Habituated gorillas are calm around people, but they are wild animals and rules exist for everyone’s safety.
Gorilla trekking has a strong safety record. Groups are habituated over years to tolerate human presence. Still, gorillas are powerful, and visitors must follow guide instructions strictly.
Quick FactsTakes two to three years of daily contact.
Visitors keep about seven metres where possible.
Typically one hour with the group.
Sick visitors may be refused.
Rangers and trackers accompany every group and know each family. Group sizes are limited to protect both people and gorillas.
Stay calm and follow your guide. Crouch down, avoid eye contact and do not run. Guides may make soft grunts to signal submission. Young gorillas are curious and may come close.
Gorillas share many diseases with humans, so sick visitors cannot trek. Masks may be required. See silverback facts.
Read gorilla permits, gorilla vs chimpanzee and Uganda safety.
Frequently Asked QuestionsNot to visitors who follow the rules.
Follow the guide: crouch, look down and stay still.
No.
Usually not.
Current Uganda gorilla trekking permit prices, booking timelines and what’s included.
Explore →What a silverback is, how big it grows, what it eats and how you can meet one on foot in Uganda or Rwanda.
Explore →Gentle giants that live in family groups and eat mostly plants.
Explore →Most visitors travel without incident, and the parks are generally well managed, but sensible precautions matter.
Explore →Tell us your dates and interests and we will design the route around you.
