First-Time Gorilla Trekking: What to Expect

Gorilla trekking is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering an unparalleled encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.1 If you’re planning your first trek, here’s a comprehensive guide on what to expect, from preparation to the magical moment you come face-to-face with these magnificent primates.

Mountain gorilla trekking is primarily done in three countries:

  • Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. (Permits are currently $800 USD, increasing to $800 from July 2024). Uganda also offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience ($1500 USD) allowing for a longer, 4-hour encounter.
  • Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park (Permits are $1500 USD).
  • Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Virunga National Park (Permits are around $400 USD).

While the specifics vary slightly by country, the general experience remains consistent.

1. Before You Go: Preparation is Key

  • Permit Booking: This is the absolute first step. Gorilla trekking permits are strictly limited to protect the gorillas and their habitat.7 Book your permit well in advance (6-12 months, especially for peak season: June-August and December-February). Your tour operator will typically handle this.
  • Physical Fitness: You don’t need to be an athlete, but a moderate level of fitness is crucial. Treks can range from 30 minutes to 8 hours or more, involving hiking up and down steep, often muddy, and slippery terrain through dense vegetation.
    • Preparation: Start a fitness regimen a few weeks or months prior. Focus on cardiovascular exercises (walking, jogging, cycling) and leg strengthening (squats, lunges, step-ups). Practice hiking on uneven terrain if possible.
    • Porters: Highly recommended! Hiring a local porter (around $15-$20 USD) not only lightens your load but also directly supports the local communities, providing vital income. They can also offer a helping hand on challenging sections.
    • Sedan Chairs: For those with limited mobility, sedan chairs carried by a team of porters can be pre-arranged (for an additional fee) to allow anyone to experience the trek.
  • Health:
    • Vaccinations: Consult your doctor well in advance (at least 6-8 weeks). Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory. Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B, and Tetanus are often recommended.
    • Malaria: Gorilla trekking areas are malaria-prone. Discuss anti-malarial medication with your doctor.
    • Illness: If you feel unwell on the day of the trek (especially with flu-like symptoms), report it to the park authorities. You may be asked to stay behind to prevent disease transmission to the gorillas, who are highly susceptible to human illnesses.

2. What to Pack & Wear

Layering is essential due to fluctuating temperatures and humidity.

  • Footwear:
    • Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots: With good ankle support and grip. Wear them in before your trip.
    • Thick hiking socks: Moisture-wicking material (wool or synthetic) to prevent blisters.
    • Gaiters (optional but highly recommended): These waterproof coverings fit over your boots and lower legs to keep mud, insects, and stinging nettles out.
  • Clothing:
    • Long-sleeved shirt: Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking material.17 Protects against scratches, insects, and sun.
    • Long trousers: Durable, quick-drying material. Avoid shorts or skirts. Tuck them into your socks or gaiters.
    • Waterproof rain jacket/poncho: Essential as rain can occur at any time in rainforests.
    • Sweater or fleece: For cooler mornings and evenings.
    • Gloves: Gardening gloves are perfect for gripping thorny vegetation and branches.18
    • Neutral Colors: Opt for greens, browns, and khakis to blend in.19 Avoid bright colors and camouflage (which is illegal for civilians in some areas).20
  • Other Essentials:
    • Small, waterproof backpack: To carry your essentials.
    • Plenty of drinking water (at least 2-3 liters): You’ll dehydrate quickly.
    • Packed lunch and energy snacks: Your lodge will usually provide this.
    • Camera: With extra batteries and ample memory cards. Flash photography is NOT allowed.
    • Binoculars: For birdwatching and spotting other forest wildlife.
    • Sun protection: Hat (wide-brimmed is best), sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen.
    • Insect repellent (with DEET): Apply generously.
    • Basic first-aid kit: Blister plasters, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, any personal medications.
    • Hand sanitizer.
    • Biodegradable wet wipes/toilet paper.
    • Walking stick/trekking pole: Often provided at the park headquarters or your lodge, but you can bring your own.
    • Face masks: Required when near the gorillas to prevent disease transmission. Bring at least 2-3 disposable masks.

3. The Day of the Trek: What to Expect

  • Early Start: The day begins early, typically with breakfast at your lodge before heading to the park headquarters.
  • Briefing (7:00-8:00 AM):
    • You’ll attend a mandatory briefing by park rangers/guides.
    • This covers the rules and etiquette for gorilla trekking, safety procedures, what to expect during the trek, and information about gorilla behavior.
    • You’ll be assigned to a gorilla family group (maximum 8 trekkers per group) based on fitness levels. Some groups are closer and easier to reach, while others require more strenuous hikes.
    • Opportunity to hire porters.
    • Cultural entertainment (e.g., local dancers) might be offered.
  • Assigning Guides and Trackers:
    • Each group is led by experienced park rangers/guides who are knowledgeable about the gorillas and the forest.
    • Armed scouts accompany each group for protection against other wild animals (like elephants or buffalo), though incidents are rare. They fire warning shots into the air only as a last resort.
    • Advance trackers go out early each morning to locate the gorilla families and assess their movements, radioing their findings to the main groups.
  • The Trek Itself (Duration Varies):
    • You’ll set off into the dense forest, often with no discernible trails. Guides use machetes to clear paths.
    • The terrain can be very challenging – steep slopes, slippery mud, thick vegetation, tangled roots, and thorny bushes.
    • The pace will be set by the slowest member of the group, and regular breaks are taken.
    • Listen to your guide’s instructions at all times.
    • The excitement builds as you get closer, with radio communication between trackers and guides guiding your path.

4. The Gorilla Encounter (Strictly One Hour)

  • Locating the Gorillas: Once the trackers confirm the gorilla family’s location, you’ll be instructed to leave your backpacks with porters (if you have them) and move quietly.
  • The First Sight: The moment you spot a gorilla for the first time is often overwhelming and incredibly moving.
  • Rules During the Encounter: These are crucial for the gorillas’ well-being and your safety:
    • Stay 7 meters (21 feet) away: This distance minimizes disease transmission.
    • Keep Quiet: Speak in low voices.
    • No Flash Photography: This can startle the gorillas.
    • No Eating or Drinking: Not allowed when near the gorillas.
    • Don’t Touch: Do not attempt to touch the gorillas, even if they approach you.
    • Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Can be perceived as a challenge. If a gorilla looks at you, lower your gaze.
    • Crouch Down if Approached: If a gorilla charges or approaches you, remain calm, crouch down slowly, and follow your guide’s instructions. Do NOT run away.
    • Limit Your Time: You are strictly limited to one hour with the gorillas once located. This minimizes disturbance to their natural behavior.
  • Observation: You’ll witness incredible behaviors: feeding, grooming, playing, resting, and interacting with each other. Silverbacks are majestic and powerful.
  • Take Photos: Capture the moment, but prioritize experiencing it without constantly looking through a lens.

5. After the Trek

  • Hike Back: The return journey can be just as challenging, often uphill or downhill depending on the route taken.
  • Debriefing/Certificates: Back at the park headquarters, you may receive a certificate of accomplishment for your trek.
  • Reflection: The experience is truly profound and often leaves trekkers feeling deeply connected to nature and the importance of conservation.

Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding but emotionally rewarding adventure. The anticipation, the challenging hike, and then the awe-inspiring hour spent with these gentle giants create a memory that will last a lifetime.