13 Key Gorilla Trekking Mistakes to Avoid

Having a majestic silverback gorilla graze on the grass about 25 feet away from me was an incredibly humbling experience. Gorilla trekking is an epic bucket list experience. I will probably talk about this experience for as long as I live. However, one mistake could have ruined the entire safari.

Gorilla trekking is not just a simple stroll through the woods; it takes careful preparation and the right decisions to ensure a seamless and enriching experience. From understanding the importance of booking local tour companies to knowing your physical limits, every aspect counts when you set out to witness these incredible creatures in the wild.

I’m going to go over important gorilla trekking mistakes that you’ll want to avoid. They could jeopardize your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking safari. By shedding light on these pitfalls and how to sidestep them, you’ll be on your way to an incredible safari!

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Using a Tour Company that isn’t Local

Embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure in the heart of Uganda’s National Parks is the pinnacle of wildlife experiences. However, when choosing a tour company for your gorilla safari, aligning with a local company like Africa Adventure Vacations comes with undeniable benefits.

Local expertise: These companies employ guides intimately familiar with the mountain gorillas, the best gorilla trekking sectors, and the hidden gems within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.

Cost savings: Often, international agencies add on extra fees for their intermediary services. In contrast, direct booking with a local company circumvents those additional costs. You may not see these as ‘fees’ but they are often more expensive, and the money doesn’t go to local communities (see below).

Supporting local economy: By opting for a local provider, you’re directly contributing to the economy and helping to support the conservation efforts of gorilla families in their natural habitat. Africa Adventure Vacations donates a portion of each tour to help orphans get an education in Uganda.

Authenticity: A local operator provides a more authentic and immersive gorilla trekking experience, connecting you deeply with the East African culture and the majestic allure of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Choosing a local company not only enhances your gorilla trekking journey but also invests in the preservation of this invaluable slice of East African splendor.

Not Preparing Physically for It

Encountering the majestic mountain gorillas in the lush forests of Uganda is an unparalleled experience, one that demands both respect for nature and a sprinkle of physical readiness. Trekking to see these gentle giants can be unpredictable – some visitors find their gorilla family within 45 minutes, while others may hike for up to 4 hours across challenging, uneven terrain.

Do not be misled; you don’t need to be a professional athlete to embark on this adventure. However, a moderate level of fitness can elevate your gorilla trekking experience. To fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or the bamboo forests of Mgahinga National Park, consider embracing some preparatory workouts or hikes. Familiarize your body with the demands of uneven land and build up your stamina.

Our group had knee issues, asthma issues, and back issues, but were still able to complete the hike. But adding in altitude sickness and heat exhaustion, it was difficult. I’m glad we prepared as much as we did before the trip.

Staying active and getting into shape does more than just make the hike manageable; it enhances your ability to absorb every precious moment with the gorillas without the distraction of physical discomfort. Give yourself the freedom to be fully present in the experience by preparing your body for the journey. Remember, this isn’t a race but a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that deserves your best self, both mentally and physically tuned in.

Not Practicing with Your Camera Beforehand

One of the most significant gorilla trekking mistakes you can make before setting foot in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or trekking through the sectors of Mgahinga National Park is not being intimately familiar with your camera.

Imagine the regret of fumbling with shutter speeds or grappling with ISO settings as an enchanting gorilla family goes about their natural habitat rituals. To avoid this common mistake, practice beforehand! Getting comfortable with your camera’s functionality means you won’t miss a single moment of your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla safari, allowing you to tell a compelling visual story.

Here’s a quick tip list for preparing your camera pre-trek:

• Master the manual mode: Experiment with different lighting scenarios.
• Know your gear: Be proficient in changing lenses or memory cards efficiently. I have this memory card so I don’t have to switch out during the experience.
• Battery check: Bring spares and know how to swap them quickly.
• Stabilization: Learn how to shoot stable footage handheld or with a monopod since tripods are impractical.

Your gorilla trekking experience deserves to be immortalized in stunning photos. Do justice to these majestic creatures by preparing thoroughly before you’re under the canopies of Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park.

Arriving on the Wrong Day

Imagine this: a passionate wildlife enthusiast spends months dreaming about the ultimate gorilla trekking experience in the mystic Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With meticulously marked calendars and countless hours spent in anticipation, you arrive in Uganda, ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Yet, in an unfortunate twist of fate, you meet the park authorities a day later than your designated gorilla trek. Your heart pounds as the stark reality sets in. Gorilla permits in Uganda are precious, often booked six months in advance, especially during the dry season – the peak season for gorilla safaris. They’re valid for a single day, the one assigned at the time of purchase. No exceptions, no second chances.

