November 20, 2025
How Close Can I Get to the Gorillas During a Trek? A Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking Distance Rules
Gorilla trekking is one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters in the world. The chance to stand face-to-face with a 200-kilogram silverback or watch playful juveniles wrestle in the forest is unforgettable. But many travelers wonder:
“How close can I get to the gorillas during a trek?”
The simple answer is:
👉 The official gorilla trekking distance is 7 meters (about 23 feet).
This rule applies in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, and it ensures your safety as well as the safety of the mountain gorillas.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
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Why the 7-meter rule exists
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What actually happens when you reach the gorilla family
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What to do if gorillas come closer than expected
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How to stay safe around silverbacks
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What distance is best for photography
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How to prepare for a safe and unforgettable trek
Let’s dive in.
Understanding the 7-Meter Rule in Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is carefully regulated by wildlife authorities such as:
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Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
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Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
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Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN)
All three countries follow strict conservation protocols to minimize risk to humans and gorillas. One of the most important regulations is the mandatory 7-meter distance (roughly the length of a school bus).
Why the 7-Meter Distance Rule Matters
1. Protecting Gorillas From Human Diseases
Gorillas share 98% of human DNA, making them highly vulnerable to illnesses such as:
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Flu
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Coughs
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COVID-19
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Pneumonia
A common cold in a human can be deadly to a gorilla. The distance helps reduce infection risk.
2. Minimizing Stress for Gorillas
Although habituated gorilla families are used to humans, they are still wild animals. Getting too close may:
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Make them anxious
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Trigger defensive behavior
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Disrupt their natural routines
The 7-meter buffer keeps interactions healthy and peaceful.
3. Ensuring Tourist Safety
Gorillas, especially silverbacks, are extremely powerful. Maintaining a respectful distance reduces the chance of:
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Accidental charges
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Aggression
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Unpredictable interactions
While gorillas rarely attack, keeping distance is responsible trekking etiquette.
Do Tourists Really Stay 7 Meters Away? The Reality in the Forest
While the rule is clear, the forest environment makes perfect spacing challenging.
In practice:
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Rangers will position you about 7 meters away, but…
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Curious juveniles may approach you
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A silverback may walk past your group
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Gorillas sometimes move closer while feeding
This is normal and part of the magical experience.
What’s important is that you never move closer to them, even if they approach. Rangers will guide you on what to do.
What Happens If a Gorilla Comes Close to You?
Sometimes gorillas—especially playful juveniles—will walk right up to tourists.
If a gorilla comes too close:
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Stay calm
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Avoid direct eye contact
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Do not touch the gorilla
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Stay still and crouch slightly
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Follow your ranger’s instructions immediately
Gorillas often pass by without any aggression. Rangers are highly trained and know how to manage every situation.
How Close Do Gorillas Usually Get?
Playful Young Gorillas:
May come within 1–2 meters, sometimes brushing past trekkers.
Silverbacks:
Rarely approach directly, but may walk past at 2–5 meters if moving their family.
Females & Juveniles:
Often feed or rest 3–6 meters from tourists.
These distances occur naturally because YOU don’t move — the gorillas do.
How Rangers Control Gorilla Distance
Gorilla trackers and guides ensure safety by:
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Observing gorilla body language
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Directing trekkers where to stand
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Choosing the safest vantage points
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Moving slowly and staying quiet
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Guiding you away if gorillas get stressed
Their expertise allows trekkers to enjoy an intimate but safe viewing experience.
How Close Can You Get for Photography?
Many photographers worry that 7 meters is too far. In reality:
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Gorillas are large, so 7 meters gives incredible close-up shots
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The forest background enhances portrait photography
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Zoom lenses (70–200mm or 24–105mm) work perfectly
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If gorillas move closer, the photos become even better
Professional and amateur photographers both find gorilla trekking extremely rewarding.
Can You Touch a Gorilla?
No — touching gorillas is strictly forbidden.
Even if a juvenile reaches for you, rangers may gently pull you back. Touch introduces:
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Disease transmission risk
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Behavior change
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Potential conflict with the silverback
Gorillas must remain wild and independent.
What If a Gorilla Charges?
Sometimes a silverback may make a mock charge to assert authority.
If this happens:
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Do NOT run
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Crouch down
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Stay still
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Avoid eye contact
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Let the rangers intervene
These charges are rare and usually harmless as long as instructions are followed.
How Gorilla Habituation Affects Distance
There are two types of gorilla encounters:
1. Standard Gorilla Trek (1 hour with the gorillas)
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Better control
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Clearer distance rules
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Ideal for most travelers
2. Gorilla Habituation Experience (4 hours)
Only available in Uganda, this experience means:
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More freedom of movement
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Closer observation of behaviors
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Less predictable distances
However, rangers still aim to keep a safe buffer.
Distance Rules in Each Country
Uganda
The Uganda Wildlife Authority enforces the 7-meter distance but is flexible when gorillas approach.
Uganda’s dense forests make close encounters very common.
Explore Uganda safaris:
👉 Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours
Rwanda
Rwanda is strict about the 7-meter rule but also offers very open viewing angles due to its bamboo forests.
Explore Rwanda packages:
👉 Rwanda Gorilla Tours
DR Congo
Congo follows the same 7-meter regulation. Encounters are often close because gorillas are very relaxed.
Why You Should Never Force a Close Encounter
Trying to move closer:
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Violates conservation rules
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Endangers gorillas
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Risks fines or trek cancellation
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Increases stress on gorilla families
True gorilla trekking respects wildlife boundaries.
Tips for Staying Safe and Comfortable Near Gorillas
✔ Stay quiet and calm
✔ Follow ranger instructions carefully
✔ Move slowly if guided to adjust position
✔ Wear neutral clothing
✔ Avoid strong perfumes
✔ Keep your camera strap secure
✔ Do not eat or drink near the gorillas
These small actions ensure a smooth encounter.
How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trekking is extremely safe because:
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Gorilla families are carefully habituated
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Rangers carry extensive tracking experience
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Silverbacks understand human presence
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Trekking groups are small (max 8 people)
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Encounters are monitored constantly
There are very few threats if you obey the rules.
How Long Can You Stay With the Gorillas?
In standard trekking:
👉 You get 1 full hour with the gorillas from the moment you reach them.
This controlled time helps protect their well-being and keeps encounters consistent.
Book Your Gorilla Trek With Monumental Gorilla Tours
Whether you’re trekking in:
Monumental Gorilla Tours offers expertly guided gorilla trekking safaris, custom packages, and professional trip planning.
Explore top gorilla safari packages here:
👉 https://monumentalgorillatours.com
Final Thoughts: How Close Can You Get to Gorillas?
The official distance is 7 meters, but gorillas often come closer on their own. Trekkers may find themselves:
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3–6 meters away during feeding
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2 meters away during silverback movements
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1 meter away when juveniles playfully approach
The key rule is simple:
👉 You never move closer. Let the gorillas decide the distance.
This respectful approach keeps both humans and gorillas safe—while still delivering one of the most intimate wildlife experiences in the world.
