A charging gorilla can feel absolutely terrifying, but you can do things that actually lower your risk of getting hurt. Try to stay calm. Don’t make any sudden moves. Crouch down, look away, and make yourself as small as you can—these actions show the gorilla you’re not looking for trouble and, honestly, they often work.
If a gorilla chases you, don’t run. Back away slowly, stay quiet, and look as non-threatening as possible.
Let’s talk about why these steps matter and how to read a gorilla’s behavior so you can pick the safest move in the moment. The next sections break down what you should do right away and offer some practical safety tips for before and during a close encounter.
Immediate Actions If a Gorilla Chases You
Keep your body low and move slowly. Avoid any sudden shifts or jerky movements.
Use calm, quiet gestures to show you’re not a threat. If it looks like the gorilla might make contact, protect your head and neck.
Stay Calm and Avoid Sudden Movements
When a mountain gorilla charges, your heart will probably pound. Slow your breathing and, if you need to talk, use a soft, steady voice.
Quick moves can set off the gorilla’s chase instinct and make things go from bad to worse. Keep your hands visible and open at chest level.
Don’t raise your arms or shout. If you’re holding a camera, put it down gently and avoid using flashes or bright screens.
If you have to move, take small, deliberate steps. If you’re with others, stay close together.
A tight group looks less like prey and helps guides keep things under control. Listen to your guide right away—they know the local gorillas and how they react.
Crouch Down and Make Yourself Smaller
Lower yourself into a crouch slowly and turn slightly away from the gorilla. Bend your knees, round your back, and try to look smaller.
Don’t lie flat on your stomach. Stay ready to protect your head and vital spots.
If the gorilla gets close, use your arms to shield your face and neck. Tuck your chin and cover the back of your head with your hands.
This posture can help prevent serious injury and shows you’re not a threat, even if you’re scared. If you have a bag or backpack, set it down gently.
Keep it between you and the gorilla only if it won’t make things worse. Staying still and non-threatening helps a gorilla decide you’re not a problem.
Do Not Run or Look Directly Into the Gorilla’s Eyes
Running almost always makes a gorilla chase you harder. Just freeze or move slowly.
Even a short run can make the animal pursue you—gorillas are way faster than you. Don’t look straight into a gorilla’s eyes.
Staring can seem like a challenge, especially to a silverback. Keep your gaze lowered and use your side vision to keep track of the gorilla’s position.
If the gorilla stops or makes a warning, just stay crouched and still. Wait for the animal to calm down or for your guide to tell you it’s safe to move.
Only get up and walk away slowly when it’s clear the gorilla has lost interest.
Effective Gorilla Encounter Safety Strategies
Stay calm and keep yourself as non-threatening as possible. Always follow your guide’s lead.
Keep your distance. Move slowly and use quiet, submissive body language to ease the tension.
Follow Gorilla Trekking Guidelines and Listen to Guides
Your guide knows the gorilla group’s habits and the local rules. Before you start, they’ll explain the basics: how far to stay back, what you can photograph, and how to behave.
Do exactly what your guide says—if they tell you to crouch, stay silent, or move as a group, just do it. No arguing.
During the trek, your guide watches gorilla body language and will tell you when to stop or back away. Trust their timing; guides have seen it all.
If your guide gives a signal or hand motion, copy it calmly. If you get scared, whisper to the guide instead of making noise.
Don’t leave the group or chase after a gorilla. The guide is there to keep everyone (including the animals) safe.
Keep a Safe Distance and Move Away Steadily
Try to keep at least seven meters (about 23 feet) between you and the gorillas. If one comes closer, move back slowly and a bit to the side—not straight away.
Quick turns or running can trigger a chase. Take small, slow steps and keep your hands low and visible.
Don’t block the gorilla’s escape routes—step aside so it can pass. If you’re on uneven ground, move carefully to avoid falling and making noise.
If thick vegetation or tricky terrain forces you closer, stay low and quiet. Wait for your guide’s instructions.
Never try to push the animal away or use a stick to keep your distance.
Use Non-Threatening Behaviors Such as Grooming Movements
Show you’re not a threat with slow, predictable movements. Crouch a bit and turn your head or eyes downward instead of staring.
These gestures tell the gorilla you’re not challenging it. Avoid loud noises, sudden arm movements, or chest-beating.
If you need to adjust your clothes or camera, do it slowly and only if your guide says it’s okay. Breathe quietly and keep your hands relaxed at your sides or folded in front.
If a gorilla seems curious, let it approach on its own. Don’t offer food or objects, and never try to touch.
Respecting gorilla social cues helps keep everyone—humans and gorillas—safer.
How to React if Touched or Grabbed
If a gorilla touches you, try to stay as still as you can. Keep breathing slowly, even if your heart’s pounding a bit.
Don’t pull away or jerk—sudden moves usually make things worse. Let the gorilla check you out, then wait for it to let go.
If it grabs your clothing or gear, just relax your body. The guide will step in if needed.
Don’t try to wrestle free. Sometimes the guide will use calm words or even put themselves between you and the gorilla to distract it.
If the gorilla starts getting aggressive—think loud noises, tense posture, or grabbing again—listen to the guide right away. They might tell you to crouch, cover your face, or move behind someone else.
After any contact, do your best to stay calm. Wait for the guide to decide if you should slowly head back to the group or quietly back away.
