Gorilla Trekking Etiquette: How to Behave Around Gorillas

Gorilla Trekking Etiquette: How to Behave Around Gorillas

Gorilla trekking is a special wildlife experience because visitors enter the natural habitat of mountain gorillas. Seeing these animals in the forest is exciting, but it also comes with responsibility.

Knowing how to behave around gorillas helps make the experience safer and more respectful for visitors, guides and the gorillas themselves. Before your trek, your guides will explain the rules you need to follow.

Follow Your Guide’s Instructions

The first rule of gorilla trekking is simple: listen to your guide.

Your guides and trackers understand the forest and are trained to help visitors follow the established trekking procedures. They will tell you where to walk, where to stand and how to behave when the gorillas are nearby.

Do not move ahead of the group or approach a gorilla without instructions from your guide.

Keep the Required Distance

When you find the gorilla family, your guide will tell you where to position yourself.

Visitors should respect the required distance from the gorillas. Do not try to move closer simply because you want a better photograph.

Gorillas are wild animals, and keeping an appropriate distance helps reduce unnecessary disturbance.

Keep Your Voice Low

Gorillas can respond to sounds and movement around them. When you are observing them, keep your voice low and avoid shouting.

There is no need to make loud noises to attract a gorilla’s attention. Allow the animals to continue their natural behaviour while you quietly observe them.

This also helps other people in your trekking group enjoy the experience.

Do Not Touch the Gorillas

Even if a gorilla comes closer to you, do not try to touch it.

A gorilla may move through the forest and come near visitors, but this does not mean that visitors should reach out to the animal.

Your guide will advise you on how to respond if a gorilla approaches your group.

Avoid Sudden Movements

Sudden movements can disturb wildlife. When you are close to a gorilla family, move slowly and follow your guide’s instructions.

Try to remain calm and allow the gorillas to move naturally.

The aim is to observe the animals without trying to control what they do.

Be Careful When Taking Photographs

Photography is an important part of many travelers’ gorilla trekking experience. However, taking photographs should not interfere with the animals or other visitors.

Keep your camera ready before reaching the gorillas so you do not spend too much time adjusting equipment while you are observing them.

Follow your guide’s instructions about photography and avoid using flash when it is not permitted.

Do Not Feed the Gorillas

Never offer food or drinks to a gorilla.

Wild animals should not become dependent on visitors for food. Your guide will explain the rules that apply to food and other items during the trek.

Keep your food and personal belongings securely packed until the appropriate time and place.

Avoid Visiting When You Are Sick

Gorillas are susceptible to human illnesses. If you are feeling unwell before your trek, tell your tour operator and trekking team.

This is important because close contact between humans and gorillas can create health risks for the animals.

Your guide or UWA staff can advise you about the appropriate procedure.

Do Not Leave Rubbish in the Forest

Everything you take into the forest should be handled responsibly.

Do not leave plastic bottles, food wrappers, tissues or other rubbish along the trail. Keep your waste with you until it can be disposed of properly.

Protecting the forest is part of protecting the gorillas and the many other species that depend on the ecosystem.

Respect Other Visitors

Gorilla trekking is a shared experience. You may be traveling with people from different countries and backgrounds.

Give other visitors space to take photographs and observe the gorillas. Avoid blocking someone’s view or making unnecessary noise.

Your group should work together and follow the instructions of the trekking team.

Enjoy the Experience Responsibly

Gorilla trekking is not about getting the closest photograph or spending the entire time looking through a camera.

Take time to watch the gorillas, listen to the forest and appreciate the experience.

UWA describes gorilla tracking as an opportunity to observe gorillas in their natural habitat, and responsible visitor behaviour helps protect that experience.

Prepare Before Your Trek

Knowing the basic gorilla trekking etiquette before you arrive can make your experience more comfortable.

Listen to your guides, respect the required distance, keep your voice low, avoid touching the gorillas, protect the forest and follow all official instructions.

If you are planning a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, Menlyn Tours & Travel can help arrange your permit, accommodation, transport and safari itinerary.