Planning your Uganda gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi or Mgahinga? Don’t let rookie errors ruin your once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Here are the top 10 gorilla trek mistakes to avoid in 2026—straight from Gentle Giants Safaris experts who’ve guided many gorilla trekkers over the past 5 years.

1. Booking Permits Too Late

Mistake: Waiting until the last minute.

Fix: UWA sells only 80 Bwindi + 8 Mgahinga permits daily. Peak season (June–Sept, Dec–Feb) sells out 6–8 months early. ✅ Book now with Gentle Giants—we secure Mubare, Nshongi, and exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience slots.

2. Skipping Pre-Trek Fitness Prep

Mistake: Assuming it’s a casual walk.

Fix: Treks last 2–8 hours on steep, muddy trails (up to 1,800m elevation). ✅ Start cardio & hill walks 8 weeks prior. We offer pre-trek Ruhija hikes.

3. Wearing the Wrong Gear

Mistake: Cotton clothes, new boots, bright colors.

Fix:

• Waterproof jacket & pants (Jan–Mar rains)
• Gardening gloves (stinging nettles)
• Broken-in hiking boots
• Earth tones (no white/red) ✅ Gentle Giants provides gaiters, walking sticks, porters.

4. Forgetting Insect Repellent & Sunscreen

Mistake: Ignoring tsetse flies and UV at altitude.

Fix: Pack DEET 30%+ and SPF 50. Long sleeves/pants mandatory.

5. Overpacking Your Daypack

Mistake: 10kg+ bag slows you down.

Fix: Max 5kg—camera, 1L water, snacks, rain cover. Porters carry the rest.

6. Ignoring Photography Rules

Mistake: Flash, loud shutters, <7m distance from the gorillas.

Fix:

• No flash (harms gorilla eyes)
• Silent mode on camera
• 1-hour limit starts when first gorilla is spotted ✅ Read our free gorilla photography checklist.

7. Choosing the Wrong Sector

Mistake: Randomly picking Buhoma vs. Rushaga.

Fix:

8. Skipping Travel Insurance

Mistake: No coverage for cancellations or medical evacuation.

Fix: Include gorilla permit non-refundable clause & helicopter evacuation (Bwindi is remote).

9. Not Tipping Your Team

Mistake: Forgetting porters/trackers.

Fix: Not mandatory but highly appreciated.

• Guide: $15–20/day
• Porter: $10–15/day
• Tracker: $10/day Cash in USD (small bills).

10. Missing the Post-Trek Debrief

Mistake: Rushing to the next destination.

Fix: Join our evening lodge briefing—share photos, learn gorilla behaviors, support Bwindi Community Hospital (we donate per guest).

Ready for a flawless 2025 Uganda gorilla trek? Secure permits, luxury gorilla safari lodges and 24/7 support with Gentle Giants Safaris with 5-star reviews.

Book today—spots vanish faster than a silverback charge! Inquire Now!

Which mistake surprised you most? Drop it in the comments!