Updated
how close can you get to gorillas is a subject central to Uganda’s wildlife tourism, where mountain gorilla conservation and responsible visitor experiences go hand in hand. The rule is to stay at least 7 m (about 23 feet) from the gorillas, but in practice you are often closer, because gorillas move freely and sometimes walk right past the group. When that happens, you step back slowly if the ranger asks and never reach out to touch them. In dense parts of Bwindi, the gorillas can be just a few metres away for much of the hour, which is what makes the encounter so intense.
The distance rule exists mainly to protect the gorillas from human diseases, and the ranger manages it throughout your visit. Here is how close you can expect to be, why the rule matters and what to do when a gorilla comes towards you.
How Close Can You Get to the Gorillas During a Trek?
The 7-metre rule and why it exists
Uganda Wildlife Authority asks visitors to keep at least 7 m from the gorillas. The main reason is health: mountain gorillas share about 98% of our DNA and are vulnerable to human respiratory infections such as colds, flu and COVID-19, which can spread through a family and kill. Coughs and sneezes carry droplets several metres, so distance reduces the risk. That is also why visitors who are ill are not allowed to trek and why you may be asked to wear a mask during the hour.
Distance also keeps the gorillas relaxed. A family that feels crowded may move away or the silverback may display, both of which spoil the visit. Keeping space, staying in a tight group and moving calmly are what let the gorillas carry on feeding and playing naturally while you watch.
How close you usually get
In open patches of forest, the ranger can usually keep the group at around 7–10 m, with a clear view of the family. In thick vegetation, where visibility may be only a few metres, the group often has to be closer to see anything at all, and the guides cut back a little undergrowth to create a viewing window.
The gorillas themselves often close the gap: a youngster may tumble out of a tree beside you, a female may walk past the group to reach a better feeding spot, or the silverback may sit down a few metres away and keep an eye on everyone.
These moments are common and are one of the reasons visitors find gorilla trekking so moving. They are not a sign that something is wrong; habituated gorillas simply ignore the 7 m line. The rule applies to you approaching them, not to them approaching you.
What to do when a gorilla comes close
Stay calm and follow the ranger. If a gorilla walks towards you, step back slowly if there is room, or stand or crouch still if there is not. Do not reach out, even if a curious infant comes within touching distance — its mother or the silverback is always watching, and touching passes on germs.
Avoid staring into a silverback’s eyes, keep your voice low and lower your camera if he seems tense. If he displays or charges, crouch, look down and never run. Our guide to what to do if a gorilla charges explains why.
Close-range photography
Because you are so close, a very long telephoto lens can be too much. A zoom of around 24–70 mm or 70–200 mm, or a good phone camera, covers most situations, from a whole family group to a close portrait. Flash is never allowed. The forest is dark, so expect to use a high ISO setting, and focus on the eyes for the strongest pictures. Do not step forward of the group to get a better angle; the ranger will position you as well as safety allows. More in photography spots in Uganda.
Uganda, Rwanda and the habituation experience
The same 7 m rule applies in Bwindi, Mgahinga and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. In Bwindi’s dense forest, close encounters tend to happen more often because visibility is shorter; on Rwanda’s more open volcano slopes, you often see the family clearly from a little further away. On the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi’s Rushaga sector, the family is still getting used to people, so the team usually keeps more distance and the gorillas are less likely to wander close. See Uganda vs Rwanda gorilla trekking.
Why the rule still matters
With only around a thousand mountain gorillas in the world, a single disease outbreak could undo decades of conservation. Keeping your distance, trekking only when healthy and following the ranger are the simplest ways visitors protect them. The full list of rules is in our gorilla trekking rules and etiquette guide.
Frequently asked questions
At least 7 m, which is about 23 feet. Gorillas sometimes come closer on their own; then you step back if possible and follow the ranger.
It occasionally happens when a young gorilla brushes past. Stay still and do not touch it back. The ranger will guide the group away calmly.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the recommended distance was increased to 10 m in some places. Follow whatever distance your ranger asks for on the day.
A moderate zoom is enough because you are close. A 24–70 mm or 70–200 mm lens, or a good phone, works for most shots.
