What To Expect From Gorilla Trekking In Uganda (and 5 things you definitely WON’T expect)
Gorilla trekking in Uganda has, without doubt, been one of the most memorable travel experiences of my life (and I’ve done a fair few).
If you’re in research mode, you’ve probably already seen the documentaries, watched someone’s GoPro footage, or heard friends try to explain the feeling. And if you’re thinking about doing it yourself, there are certain things you’ll already be expecting.
You’re probably expecting to trek through thick jungle. You’re expecting it to be physical, muddy, sweaty, and probably a bit uncomfortable at times. You’re expecting to see gorillas, and to come away with a few good photos and a great story. You’re expecting to truly tick something off the Bucket List.
(If you’re booking with us, you’re also expecting your trip to be well organised, for the guides to be amazing, and the logistics to be handled so you can just get on with enjoying the adventure!!)
And yep, all of that, you’ll definitely get when you go gorilla trekking in Uganda.
(Want to find out more about our gorilla trekking itinerary? Click HERE.)
“Had To Be There” Moments
But here’s the thing that no amount of research can prepare you for.
There are parts of gorilla trekking that you simply cannot comprehend ahead of your trip. Things that you won’t see coming. Moments that stop you in your tracks, give you goosebumps, and live rent‑free in your memory forever.
I’ve had a go at sharing five of those (but really, you do have to be there to fully get it!). They’re five things you very likely won’t be expecting from gorilla trekking, I certainly didn’t see them coming.
(And if you want any more inspiration, have a look at my gorillas Instagram post here
1. The Sound Of The Gorillas Crashing Through The Jungle Makes Your Hairs Stand On End
You’ve been walking in near silence for what feels like hours. You’re trying to listen to the guide, to your breath, to your boots squelching on the rainforest floor. And then you hear something new.
A crashing, rustling, breaking of branches up ahead.
Your heart jumps. Your instinct is on high alert.
You know it’s the gorillas, but the sound is raw, powerful, so so wild. It genuinely makes the hairs on your arms stand up (well it did mine, anyway!). It’s the kind of moment no YouTube video can prepare you for. You’re not at a zoo. You’re in their world now. And your body physically reacts. It’s crazy.
2. The 8‑Metre Rule? The Gorillas Didn’t Get The Memo
Before you head into the forest, you’ll be briefed: keep 8 metres between you and the gorillas. Sounds sensible.
But… the gorillas haven’t had the briefing.
They might come closer.
A curious youngster might roll past your feet. A silverback might saunter by with a sideways glance. You’ll freeze, barely breathe, and feel this incredible mix of respect, vulnerability, and wonder. (You’ll also be thankful for the trained, experienced guides by your side!!)
That 8‑metre rule? You’ll do your bit to stick to it, but in reality, it’s the gorillas who decide how close you get.
3. Hiring A Porter Feels Like Supporting The Future (not just your knees)
When someone tells you a porter can carry your bag for $30, your first reaction might be: I’m fit, I don’t need help.
But once you understand the system, it’s a no‑brainer. Many porters are actually former poachers. Now, they earn a sustainable income protecting the very forest they once hunted. By hiring a porter, you’re not just making your trek easier (MUCH easier!), you’re contributing to a conservation success story.
And here’s the bit I really didn’t expect: walking side by side with someone who grew up in this forest, who knows the land and the wildlife like the back of their hand, adds so much more to the experience.
My porter taught me more in an hour than I’d learned in weeks of reading beforehand!
Expert Ugandan guides plus a dedicated UK guide are included in the cost of your trip with The Bucket List Company – find out more about our gorilla trekking adventures here.
4. You Might Cry, And You Won’t Be The Only One
We all expected to be amazed by gorilla trekking in Uganda. But I wasn’t prepared for the emotion.
When we finally reached our gorilla family, I turned around and saw one of our group with tears streaming down her face. She wasn’t the only one either.
It’s hard to explain why. Maybe it’s their expressions. Maybe it’s how familiar their movements are. Maybe it’s just the realisation that you’re sharing space with something so rare, so wild.
I’ve led a lot of trips over the years. But few moments have hit me like that one.
5. You Only Get An Hour, But You Will Talk About It Forever
You’re allowed a maximum of one hour with the gorillas. It sounds short (and it is), but that hour feels like it stretches out forever and flashes by in a blink.
The number of hours I’ve spent talking about it since though? Countless!!
Back at the lodge, everyone relives their moment, sharing photos, videos, reactions. The bond it creates in the group is instant. And even now, I find myself replaying it all. Every time someone asks me about Uganda, I get that same buzz again.
(Want a blow-by-blow account of the whole trip? Click here to read my day-by-day gorilla trekking adventure report.)