Our guide witnessed the crestfallen expression on a traveler’s face when they realized their error. Despite heartfelt pleas and evident passion, the rules within these National Parks are unwavering. Permits cannot be refunded or rescheduled.

Essential Information:

This tale is a stark reminder for all eager travelers: Check, double-check, and then recheck your permit dates. Gorilla trekking is an experience of a lifetime, but it demands meticulous attention to details. Don’t let your dream encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas slip through your fingers because of a date mix-up.

This is another benefit of booking a local tour company, they’ll make sure you get to the gorillas on the right day.

Failing to Fill Out the Correct Paperwork

This is the simplest mistake to avoid, but easily the most important. Not having the right paperwork. You need the yellow fever vaccine to enter Uganda (they won’t let you in without it), and you need the gorilla trekking permit. Without a valid gorilla permit, the gates of Uganda’s national parks remain closed to you. It’s non-negotiable.

A good tour company will ensure that you have the paperwork needed to enter Uganda (visa, vaccines) and fill out the gorilla trekking permit paperwork. If you’re organizing your own visit, check with your accommodation for help. They often run gorilla trekking tours. Be sure to apply early as they often sell out six months in advance.

Do not let an administrative oversight be the chasm between you and the unforgettable spectacle of East Africa’s gentle giants. Secure your permit well in advance, and ensure all details are accurate. Your diligence guarantees you a spot in this exclusive club of adventurers who have stared into the eyes of a mountain gorilla and lived to tell the tale.

Forgetting Your Passport on the Day of the Trek

Embarking on a gorilla trek in the heart of Uganda’s National Parks is an experience of a lifetime. But imagine reaching the dense beauty of Bwindi Forest or the slopes of Mgahinga National Park only to be denied participation. That’s the stark reality if you forget the most crucial item on your adventure—a valid passport.

Park authorities mandate all trekkers to present their passports for registration on the day of the trek. This is non-negotiable. Your passport is not just a travel document; it’s the key to unlocking the natural habitat of the majestic mountain gorillas.

Here’s what happens if you forget your passport:

• Denied Entry: Without your passport, park officials have the right to turn you away, no matter how far you’ve traveled.
• Loss of Permit: Your gorilla permit, often secured months in advance and essential for the trek, is tied to your passport. No passport means your permit cannot be validated.
• No Refund: Permits are a significant investment, and forgetting your passport could mean forfeiting the cost, as they are non-transferable and non-refundable.

To avoid this distressing scenario, triple-check your gear the night before. Ensure your passport is packed and ready to go, so you can fully immerse yourself in the unparalleled gorilla trekking experience, without any hitches.

Not having the Right Hiking Gear

Embarking on a gorilla trekking journey in the depths of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you’ll quickly understand the truth in its name. This dense forest in Uganda is not like your local hiking trail. One of the common mistakes adventurers make is underestimating the importance of proper hiking gear. This oversight can transform a dream gorilla trekking experience into discomfort or injury.

Crucial Gear for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:

• Hiking Boots: Look for waterproof options with ankle support to navigate the unpredictable terrain confidently.
• Waterproof Jacket & Pants: The weather can shift rapidly. These essentials shield you from rain and provide an extra layer against the dense foliage.
• Gardening Gloves: Protect your hands from thorns and rough surfaces as you make your way through the forest.
• Travel First-Aid kit: A blister can be incredibly uncomfortable during a hike. A simple band-aid can save your trek!

While you should bring insect repellent to Uganda, we were told we wouldn’t need it in Bwindi Forest because of the altitude. I still wore my mosquito bracelets because I tend to get eaten alive without them. You can check out my Amazon storefront here. Without the right equipment, not only do you risk your comfort and safety, but you also distract from the majestic beauty of encountering gorilla families in their natural habitat.

Not Planning on Getting Wet

While you probably know the best time for gorilla trekking is the dry season, you may not realize that the potential for getting wet is still quite high. That’s because it is a rainforest and there is a LOT of mist. This mist gets on the trees and can fall, almost producing a small rain. Add in gorillas moving around in the trees, and you’re probably going to get wet.

No matter the season though Bwindi remains cloaked as a rainforest. The weather is famously unpredictable, and a downpour is always on the horizon. Equipping yourself with a waterproof jacket, pants, and hat is not just advisable—it’s essential.

