Gorilla Temperament
Mountain gorillas are shy, peaceful herbivores that spend most of their day feeding, resting and socialising. Despite their impressive size — adult males weigh up to 200 kg — they are not naturally aggressive toward humans. Habituated families have been gradually accustomed to human presence over a period of two to three years and treat visitors with calm indifference.
The silverback (dominant male) is responsible for protecting his family. He may display assertive behaviour — chest-beating, vocalising, or charging — if he perceives a threat. However, these displays are almost always bluffs designed to assert dominance rather than genuine attacks.
Safety Rules During the Encounter
Your guide will brief you on safety rules before the trek. The key rules are: maintain a 7-metre distance from the gorillas (though they may approach closer on their own), do not make sudden movements, speak in low tones, avoid direct prolonged eye contact with the silverback, do not use flash photography, and do not eat or drink near the gorillas.
If a gorilla approaches you, stay still and avoid the impulse to move away quickly. If a silverback charges, your guide will instruct you to crouch down slowly, look at the ground, and remain calm. Running triggers a chase response. Crouching signals submission and the gorilla will typically stop and move away.
These situations are rare and guides are trained to manage them. In decades of gorilla tourism in Bwindi, serious injuries to visitors are virtually unheard of.
Health Precautions
Gorillas share approximately 98% of human DNA and are susceptible to many human diseases. For their protection, visitors with colds, flu, coughs or other respiratory infections are not permitted to trek. If you feel unwell on trek day, inform your guide — your permit may be rescheduled.
If you need to cough or sneeze during the encounter, turn away from the gorillas and cover your face. Maintain the 7-metre distance rule to reduce disease transmission risk. These precautions protect the gorillas, whose small population makes them vulnerable to epidemics.
Ranger Protection
Every trekking group is accompanied by experienced UWA ranger guides and armed rangers. The guides have years of experience with the specific gorilla families and can read their behaviour and moods accurately. They will position you safely and intervene if any gorilla becomes agitated.
Armed rangers are present as a precaution against encounters with other wildlife (forest elephants and buffalo also inhabit Bwindi) rather than against the gorillas themselves. The combination of expert guides and armed escorts means that gorilla trekking has an excellent safety record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has anyone been killed by gorillas during trekking?
No visitor has been killed by a mountain gorilla during a trekking experience in Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park. Serious incidents are virtually unheard of thanks to the habituation process and expert guides.
What happens if a silverback charges?
Stay calm, crouch down slowly, look at the ground, and avoid eye contact. The charge is almost always a bluff. Never run — your guide will be beside you and will manage the situation.
Can gorillas give you diseases?
No, but humans can transmit diseases to gorillas. If you are ill with a cold, flu or respiratory infection, you will not be permitted to trek. This rule protects the gorillas.
Summary
Mountain gorillas are gentle, peaceful animals and gorilla trekking in Bwindi has an excellent safety record. Silverback displays are bluffs, not attacks. Follow your guide's instructions, stay calm, maintain distance, and you will have a safe and extraordinary experience.