When I first booked my gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, excitement was quickly followed by something more unexpected—fear. The idea of hiking through dense jungle to meet wild mountain gorillas sounded thrilling in theory, but as the day drew near, my mind filled with doubts.
What if I couldn’t handle the hike? What if the gorillas got too close? What if I panicked in the middle of the forest?
Still, I went.
The Night Before
At the lodge, I hardly slept. The sound of the forest at night—birds, insects, distant rustling—felt both enchanting and unnerving. I kept imagining every “what if” scenario. But something inside me said: just go. Do it scared if you must, but go.
Morning Nerves and First Steps
The morning of the trek, I dressed in my gear with trembling hands. At the park headquarters, the ranger gave a detailed briefing, including what to do if a gorilla charges. I listened intently, nodding along while trying to mask the tightness in my chest.
Once assigned to a group and guide, we set off. The forest closed around us like a green tunnel—thick vines, moss-covered trees, and the sharp scent of wet earth. Every step took effort, both physical and mental. I was afraid of slipping, afraid of getting lost, and above all, afraid of the unknown ahead.
Small Victories Along the Trail
As we hiked deeper, something shifted. I found rhythm in the trek. I focused on my breath, the crunch of leaves beneath my boots, and the quiet encouragement of our guide. I started to notice the beauty around me—sunlight filtering through the canopy, butterflies darting past, the distant echo of monkeys.
Each step forward became a small victory over the fear that had once held me back.
The Moment Everything Changed
Then, the guide raised his hand. We were close.
I felt the adrenaline surge. We left our bags with the porters and moved slowly, silently through thick undergrowth. And then—there they were.
A family of mountain gorillas.
I froze, not in fear, but in awe. A silverback sat calmly among his family, chewing on bamboo. A mother cuddled her infant. A young one rolled in the grass, pausing to look right at me. That moment, locked eye to eye with a creature so powerful yet so peaceful, melted away every fear I had carried into the forest.
The Hike Back and a Changed Perspective
The walk back felt different. I wasn’t afraid anymore. I was alive, present, and proud.
I realized that fear is not a signal to stop—it’s an invitation to rise. To face something new and come out stronger. Trekking to see the gorillas wasn’t just a physical journey through the forest; it was a personal journey through uncertainty, self-doubt, and courage.
What I Learned
- Fear is natural—but it doesn’t have to be final.
- Trust the guides. They’re skilled, patient, and make all the difference.
- Nature heals. There’s something about being in the wild that puts everything into perspective.
- You’re stronger than you think.
Overcoming my fears on a gorilla trek in Bwindi reminded me that the best experiences often lie just beyond what scares us. It taught me to lean in, breathe deeply, and keep going. And it gave me one of the most unforgettable encounters of my life—shared with a family of gorillas, deep in the heart of the forest.