How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking: A Complete Guide

Gorilla trekking is not a walk in the park. It is a walk through one of the most biologically complex forests on earth, at altitude, in conditions that can change from sunshine to heavy rain in minutes. The gorillas do not come to you — you go to them, wherever they happen to be that morning.

That said, with the right preparation, gorilla trekking is accessible to most reasonably fit adults. Here is everything you need to know before you arrive at the trailhead.

Fitness and Physical Preparation

The honest answer to "how fit do I need to be?" is: it depends on the day.

Treks can last anywhere from one hour to eight hours, depending on where the gorilla family has moved overnight. The terrain in Bwindi is steep, muddy, and dense. You will be pushing through undergrowth, scrambling up slopes, and navigating roots and streams. In Mgahinga, the terrain is more open but the altitude is higher.

Our recommendation: In the two to three months before your trek, build your cardiovascular fitness with regular walking, hiking, or cycling. If you can comfortably walk uphill for two hours with a daypack, you are ready for most treks.

If you have concerns about your fitness level, tell us when you book. We can advise on which gorilla family tends to stay at lower elevations, and we can arrange a porter to carry your pack and assist you on difficult terrain.

Hiring a Porter

We strongly recommend hiring a local porter for your trek. Porters are community members from villages bordering the park — hiring one puts money directly into local hands and supports the conservation model that protects the gorillas.

Practically speaking, a porter will carry your daypack, offer a steadying hand on steep sections, and help you through dense undergrowth. On a long trek, this makes an enormous difference to your enjoyment and energy levels.

What to Pack

Clothing

• Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers — protect against nettles, insects, and scratches from undergrowth. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric is ideal.
• Waterproof jacket — Bwindi receives rain year-round. A packable waterproof is essential.
• Sturdy hiking boots — waterproof, ankle-supporting, and broken in before you arrive. Do not attempt the trek in trainers.
• Gardening gloves — optional but highly recommended. You will be grabbing vegetation for support on steep sections.
• Gaiters — useful in the wet season to keep mud out of your boots.

Gear

• Daypack (20–30 litres) — to carry water, snacks, and your camera
• Water — at least 2 litres. Dehydration at altitude is a real risk.
• Snacks — energy bars, nuts, or fruit for the trail
• Camera — no flash. A telephoto lens is useful but not essential; the guides get you close.
• Insect repellent — apply before you enter the forest
• Sunscreen — for the approach trail before you enter the canopy
• Small first aid kit — plasters, blister treatment, any personal medication

What Not to Bring

• Flash photography equipment — strictly prohibited
• Food with strong smells — can attract gorilla curiosity and introduce pathogens
• Bright colours — neutral greens, browns, and khakis are less disruptive to the animals

Altitude and Acclimatisation

Bwindi sits at approximately 1,160–2,607 metres above sea level. Mgahinga is higher, with the park entrance at around 2,227 metres. If you are travelling from sea level, allow at least one full day in Kisoro or Kabale to acclimatise before your trek.

Symptoms of mild altitude sickness — headache, fatigue, slight nausea — are common and usually resolve with rest and hydration. If you experience severe symptoms, tell your guide immediately.

The Permit and Booking Process

Gorilla trekking permits must be booked in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Permits are limited — each habituated gorilla family receives a maximum of eight visitors per day — and popular dates sell out months ahead, particularly during the dry seasons (June–August and December–February).

We handle all permit bookings on your behalf. When you book a trek with us, we secure your permit, assign you to a gorilla family, and brief you on what to expect. We recommend booking at least three to six months in advance for peak season dates.

On the Day

Your trek begins with a briefing at the park headquarters, usually at 7:30 AM. Rangers will explain the rules, introduce your guide, and give you an update on where your assigned gorilla family was last seen.

From the trailhead, the trek begins. Your guide will set a pace that works for your group. There is no rushing — the goal is to arrive at the gorillas with enough energy to enjoy your hour with them.

When you find the family, your guide will signal you to slow down and approach quietly. Follow their instructions exactly. Stay together as a group. Keep your voice low. And when the hour is up, leave promptly and quietly.

The drive back to your lodge, tired and exhilarated, with a hundred photographs and a memory you will carry for the rest of your life — that is the reward for all the preparation.

It is worth every step.