Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure
Like so many travelers, trekking to see the silverback gorillas in their natural habitat had been at the top of my bucket list for years. Every year, I would tell myself, this is the year I'll go — and every year, life would get in the way. But after the few years we've all just experienced, I was done waiting.
Planning a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is not for the faint of heart — especially if you go right after a heavy rainfall (which we did). There were aspects that were more challenging than I imagined, and a few that were easier. But seeing these incredible primates up close, playing with their families and caring for one another, was a surreal and unforgettable moment.
If you're dreaming of adding gorilla trekking in Uganda to your bucket list, keep reading for everything you need to know before you go.
How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Before leaving for Uganda, I spent months researching the intensity of the trek and the level of fitness required. I found mixed reviews — some said it was tough but manageable, others said it was the hardest thing they’d ever done.
Here’s my honest experience: you don't need to be a marathon runner or a professional climber, but a moderate level of fitness will make the trek far more comfortable. Cardio endurance is key. I don't do intense workouts regularly, and there were definitely moments where I found myself out of breath during steeper climbs.
If you're planning an adventure trip or a luxury honeymoon to Uganda, some preparation ahead of time will make a big difference in how much you enjoy the experience.
Level of fitness: Cardio is probably the biggest thing I would focus on. I do not go to the gym or do intense workouts and I was a bit out of breath for some parts of the trek.
Essential Gear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla Permits:
A gorilla trekking permit is essential. If you’re traveling with a reputable tour operator (like we did with Pearl Nature Holidays), the permits are usually included. The cost is about $700 USD and must be secured in advance.
Hiking Boots:
Good hiking boots are non-negotiable. The jungle floor is uneven, slippery, and unpredictable — especially after rain. I wore my Karakoram Tech Women’s Waterproof Boots, and they were perfect.
Clothing:
Breathable shirts and pants: I wore a breathable tank top and loose-fitting pants from Cloudveil, plus a lightweight jacket for protection against brush and branches.
Long socks: Essential for tucking in your pants to protect against critters.
Rain gear: Weather in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest changes quickly. A rain jacket or poncho is a must.
Sweater: Mountain temperatures can drop, especially after rain, so bring an extra layer.
Other Essentials:
Camera + Extra Batteries: We used an iPhone 13 Pro and a Canon EOS Rebel T6. The iPhone did well with photos but not as well with video. A better camera would have made a difference.
Water: Bring more than you think you'll need. Trekking in the jungle is hot, humid, and physically demanding.
Snacks: Our trek lasted seven hours, so having snacks and a packed lunch was a lifesaver.
Small waterproof backpack: Essential for carrying water, camera gear, and snacks.
Battery pack: You’ll be out for hours; the last thing you want is a dead phone or camera.
What Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is Really Like
It is hard to put into words what the experience is like. The trek alone through Bwindi is incredible but seeing the gorillas, as a family, living their normal day to day life in their natural habitat is something you will never forget.
We trekked for 7 hours through dense jungle, with very uneven ground. There were many roots on the jungle floor and areas that looked like they were ground, but were actually just moss and dirt laying on top of hidden holes and slopes. We had walking sticks (I would definitely grab one as they are provided, some people didn’t and I do not know how they made it through) and we used them to hit the ground before stepping, as the ground was misleading and if you had stepped down, you could have slid down the high slopes into the valley. There was a heavy rainfall the day before so the ground was very slippery, I almost made it through the entire trek without falling! There were also porters there; we were not going to hire one as we just had a small backpack, however our guide told us that the jungle floor was difficult to navigate in some areas and the porters knew the jungle inside and out; they knew were to step and where not to, and I am so glad we had or porter with us. He was so patient and helpful and I honestly would have fallen many more times without him there. I am not going to lie, we held hands for a decent portion of the trek as some areas were almost impassable.
How do you find the gorillas?
Early in the morning, hours before you begin your trek, trackers head out into the jungle to find a specific family of gorillas. They always monitor where the gorillas are and follow their paths to find their next destination. Once they find them, they radio the rangers and let them know where the gorillas have landed.
What happens when you find the gorillas?
After trekking for about 4-5 hours, our ranger received word that the trackers had found the gorilla family. We were nearby, so we didn't have to journey too far. Before we made contact, we were instructed to put our face masks on, (the rangers and park authority are unsure if covid 19 would infect the gorillas, so they did not want to take the chance) and the rangers explained the rules around coming into contact.
You have to stay at least 10 feet away from the gorillas at all times to give them their space. Keeping your distance will also lessen the chance that a gorilla feels threatened. If a gorilla does take interest in you, the rangers will tell you what to do
Do not crowd them - the rangers will tell you where to stand
Keep the volume down
Ensure that your flash is off, the gorillas do not like the flash
You are able to view the gorillas for 1 hour only
How did the gorillas react?
They seemed pretty unphased that we were there, they carried on eating as we watched in silence. They would look at you once in a while and make eye contact, and one of the females who was further up on the hill came down and sat right next to Kris and continued eating! He slowly backed away to give her space.
Do the rangers carry guns?
Yes, but they do not use them unless it is necessary. The guns actually are not to protect us from the gorillas, they are only used if an elephant is dangerously close and only to scare the elephant. We had 3 rangers with us and a police officer.
Final Thoughts on Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the most incredible, humbling, and life-changing experiences I’ve ever had.
Whether you're planning a bucket list adventure, a luxury honeymoon, or simply seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter, Uganda delivers an experience that will stay with you forever.
If you've ever dreamed about seeing gorillas in the wild, don't wait. Book the trip. You won't regret it.
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