Five Common Questions About Gorilla Treks

Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but if you're considering it or already have a trek planned, you likely have a few questions. Whether you're wondering about the physical challenge, safety, or what to bring, this guide covers five of the most common questions people ask before setting out on a gorilla trek. 1. How Physically Challenging is a Gorilla Trek? Gorilla treks vary in difficulty depending on the location of the gorilla family you are assigned to visit. Some hikes may take as little as 30 minutes, while others can last several hours, requiring you to navigate dense forests, steep terrain, and muddy paths. A moderate level of fitness is recommended, but porters are available to help carry gear and assist on tough sections—we'll discuss them more in the next section. The park also assigns different trek difficulty levels based on your fitness, tracking the gorilla families daily to tailor the hike to each group’s ability. If you’re concerned about the challenge, preparing with some cardio and leg-strengthening exercises ahead of time can make a big difference.

I only had a couple seconds to get this mother and baby walking by our jeep

2. Are Gorilla Treks Ethical? When done through a regulated program, gorilla trekking directly contributes to conservation. The permits, which can be costly, help fund national parks, anti-poaching efforts, and local communities. Trekkers are also required to follow strict guidelines, such as keeping a safe distance and limiting visits to one hour, to ensure minimal disruption to the gorillas’ natural behavior. By the end of my trek, the gorillas decided to get up and walk away—showing they are always free to do as they please.

As I mentioned in the last section, another key conservation effort is the employment of porters, many of whom are former poachers who now have sustainable jobs helping trekkers. By hiring a porter to carry your bag, you are directly supporting their families and helping prevent poaching, making it an important way to contribute to conservation beyond just purchasing a permit. 3. Is Gorilla Trekking Dangerous? Gorilla trekking is generally safe when conducted with experienced guides who are trained in gorilla behavior. Gorillas are habituated to human presence and are not aggressive unless provoked. Guides will brief you on how to behave during the trek, including staying calm, moving slowly, and avoiding direct eye contact. Visitors are required to stay at least six feet from the gorillas at all times.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the trek is how guides communicate with the gorillas using a series of grunts. It might sound strange, but I saw firsthand how effective it was. At one point, a curious gorilla looked at me and then at my camera, appearing as though he was about to touch it. My guide gave a series of grunts, and the gorilla immediately backed away, knowing he was being mischievous.

Without patience this shot would never have been possible

4. What Should I Bring on a Gorilla Trek? Packing the right gear can make your experience much more comfortable. Essentials include:

• Sturdy hiking boots with good traction

• Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing (long sleeves and pants recommended to protect against scratches and insects)

• Rain jacket (weather in the forest is unpredictable)

• Gardening gloves (helpful for grabbing onto vegetation)

• Gators for your legs to protect against stinging nettles

• Plenty of water and snacks

• A good camera with a zoom lens (flash is not allowed, and you won’t be able to change lenses since bags are not allowed near the gorillas, so versatility is key)

• A small backpack to carry everything comfortably
  

The silverback was intensely looking at his next meal

5. How Many Gorillas Will I See?

The number of gorillas you see varies, depending on the family you are assigned to visit. There are families of different sizes throughout the park, and your trek’s difficulty and location will determine which family you encounter. I visited the Isimbi family, which at the time had the youngest baby gorilla in the park.

Because gorillas are completely free to roam, no exact number is guaranteed. However, rangers track the gorilla families early each morning, so by the time you begin your trek, the guides already know their locations and can lead you directly to them.

The youngest baby in the park and her mother lay down for a nap

Conclusion

Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable adventure that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of one of the world’s most fascinating species. If you're planning a trek, I hope this guide helps you feel more prepared. And if you want to take a piece of the experience home, be sure to check out my gorilla prints in the shop!