Gorilla Trekking Experience
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda — A Journey into the Heart of the Wild
There are moments in travel that stay with you forever - the kind that shift something deep inside. For me, gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of those rare experiences. It’s more than just seeing wildlife, it’s stepping into a living, breathing world where nature still moves at her own rhythm. As a yoga teacher and safari guide, I’ve always believed that presence is the greatest adventure - and standing quietly among these gentle giants is the purest form of it.
In Uganda’s lush rainforests, time seems to slow down. The air is heavy with the scent of earth and rain, and somewhere deep within the green, an entire gorilla family quietly carries on with their day - as if we don’t exist.
Preparing for the Trek
Before we even set foot in the forest, there’s a sense of gratitude. Permits are limited - a reminder of how fragile this experience is. Chris, our guide and also the owner of UGANDA ADVENTURE SAFARIS, handle all the logistics, so all we have to do is lace up our boots, take a deep breath, and open our hearts to what’s coming. A short briefing by our guides sets the tone: this is not a zoo encounter, this is nature, raw and real.
The Journey into the Jungle
The trek itself can be an adventure of its own. We hike through tangled vines, soft mud, and misty air - guided by the sounds of birds and the rustle of the forest. Every step takes you deeper into their world. Sometimes the gorillas are close, other times, they make you work for the privilege. The shortest hikes we’ve had, are about 14 minutes and the longest about 1 hour. Either way, when you finally find them, you get to spend a full hour with them.
The Encounter
Before we begin, I always remind my guests to take their photos in the first ten minutes, and then, to simply be there. To breathe it in. I capture the rest for them, so they can truly experience this hour without a lens in the way.
And then suddenly, there they are.
A silverback resting in quiet power. Mothers grooming their young. Tiny babies tumbling and climbing, full of curiosity and mischief, sneaking glances at us between the leaves. What strikes me most is how normal it all feels - how they simply live, play, and eat, completely unbothered by our presence. It’s a humbling, almost sacred feeling , like watching life unfold exactly as it’s meant to.
What follows is often the most moving part for me - the stillness, the awe, the soft tears of joy. I’ve seen people completely undone by the beauty of it all, whispering that this is the most powerful thing they’ve ever done. And I understand, because it still moves me every single time.
The Connection
You can feel it - that deep, wordless connection between species. There’s something profoundly human in their gaze, yet they remind us of what we’ve lost: stillness, presence, and belonging to the wild. It’s impossible not to be moved.
After the Trek
When we return to our lodge, usually a bit muddy, tired, and glowing from the inside out, there’s this shared silence, the kind that doesn’t need words. Later in the afternoon, we unroll our mats and settle into gentle yoga overlooking the misty forests, still humming with life. The distant calls of birds and the whisper of the trees become our soundtrack as we move slowly, breathing in all that we’ve witnessed.
It’s a grounding practice - a way to integrate the day’s experience, to honour the connection, the awe, and the quiet lessons these incredible beings have offered us. By the end, the body feels soft, the mind still, and the heart wide open.
A Deeper Purpose
Every permit, every step, supports the protection of these endangered beings and the people who work tirelessly to keep them safe. Gorilla trekking isn’t just an experience, it’s an act of conservation and connection.
Join me for our next Adventure to UGANDA
Uganda has completely captured my heart - so much so that I’ve been returning twice a year for the past four years to share this incredible experience. Each journey is different, but every single one leaves me speechless in the best way possible.
If this calls to you - the wild forests, the gentle giants, the laughter and connection along the way, then come along. I’ll be heading back this December, or you can join me in June or December 2026. But truly… why wait for something this special?
With Love and Gratitude,
Marcel Vosloo - Namaste Yoga Safari