The Bonus I Didn’t Think Much About Before I Went Gorilla Trekking In Uganda…
If you’d asked me beforehand what I was most looking forward to, I would’ve said the gorillas (obviously). But what I didn’t anticipate was just how much else I’d see and learn along the way.
From the moment we stepped foot in Uganda, the wildlife experience began. Chimpanzees in Kibale. Elephants, hippos, lions and leopards in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Hundreds of birds I couldn’t name but thankfully our guides could (and did, with much enthusiasm!!).
Even in Bwindi itself, before we saw the gorillas, we were spotting butterflies the size of your hand, strange fungi clinging to tree trunks, and monkeys darting through the trees. The forest is alive, not just with gorillas, but with a whole world of creatures and plant life.
Our guides were phenomenal. Not just the trackers who found the gorilla families, but every guide we had along the way for the game drives and boat safaris.
Their knowledge was next level. They weren’t reading off a script, they just know and love this stuff. They knew the name of every bird call, every plant, every paw print.
I went for the gorillas. I came back blown away by everything else. And when we saw things we hadn’t expected, like a lion pride on the move, or a leopard relaxing in a tree, their excitement was as real as ours. It really is amazing to see and experience.
It’s not just me, promise! Here’s what other Bucket Listers say about gorilla trekking in Uganda…
Of course, you might have read all of this and thought that maybe I’m just a sucker for chimps. But so many other travellers can vouch for the fact that gorilla trekking in Uganda really is a whole other level of Bucket List material…
“I have always wanted to do a gorilla trek and this trip exceeded my expectations. It has taken me two week to write a review as I have found it difficult to express how incredible this actually was. From the chimpanzee trek to the safaris, to the extra excursions, to the gorilla trek, everything was incredible. I won’t lie, the trek up the mountain to get to the gorilla’s is hard but it is so worth it. The people we met along the way were lovely and friendly and the lodges we stayed in were gorgeous with amazing surroundings. If this is on your Bucket list to do, do it, it won’t disappoint.” – Susan Masterman
“I like to think I’m well travelled. Visiting Uganda with The Bucket List Company was most definitely one of the best trips I’ve ever done. The entire experience was excellent, it was well organised and the attention to detail was outstanding. Vivien and Nico, the local guides were wonderful, they were approachable, knowledgeable and keen to ensure we were living our best lives, for the duration of the trip anyway! I know The Bucket List Company aren’t the cheapest but you’re paying for peace of mind and excellent customer service. This was my second trip with this company, I also hiked Kilimanjaro in 2022. I like the fact I can pay monthly, thats a big selling point. I also like that most travellers are other, like minded, solo travellers. I’d highly recommend The Bucket List Company. I look forward to booking another trip soon.” – Helen Shennan
“Absolutely brilliant trip. Can’t fault anything. Accommodation was excellent and experiences were first class. Guides went above and beyond to make sure it was as enjoyable as possible. If seeing gorillas is on your bucket list, book this trip!” – Allan Lewis
“Wow, what a trip!!! A jam-packed Ugandan adventure from start to finish. We couldn’t have asked for anything more. From a city tour to safari game drives to a river cruise, chimpanzees and of course the all important trek to see mountain gorillas. Everything ran smoothly thanks to both the planning, UK guide and the amazing in country guides and drivers. Amazing memories made for life. This was my 8th Bucket List Company trip and I’ve many more planned as I couldn’t imagine going with anyone else.” – Lindsey Allen
“Another amazing trip, where do I start! From the amazing group of people on the trip, to the itinerary! Everything ran like clockwork! The trip had everything it said on the tin, from seeing Chimpanzees, to completing the Big 5 In Africa to the perfect ending of seeing Gorillas in their natural environment.” – Thomas Lloyd
Ready to experience gorilla trekking in Uganda yourself?
Want the full play‑by‑play from our last trip? You can read my full trip report here. I cover everything from the cities to the chimpanzees, and all the heart‑stopping moments in between.
But look, you can read as many reviews and info pages as you like, but if you want to find out what gorilla trekking really feels like, the best thing you can do is go and see for yourself. Trust me, no amount of researching or planning will do it justice.
If you want to see the itinerary and dates for our next trip, check out the Gorilla Trekking trip page here.
And if you’re curious about what it’s like to travel in Uganda more generally; the people, the food, the culture, the landscapes? You can read more blogs and guides in our Knowledge Centre.
Honestly, it’s a journey I’ll never forget. And if gorilla trekking is on your Bucket List, I can promise you this: it’ll blow your expectations out of the water.
Got more questions? Don’t hesitate to give me or my team a call on 01769 309007 (and we’ll try and do the trip more justice over the phone!!).
Click HERE to check out our Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Uganda
