what not to do gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences, connecting travellers with mountain gorillas in their natural forest habitat. The things not to do when gorilla trekking fall into two groups: breaking the rules near the gorillas — getting closer than 7 m, using flash, eating near them, touching them or trekking while ill — and the practical mistakes that spoil the day, such as arriving on trek morning, wearing trainers, skipping a porter or booking a lodge in the wrong sector. Avoid both, and your hour with the gorillas is far more likely to be relaxed and memorable.

The official rules are covered in detail in our gorilla trekking rules and etiquette guide. This page focuses on the mistakes visitors actually make, from booking to the walk back, and how to avoid them.

What Should I Not Do When Gorilla Trekking? 10 Critical Rules for a Safe Encounter

Near the gorillas: what never to do

• Do not get closer than 7 m, and step back if a gorilla moves towards you.
• Do not use flash — switch it off before the trek, not during it.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke near the family.
• Do not touch a gorilla, even a curious infant.
• Do not run if a silverback charges; crouch, look down and stay still.
• Do not trek if you are ill; human colds and flu can kill gorillas.
• Do not ignore the ranger; their instructions are final.

These rules exist for good reasons. Mountain gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases, and the 7 m distance, masks and health checks protect a population of only around a thousand animals. Calm, quiet behaviour keeps habituated families relaxed, which is what lets you watch them feed, play and rest naturally. If a silverback does display, a calm group crouching behind the ranger is the fastest way to end it; see what to do if a gorilla charges.

Mistake: arriving on the morning of your trek

The briefing at the sector headquarters starts at 07:30, and Bwindi is 8–10 hours by road from Entebbe. Planning to drive in on trek morning, or landing an international flight the day before and driving through the night, is the surest way to lose a US$800 permit. Arrive at a lodge in your trekking sector at least the evening before, and ideally build in a spare day in case of flight delays.

Mistake: staying in the wrong sector

Your permit is for one of Bwindi’s four sectors — Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga or Nkuringo — and they are hours apart by road. Buhoma to Rushaga, for example, is about four hours. A lodge booked in the wrong sector means a pre-dawn drive on rough roads before a day that may already be long. Always check that your lodge is close to the sector printed on your permit. See Bwindi’s sectors compared.

Mistake: the wrong shoes and clothes

Trainers and new, unbroken boots are the most common kit mistakes. Bwindi’s slopes are steep and its red clay is slippery when wet, so you need waterproof hiking boots with deep grip that you have already walked in. Shorts and short sleeves leave you exposed to stinging nettles, thorns and biting ants; wear long trousers tucked into your socks or gaiters, and a long-sleeved top. Gardening gloves, a rain jacket and a warm layer complete the essentials. See our gorilla trekking packing list.

Mistake: skipping the porter

Many fit visitors decline a porter to save money or out of pride, then regret it on the first steep descent. For around US$15–20, a porter carries your bag, freeing both hands for balance, and offers a steadying hand on slippery slopes and a pull on the climbs. The income also supports families who live beside the park and gives them a reason to protect the gorillas. See how to hire a porter.

Mistake: not speaking up at the briefing

Gorilla families are allocated at the briefing on the morning of the trek, and rangers usually know roughly where each family is. If you have bad knees, a heart condition, limited fitness or are older, say so — or ask your driver-guide to do it. Rangers routinely assign such visitors to a family that is closer that day. Staying quiet and ending up with the longest trek is a common and avoidable mistake. For more, read how fit you need to be.

Mistake: spending the whole hour behind a screen

The hour with the gorillas passes quickly, and many visitors realise afterwards that they watched most of it through a viewfinder. Take your photos, but put the camera down for a few minutes too and simply watch. Charge batteries the night before, bring spares and empty your memory cards, so technical problems do not eat into the hour. Keep a little cash in small notes for tipping your porter and the ranger team at the end of the trek.

Frequently asked questions