Meeting a mountain gorilla face-to-face is a bucket-list experience that tops many travelers’ lists. But because it’s a wild trek through a dense, high-altitude rainforest, a little insider preparation goes a long way.
As someone who helps travelers plan these safaris every day, here are 5 things nobody tells you about gorilla tracking in Bwindi.
1. Hire a Porter (Even if You’re Highly Fit)
Many travelers think, “I hike all the time, I don’t need a porter.” Hire one anyway! For a small fee, local porters carry your backpack, navigate slippery mud, and pull you up steep ridges. Most importantly, hiring a porter directly supports local families and the community surrounding the park.
2. Tuck Your Pants into Your Socks
It might not be a high-fashion statement, but it is a lifesaver. Bwindi is home to safari ants. Tucking your trousers into your socks keeps them from crawling up your legs while you focus on the wildlife.
3. Pack Garden Gloves
You will be grabbing onto branches, vines, and roots to stabilize yourself on steep slopes. A cheap pair of gardening gloves will protect your hands from thorns and stinging nettles.
4. Put the Camera Down for 10 Minutes
When you finally locate the gorilla family, you have exactly one hour with them. It is tempting to look through a camera lens the entire time. Take your photos, but then put the camera down. Sit, listen to them grunt, watch the babies play, and breathe in the moment.
5. Training Your Lungs Matters More Than Your Legs
Bwindi treks happen at high altitudes (up to 2,600 meters). Take your time, walk at a comfortable pace, and stay hydrated. Our guides will never leave you behind!