How Close Can I Get to the Gorillas?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but one of the most common questions travelers ask is: how close can I get to the gorillas? At Tubale Safaris Ltd, a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, we’re here to give you clear, human-friendly answers so you can plan your adventure with confidence. In this detailed guide, we explain the official distance guidelines, why they matter, what to expect during your trek, the costs of permits as of 2024, and how you can travel from your home state to Uganda to begin your unforgettable journey.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Packages and Tours

• 3 Days Gorilla Habituation Safari
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• 24 Days Best of Uganda Tour

Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Recommended Viewing Distance: 7 Meters Rule

Why You Can’t Get Too Close

When asking how close can I get to the gorillas, the official answer is 7 meters (about 21 feet). This guideline is set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and is enforced during all gorilla trekking and habituation experiences. The main reason for this distance is to protect both humans and gorillas. Mountain gorillas share up to 98% of their DNA with humans, making them highly susceptible to human diseases like the flu or COVID-19. By keeping a respectful distance, visitors minimize the risk of transmitting infections to these endangered animals.

Additionally, gorillas are wild and powerful animals, and maintaining a safe distance reduces the risk of aggressive behavior, especially from dominant silverbacks who may feel threatened if people come too close. While the 7-meter rule is the standard, it’s not uncommon for curious gorillas to break the rule themselves—walking closer to tourists out of interest. If this happens, your ranger will advise you to remain calm and avoid sudden movements.

When Gorillas Come Closer: What You Should Do

Gorillas May Approach You—but Don’t Approach Them

Even though the answer to how close can I get to the gorillas is “no closer than 7 meters,” gorillas don’t always follow the rules. Sometimes, younger gorillas or even silverbacks may wander up to tourists out of curiosity. This is an exciting and rare moment, but it’s very important to stay still, avoid eye contact, and follow your ranger’s instructions carefully. You are not allowed to reach out or touch the gorillas—even if they are within arm’s reach.

The rangers who accompany every trekking group are well-trained to manage such situations. They may ask you to slowly step back or remain still depending on the behavior of the gorilla. Most interactions are peaceful, and these close encounters leave travelers feeling awe-struck.

During gorilla habituation experiences, where you spend four hours with a semi-habituated group, the gorillas may keep more distance from humans since they are still adjusting to human presence. In this case, it may take more patience to observe them up close, but the extended time makes the experience more in-depth and natural. Whether you’re observing from a distance or having a close brush with a gorilla, the key is to respect their space and act responsibly.

Permit Costs and Trekking Experience Duration

What You Pay for and What You Get

As of 2024, Uganda offers two types of gorilla experiences:

• Gorilla Trekking Permit: Costs US$800 per person. This includes one hour of time with a fully habituated gorilla group after the trek.
• Gorilla Habituation Permit: Costs US$1,500 per person. This allows up to four hours with a semi-habituated group in the wild.

These permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and are essential for anyone participating in gorilla tourism. At Tubale Safaris Ltd, we handle all the logistics, including securing permits, organizing guides, booking accommodation, and ensuring a safe and smooth journey to the trekking sites.

The trekking itself can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located that day. But the magical moment comes when you are finally face to face with them—keeping a safe 7-meter distance, unless the gorillas decide otherwise. We ensure you are well-briefed before entering the forest, so you know what to expect and how to behave.

Traveling to Uganda for Your Gorilla Safari

Flight Options to Entebbe from the U.S.

To begin your gorilla trekking adventure, you’ll need to fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB)—Uganda’s main gateway. At Tubale Safaris Ltd, we offer complete travel packages starting from the moment you arrive in Uganda, but we also help you choose the best flights based on your location.

Here are some of the most reliable flight routes from major U.S. cities:

• New York (JFK): KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (via Amsterdam), Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha)
• Washington D.C. (IAD): Brussels Airlines (via Brussels), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa)
• Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO): Emirates or Qatar Airways via the Middle East
• Chicago (ORD): Lufthansa or Turkish Airlines via Europe
• Atlanta (ATL): KLM or Air France in codeshare with Delta

Once in Entebbe, you can either drive (8–10 hours) or take a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, which are close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—home to most of Uganda’s mountain gorillas. From there, Tubale Safaris Ltd will arrange a private transfer to your lodge and ensure your experience is seamless from start to finish.

Conclusion: How Close Can I Get to the Gorillas in Uganda?

Respectful Distance for a Powerful Encounter

To sum it up, if you’re wondering how close can I get to the gorillas, the official and safest answer is 7 meters. This distance is not only a safety guideline for humans but also a protective measure for gorilla health and well-being. However, in rare and special moments, gorillas may close that gap themselves—but you must never try to approach them.

Gorilla trekking and habituation are strictly regulated for the benefit of both wildlife and visitors. Whether you observe the gorillas from 7 meters or experience a magical moment when they come closer, the experience is equally rewarding and unforgettable.

At Tubale Safaris Ltd, we pride ourselves on offering professional, ethical, and deeply enriching gorilla safari experiences in Uganda. From helping you understand the rules to guiding you through thick forests and arranging everything from permits to flights, we’re here to make your dream safari come true.

So, are you ready to meet the mighty mountain gorillas in their natural home? Contact Tubale Safaris Ltd today to book your once-in-a-lifetime Uganda gorilla trekking adventure!