Best Guide on How to Show Submission to a Gorilla

Gorilla trekking in Africa, particularly in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

However, interacting with these wild primates, which share 98% of human DNA, requires strict adherence to behavioral protocols to ensure safety and respect.

One critical aspect is showing submission, especially to the dominant silverback, to avoid being perceived as a threat.

Below, we show you to how to demonstrate submission during gorilla trekking, why it’s essential, and practical steps for trekkers to follow in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, or Virunga National Park.

Why Showing Submission Matters

Mountain gorillas live in cohesive family groups of 10-20 members, led by a silverback male who protects, leads, and makes decisions for the group.

Despite habituation—where gorillas are gradually accustomed to human presence over years—they remain wild animals with instincts rooted in their social hierarchy.

In gorilla society, direct challenges, such as prolonged eye contact or assertive postures, signal aggression or dominance, often provoking defensive responses like chest-beating, vocalizations, or mock charges.

For trekkers, showing submission mimics the behavior of subordinate gorillas, signaling respect for the silverback’s authority. This reduces the risk of agitation, ensuring a peaceful one-hour observation period.

It also protects the gorillas’ well-being, as stress from perceived threats can weaken their immunity, making them susceptible to human-transmitted diseases like flu or COVID-19.

With only 1,063 mountain gorillas left (2023 estimate), adhering to these protocols supports conservation efforts funded by permit fees ($800 in Uganda, $1,500 in Rwanda).

Risks of Not Showing Submission

Failing to show submission can escalate encounters, endangering trekkers, guides, and gorillas:

• Aggressive Displays: A silverback may charge or scream to assert dominance, especially if provoked by eye contact or upright postures. While charges are typically bluffs, they can be intimidating and, in rare cases, lead to physical contact.
• Group Disruption: An agitated silverback may redirect aggression toward group members, causing injuries or social instability.
• Health Impacts: Stress elevates cortisol levels, weakening gorillas’ immunity and increasing disease risks, a critical concern given their endangered status.
• Trek Termination: Rangers may end the trek early if gorillas become unsettled, cutting short the experience without refunding costly permits.

By demonstrating submission, trekkers minimize these risks, fostering a calm interaction that benefits all.

How to Show Submission to a Gorilla: Practical Steps

Showing submission involves adopting behaviors that signal non-threatening intent, aligning with gorilla social cues. Below are actionable steps, drawn from guidelines by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN).

1. Avoid Direct Eye Contact

Direct eye contact is perceived as a challenge, particularly by silverbacks. To show submission:

• Lower Your Gaze: Look at the gorilla’s body, hands, or surroundings rather than its eyes. For example, watching a gorilla forage or a juvenile play maintains engagement without provocation.
• Glance Briefly: If accidental eye contact occurs, avert your eyes immediately to avoid escalation.
• Use Peripheral Vision: Observe gorillas indirectly to stay aware of their movements while signaling deference.

2. Crouch or Lower Your Body

An upright posture can appear dominant. To counter this:

• Crouch Slowly: When gorillas are within 7 meters (the minimum distance), crouch to reduce your height, mimicking a subordinate gorilla’s posture. This is especially critical during a charge.
• Stay Still: Avoid sudden movements, as they can startle gorillas. If a gorilla approaches, remain calm and follow ranger instructions.
• Sit if Guided: Rangers may direct you to sit in dense vegetation, further lowering your profile.

3. Keep Movements Minimal and Slow

Rapid or unnecessary movements can alarm gorillas, disrupting their calm state.

• Move Deliberately: Adjust your position (e.g., for photos) slowly, ensuring no jerky motions.
• Hold Position: When gorillas are close, freeze unless directed by rangers to back away.
• Secure Gear: Keep cameras or binoculars steady to avoid waving objects that might seem threatening.

4. Maintain a Soft Voice or Silence

Loud voices or sudden noises can agitate gorillas, signaling a lack of respect.

• Whisper Questions: If speaking to guides, use a low, soft voice. Silence is preferred near gorillas.
• Mimic Submissive Sounds: If instructed, imitate soft grunts or hums, which gorillas use to express contentment. Rangers may demonstrate these during the trek.
• Avoid Coughing/Sneezing Toward Gorillas: If necessary, turn away and cover your mouth to minimize disease transmission, reinforcing non-threatening behavior.

5. Respond Correctly to Charges

If a silverback charges—often a bluff to test your intent—showing submission is critical:

• Crouch Immediately: Lower your body to the ground, avoiding any stance that seems confrontational.
• Avoid Eye Contact: Look down or away to signal you’re not a threat.
• Stay Calm and Still: Do not run, as this can trigger pursuit. Trust the ranger to de-escalate using vocal cues or gestures.
• Follow Ranger Cues: Rangers may use specific sounds or movements to reassure the gorilla, guiding you to mirror these if needed.

6. Respect the 7-Meter Distance Rule

Maintaining distance reinforces submission by giving gorillas space.

• Back Away if Approached: If a gorilla, especially a curious juvenile, comes closer, slowly retreat to restore the 7-meter gap, keeping your gaze lowered.
• Position as a Group: Stay close to fellow trekkers, as a tight group appears less threatening than scattered individuals.

7. Follow Ranger Instructions

Rangers are trained to interpret gorilla behavior and ensure safe interactions.

• Obey Promptly: Whether told to crouch, move, or stay silent, follow instructions without hesitation.
• Ask for Clarification: During the pre-trek briefing, clarify any concerns about submissive behaviors to feel confident in the forest.
• Trust Their Expertise: Rangers carry rifles for wildlife protection (e.g., against buffalo), but their primary role is to facilitate peaceful encounters through behavioral cues.

Practical Tips for Trekkers

To prepare for showing submission, trekkers should:

• Attend the Briefing: The mandatory pre-trek briefing covers submissive behaviors, safety protocols, and conservation rules. Listen attentively and ask questions.
• Practice Mindfulness: Train to control instincts like staring or standing tall, especially in exciting moments when gorillas are close.
• Bring Appropriate Gear: Wear muted clothing (e.g., greens, browns) to blend into the environment, avoiding bright colors that might attract attention. Sturdy boots and long sleeves ease crouching in muddy terrain.
• Use Binoculars: Binoculars allow detailed observation without needing to stare directly, supporting submissive behavior.
• Stay Physically Prepared: Treks can last 2-8 hours in steep, humid forests. Moderate fitness ensures you can crouch or move as needed without fatigue.

Why Submission Enhances the Experience

Showing submission not only ensures safety but also enriches the trekking experience. A calm gorilla group is more likely to display natural behaviors—grooming, playing, or foraging—offering trekkers a deeper glimpse into their lives.

Respecting the silverback’s authority fosters trust, sometimes allowing closer interactions (within rules) as gorillas relax.

Additionally, adhering to these protocols supports conservation, with permit revenue funding anti-poaching patrols and community projects, ensuring future treks.

Showing submission to a gorilla is a vital skill for safe, ethical gorilla trekking. By avoiding eye contact, crouching, minimizing movements, and following ranger guidance, trekkers signal respect for the silverback’s authority, reducing risks and stress for both humans and gorillas.

These actions align with conservation goals, protecting the 1,063 mountain gorillas while enhancing the trekking experience. Prepare your clients to embrace these behaviors, ensuring a memorable, responsible encounter with one of nature’s most majestic creatures in Africa’s wild