Updated
Coming home after a gorilla trek can feel strange. Many travellers describe a mix of tiredness, elation and a flat mood once routine returns, sometimes called post-travel blues. A few practical steps help: plan a rest day after you land, keep taking any course of malaria tablets as prescribed, watch for fever in the weeks after the trip, sort and back up your photos, and find a way to keep the experience alive, such as sharing it or supporting conservation.
Health after the trip
Finish your malaria tablets for the full period after leaving, which is one week for atovaquone-proguanil and four weeks for doxycycline or mefloquine, or as your doctor advised. Any fever within a few months of returning should be checked by a doctor the same day, and tell them you have been to Uganda, as malaria can appear after you get home. Jet lag, especially travelling west, and tired legs from trekking usually pass within days. See our guide to malaria tablets for Uganda.
The emotional side
Meeting gorillas is often an intense experience, and the contrast with ordinary life can leave people restless or low for a while. Talking about it with friends, writing down your memories while they are fresh, and making a photo book or slideshow all help. Some visitors find the experience changes how they think about wildlife, consumption or travel, and look for ways to act on it. See our guides to emotional preparation for the trek and why people cry on gorilla treks.
Keeping the connection
Share accurate, respectful photos and stories, avoid revealing exact locations of sensitive wildlife, and leave honest reviews that help future travellers and good local businesses. Supporting gorilla conservation organisations or community projects you met near Bwindi, recycling old phones and talking about responsible tourism all keep the benefit going. See our guide to gorilla conservation organisations. If you plan a return, the gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November.
Frequently asked questions
One week for atovaquone-proguanil, four weeks for doxycycline or mefloquine, or as advised.
See a doctor the same day and mention your trip to Uganda.
Yes, post-travel blues are common and usually pass.
Support conservation organisations, recycle phones and share responsibly.
