What to Expect from Your Gorilla Trek Briefing and Training
Your gorilla trekking experience begins long before you enter the forest. The pre-trek briefing and training session sets the tone for the day, prepares you mentally and physically, and ensures safety for both visitors and gorillas. Many travelers underestimate this stage, yet it plays a critical role in making the trek smooth, respectful, and successful.
This guide explains exactly what happens during a gorilla trek briefing, why it matters, and how to prepare for it in Uganda and Rwanda.
Where and When the Briefing Takes Place
The briefing happens early in the morning at the park headquarters or sector briefing point. In Uganda, this takes place within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, depending on your trekking sector. In Rwanda, briefings occur at Volcanoes National Park headquarters.
Most briefings start between 7:00 and 8:00 am. Arriving early matters, as trekking groups depart immediately after instructions end.
Registration and Permit Verification
The session begins with formal registration. Rangers check passports, confirm permit details, and verify age eligibility. This step ensures that each trek complies with conservation rules and group limits.
Rangers also record emergency contacts and confirm that all trekkers feel fit enough to proceed. Honesty here protects your safety and the group’s experience.
Introduction to Gorilla Behavior
Rangers explain how habituated gorillas behave and how they perceive humans. You learn why gorillas may move closer, vocalize, or ignore your presence entirely.
This explanation builds confidence. Understanding behavior removes fear and helps trekkers remain calm during close encounters.
Rules and Conduct in Gorilla Territory
Clear behavioral guidelines follow. Rangers explain:
How far to stand from gorillas
How to move if a gorilla approaches
When to remain still and quiet
Why sudden movements and flash photography are not allowed
These rules protect gorilla health and reduce stress within the family group.
Health and Hygiene Training
Health precautions receive strong emphasis. Rangers explain disease transmission risks and why coughing, sneezing, or illness matters around gorillas.
You learn proper mask use where required, hand hygiene practices, and why touching vegetation near gorillas remains restricted. These measures directly support long-term conservation.
Trek Difficulty Assessment and Group Assignment
Rangers assess fitness levels and trekking preferences before assigning groups. In Uganda, this step proves especially important due to varied terrain across sectors.
Older travelers or those with injuries often receive assignments closer to lower slopes where possible. This thoughtful grouping improves safety and enjoyment.
Safety Briefing and Emergency Procedures
Rangers outline what to do in case of injury, sudden weather changes, or wildlife encounters unrelated to gorillas. You learn how guides communicate using radios and hand signals.
Knowing these procedures builds trust and reduces anxiety before entering dense forest.
Porter Hiring and Equipment Check
After the briefing, porters become available for hire. Rangers encourage using porters, especially in muddy or steep conditions. Porters assist with balance, carry daypacks, and help on difficult sections.
Rangers also check that trekkers have essential gear such as boots, rain jackets, and walking sticks.
Final Questions and Departure
The briefing ends with a question-and-answer session. Rangers clarify concerns, explain estimated trekking duration, and remind everyone to stay alert and respectful.
Groups then depart immediately with assigned guides and trackers.
Why the Briefing Makes a Difference
Travelers who pay close attention during the briefing feel more confident and relaxed during the trek. The training transforms uncertainty into understanding and turns a challenging hike into a guided, purposeful journey.
This preparation ensures that when you finally meet the gorillas, the moment feels calm, respectful, and deeply meaningful.
Plan Your Safari With Us
A smooth trekking day starts with proper preparation. We ensure you arrive on time, stay near the correct briefing point, and understand exactly what to expect before trekking begins. Our team prepares you in advance so the briefing reinforces, rather than surprises, you.
Enquire now and let us plan a gorilla safari where every step—from briefing to encounter—feels confident and well guided.
