Seeing Gorillas in the Wild

The moment I first laid eyes on the silverback and his family in their natural habitat was absolutely breathtaking—one of those rare experiences you can hardly believe is real. I’ll never forget looking down from a cliff, seeing gorillas in the wild below.

Our trek through dense vegetation took three hours, winding past villages where we caught glimpses of local life. The journey is certainly one for the fit, with distances varying daily depending on where the gorillas are located. Some fortunate trekkers have a 30-minute walk, while others, like me, spend longer reaching the gorillas.

Top Adventure Tours to see the Gorillas:

12 Day Best of Uganda Adventure

28 Day Gorillas, Parks and Beach Trek

55 Day Cape Town to Nairobi Adventure

55 Day Cape Town to Nairobi Adventure (Comfort)

Be sure to bring at least a liter of water—I ran out, but thankfully my guide kindly offered his. Comfortable trainers are a must (not new ones, as the bush will ruin them and they’ll give you blisters), as well as long trousers and a thin, long-sleeve top. It’s hot and humid, and depending on the season, you might even be trekking in the rain. Long socks are essential—tuck your trousers in to keep red ants out, or wear gaiters.

Once we reached the gorillas, we were asked to sit quietly for our hour with them. At one point, a large mother came over with her baby to get a closer look. It was incredible, and our guide reminded us to look down, avoiding eye contact as a sign of respect. Then, a little gorilla, maybe 8 months old, came running up and pounded his chest like a mini Tarzan—such a showoff!

It was truly one of the best experiences of my life. Seeing gorillas in the wild, observing their size yet gentle demeanor, and being allowed a glimpse into their daily lives was unforgettable.

Just a note, the permit fee (currently $750 as of 2016) goes toward park maintenance and gorilla conservation. The minimum age for the trek is 16, though I’d recommend 18 as the ideal minimum age.