Ensure you’re comfortable and dry as you traverse the lush Bwindi Forest, leaving you free to focus on the enchanting gorilla experiences. And for those precious moments when you’re capturing the majestic gorilla family through your lens, a camera cover proves to be a lifesaver. The cover shields your memories in the making from the sudden whims of the rainforest. I loved having it so I didn’t have to worry about my camera, but I do wish I practiced taking pictures in it because it was a little awkward for me.

Essentials for a Dry Gorilla Trekking Experience

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof pants
• Hat
• Camera cover

Trekking during the Rainy Season

Uganda experiences two distinct seasons: the rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season can make gorilla trekking a challenging experience. Here’s a concise comparison:

While visiting Uganda in the rainy season is a great way to keep down the cost of gorilla trekking, it comes with more risks associated with it.

In the rainy season, trekkers face slippery trails and overgrown forests. The increased rainfall can lead to muddy paths, which makes hiking treacherous and slow. Thick fog and dense foliage may also obscure your view, potentially making it harder to spot the mountain gorillas.

Gorillas might roam more to find food, adding unpredictability to your trek. Despite this, the lush scenery is at its peak, embedding a unique charm to the gorilla trekking experience. However, the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park is during the dry season, when you are granted not only greater accessibility but also a higher chance of an unforgettable encounter with a gorilla family.

Booking Accommodation Far Away from the Park

Embarking on a gorilla trekking expedition is an extraordinary adventure, and when it comes to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, your experience can be as seamless as the morning mist over the canopy if planned well. When booking your accommodation, it’s crucial to understand that Bwindi is vast, with four main gorilla trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.

• Proximity Matters: Choose lodging close to the park’s entrance closest to your gorilla family allocation.
• Time Conservation: Staying nearby minimizes travel time on the day of your trek, allowing you more energy and time with the majestic mountain gorillas.
• Trek Inclusion: Many accommodations offer trekking tours, ensuring a comprehensive experience.
• Local Insight: Close-by lodges often have a symbiotic relationship with park authorities for updated information and guidance.

By selecting accommodation near the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you not only immerse yourself in the natural habitat of the gorillas but also support local communities, enhance your overall gorilla trekking experience, and avoid the common mistake of underestimating the significance of strategic location in the lush realms of East Africa’s prized parks.

Remember, a good night’s rest within the whispers of Bwindi’s wilderness is the unsung prelude to the gorilla symphony you came to witness. We had an amazing stay at Rushaga Gorilla Lodge and got to see the famous “mist” where the gorillas live.

Not knowing the difference between Gorilla Trekking & Gorilla Habituation Experiences

A common mistake that can mar the gorilla trekking experience is the confusion between gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experiences. To be completely honest, I didn’t know that gorilla habituation was a thing until we got there. I probably would have done that, even though it’s a longer hike.

The goal of the gorilla trek is to see the gorillas. Simple. The goal of habituation is to get a gorilla family more comfortable with humans around. Little more in-depth. You spend up to four hours with the family. There are different permits for each experience.

Gorilla Trekking vs. Gorilla Habituation Experience

Gorilla trekking, which typically lasts a few hours, involves hiking through parks like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see habituated gorillas. While a habituation experience, though also done within the confines of national parks, allows for a longer, more involved experience where participants become part of the process in helping gorillas become comfortable around humans.

Failing to Hire a Porter for the Trek

Far from being a luxury, a porter is an integral part of the trekking team. Mine was quite literally a lifesaver.

These local heroes are well-acquainted with the sometimes treacherous and always unpredictable terrain of their natural habitat. They provide unwavering support, assisting you with navigating steep inclines, slippery trails, and dense undergrowth. Mine tried (and failed because I’m clumsy) to prevent me from stepping into a huge pile of elephant poop.

But their role goes beyond that of a human walking stick. Porters carry your essentials, freeing you to focus on the beauty of East Africa’s flora, or just trying to balance like I was. It helps ease the strain on your physical stamina meaning you’ll have more energy for the time with the gorillas (and the trek back!)

Also, hiring a porter is a direct investment in the local communities, empowering them economically, and incentivizing the conservation efforts. Your back will thank you, and so will your heart, as you support the communities that are the custodians of these magnificent creatures.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda is an unforgettable experience that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these extraordinary creatures in their natural habitat. However, to ensure your journey is both enriching and respectful, it’s vital to avoid these common mistakes. From underestimating the physical demands of the trek to neglecting the importance of hiring a porter, each mistake can detract from the magic of the experience.

Read More about Uganda

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Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking

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