Mountain Gorillas:
An Unforgettable Day in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda
Why Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Should Top Your Bucket List
The day began before dawn—fortunately, with coffee, as I pulled on sturdy hiking boots and layers of clothing to tackle the cool mountain air. Breakfast was hearty yet quick: eggs, toast with jam, fresh fruit, and more strong Ugandan coffee. At 7:00 a.m., I arrived at the park headquarters in Buhoma, ready to meet the guides and fellow trekkers.
Our guide gave a detailed briefing, emphasizing the rules: keep a respectful distance, remain quiet, and follow the trackers’ instructions. Soon after, our small group—just six of us, accompanied by trackers—set off into the dense, mist-covered slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (the name is dramatic, but accurate!)
We were warned to expect challenging terrain, and it definitely was—steep, uneven (and unmarked) trails cut through thick vegetation. It can be VERY strenuous – your hike may be just a couple of hours but it can also be for a full day of up to 8 hours or more of hiking in hot, high-altitude conditions depending on sightings – a trip like this is great inspiration for a consistent exercise plan as a bit of training.
Gorilla tracking timings and conditions vary tremendously as the gorillas move continuously through the rain forest. It is good to be prepared and remember the weather can change with very little warning. The forest was mesmerizing, alive with birdsong, (or the screech of a monkeys) and filled with brilliant butterflies drifting through the shafts of sunlight piercing the canopy. Catching my breath after some of the steep climbs was the perfect excuse to look around and enjoy the rest of the life among the trees.
We trekked for about three hours, sometimes pushing through tangled vines, at other times quietly crossing streams or carefully descending slippery hillsides. Then came the moment I’ll never forget: our trackers halted suddenly, speaking softly into their radios, signaling they’d found a gorilla family. Mountain gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed, yet our guide said his viewing success rates are over 90%. Once sighted, visitors are allowed an hour with the gorillas.
My heart raced as we crept closer, and there they were—just a few feet away—a family of mountain gorillas, relaxed, gentle, and astonishingly human-like. A massive male, calm and majestic, observed us with mild curiosity while watching over the family. Younger gorillas wrestled and played nearby, tumbling over each other like joyful kids. One female cradled a tiny baby close to her chest, glancing our way briefly before returning to grooming her infant. A few of the younger ones ran up and down the hill where we were all perched like statues, brushing past and climbing over us as if we didn’t exist. It was wild. I wanted to reach out and pet them, but we had all been sternly trained not to.
I was surprised by how peaceful it felt to simply sit and observe them. We spent exactly one hour—a carefully timed privilege—watching their interactions, snapping photos, and savoring each extraordinary moment. It was profoundly moving and humbling to be so close to these powerful, gentle creatures in their natural habitat.
When our hour was up, we quietly retreated, hearts full, minds spinning from the sheer wonder of what we’d just witnessed. The hike back felt easier, buoyed by excitement and gratitude, as our guide shared more stories about gorilla conservation and local communities. Oh Uganda, thank you for this unforgettable experience.
Back at the lodge by early afternoon, there was still a lot of time for exploring. I joined a Batwa guide on a cultural trail tour where I got to hear stories of the culture and learn how they use some of the local plants as medicines and how they hunt for food and gather honey. The walk brought us through an ancient lava tube where we were treated to a performance of local music and dance by women of the community.
I also learned about the efforts to keep poachers away from pangolins. We briefly spotted one of these unusual creatures on the trek. They sort of reminded me of a sloth or opossum or anteater covered in overlapping scales with a long scaly tail. They eat ants and bugs, and when threatened they can curl up into a tight ball. Sadly, they are the most trafficked mammals in the world, mostly as a delicacy food in parts of Asia, or for medicinal properties (with no proven clinical evidence of any healing claims).
Afterwards I wandered through the local market, tasted some produce, chatted with people and bought some local goodies to take home. If you’re curious, the woven baskets and tote bags tuck in easily around clothing in your suitcase or backpack—I can say this from personal experience. 
And everyone can use a colorful fabric eyeglass case! At least I hope so, as my friends are all getting them for the holidays this year.
A bit more on what to expect on a gorilla trek:
Gorillas rarely interact physically with humans during a trek, since the guides carefully maintain a safe and respectful distance. However, sometimes—very rarely—a gorilla might approach out of gentle curiosity, particularly younger gorillas who haven’t fully grasped human boundaries.
If this happens, you’re advised to remain calm, stay very still, and quietly follow your guide’s instructions. Those lucky few who’ve had such an encounter describe it as deeply moving and even humbling, like briefly crossing a boundary between two worlds.
Travelers who’ve felt gorilla fur often describe it as surprisingly coarse and dense—nothing like petting a soft domestic animal. Their coats are thick and wiry, adapted to the cool, misty mountain air. Beneath the coarse outer layer is a softer, warm undercoat, which helps insulate them from the damp climate.
But it’s their gentle touch and curious, intelligent eyes that truly leave the deepest impression—it’s one of those rare, powerful moments when the barriers between species melt away, leaving behind a quiet awe and profound respect.
Honestly, trekking with gorillas in Bwindi was a deeply emotional and unforgettable experience—one that genuinely shifts your perspective on our connection to nature.
NOTE: Overnighting in Bwindi is required the night before trekking due to your early morning start. As trekking can sometimes take a full day, a second night’s accommodation is also highly recommended. Ideally 2 to 3 nights are suggested to enjoy this region.
That evening, dinner felt celebratory at the lodge—a feast of grilled meats, steaming matoke, and fresh vegetables, shared alongside animated conversation with fellow travelers, each of us bonded by this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
If you’d like to read more about my adventures in Uganda, check out my other articles: