The Gorilla Trekking Experience

A Day in the Life of a Gorilla Trekker

Gorilla trekking is a carefully managed ecotourism activity that allows visitors to spend one magical hour with a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat. Here's how your day will unfold:

1. Early Morning Briefing

Your day begins at 7:30am with a briefing at the park headquarters where you'll meet your guides and fellow trekkers. You'll learn about gorilla behavior, trekking etiquette, and safety procedures.

2. The Trek Begins

After being assigned to a gorilla family based on fitness levels, you'll drive to the trailhead and begin your hike through the dense forest. Treks can last from 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on gorilla movements.

3. The Magical Encounter

When you locate the gorillas, you'll spend one unforgettable hour observing them from about 7 meters away. Watch them feed, play, groom each other, and interact just like a human family.

More About the Gorillas

Mountain vs. Eastern Lowland Gorillas

While both are subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla, they inhabit different regions and have distinct characteristics. **Mountain Gorillas** ($Gorilla$ $beringei$ $beringei$) are found only in the high-altitude forests of the Virunga Mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. They have thicker fur to protect against the cold.

The **Eastern Lowland Gorilla** ($Gorilla$ $beringei$ $graueri$) lives in the lowland forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo and is the largest of all gorilla subspecies. Unfortunately, they are critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.

All gorilla trekking in Uganda is with the Mountain Gorilla subspecies, which has seen a remarkable population increase thanks to conservation efforts funded by tourism.

Gorilla Social Structure

Gorillas live in family groups, or troops, of up to 30 individuals led by a dominant male, known as a **Silverback** because of the grey hair that develops on his back as he matures. The Silverback's main role is to protect his family and lead them to new feeding grounds.

The troop also includes several adult females and their young. The females choose the Silverback based on his strength and ability to protect them.

During a trek, you'll observe these family dynamics firsthand, witnessing the playfulness of the young gorillas, the nurturing behavior of the mothers, and the commanding presence of the silverback.

Your Impact & Trekking Rules

Conservation Through Tourism

Your gorilla trekking permit fee plays a direct and vital role in the conservation of these magnificent creatures. A significant portion of the funds goes towards:

Funding anti-poaching patrols and park ranger salaries.
Supporting community development projects to encourage local stewardship.
Paying for veterinary care for sick or injured gorillas.
Research and monitoring of gorilla families.

This model of ecotourism has been instrumental in the recovery of the mountain gorilla population.

Gorilla Trekking Rules & Etiquette

Maintain a distance of at least **7 meters (21 feet)** from the gorillas at all times.
Do not use flash photography.
Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke near the gorillas.
If you feel unwell, please let your guide know so you can maintain a safe distance.
Limit your time with the gorillas to the allocated one hour.

Essential Packing List

Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
Waterproof jacket and pants (rain gear)
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (for protection)
Gardening gloves (for gripping vegetation)
Daypack with 2L of water and snacks
Camera with extra batteries (no flash)
Binoculars (optional but recommended)

Fitness Requirements

Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding activity that requires a reasonable level of fitness. You should be prepared for:

Hiking 2-8 hours in steep, muddy terrain
Altitude up to 2,600m (8,500ft)
Humid conditions with temperatures 15-27°C

We offer different difficulty levels when assigning gorilla families. Please inform us of any health concerns when booking.