking poles, but I only needed one. Honestly, you can skip buying them unless you plan to use them throughout your trip. The rangers will provide a wooden walking stick that works perfectly for the trek.
Long Pants and Long Sleeves
Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin from vegetation, insects, and the sun. Lightweight, quick-dry fabric works best.
Layers
The forest can be cool in the morning and warm once you start hiking. Dress in layers that you can easily remove and pack away.
Hat and Sunscreen
Even in the forest, you’ll have moments in the sun. Bring a hat and sunscreen.
And Don’t Stress Too Much
If you forget something, don’t worry. You’ll be muddy, sweaty, and gloriously dirty by the time you leave the forest anyway. That’s part of the adventure and part of the story you’ll carry home!
When is the Best Time of Year to See Gorillas?
The best time to visit is during the dry seasons:
- June to August
- December to February
I went trekking during the last week of November, and there was no rain! However, it’s important to remember that Bwindi is a rainforest, and rain can happen at any time of the year. During the dry season, the chances of rain are much lower but not zero.
The hike remains wet and muddy even during the dry season. The ground stays moist, the forest is naturally damp, and the trails can be slippery. You can bring gear ready for wet conditions regardless of when you visit.
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