Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – An incredible experience!

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – An incredible experience

One of the most exciting parts of tracking gorillas is wondering where they will be found. As their name implies, mountain gorillas live at high altitudes. To see these gentle giants, one will have to go through muddy terrain, thick foliage, and high elevations. During our tour briefing, there was an exhilaration and tension that I will never forget. Standing at the starting point of our trek, we were equipped for the long hike into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with our backpacks, walking sticks, hiking boots, and long sleeve shirts.

Under our garments, our hearts pounded from fear and anticipation. A few hands were shaking as they fastened their shoes, apprehensive chitchat here and there, and pure exhilaration for others before our gorilla trek. Our guide’s voice cut through our anxious feelings during a brief orientation. We were not to maintain eye contact with our evolutionary relatives because doing so would be provocative to them. We were instructed to move in a single file and to maintain a distance of seven meters from the gorillas. Having any interaction with them was forbidden due to the possibility of spreading disease to them from our germs.

We had between four and six hours, according to our guide, to locate the gorillas. We began the hike by focusing on the task at hand. The route was evident at first, but with time we strayed from it since gorillas don’t always move in a way that can be traced by a well-defined footpath. Walking and clearing bushes out of the road at the same time became a larger portion of our trek. One had to walk carefully while taking in the lush, verdant surroundings. Every branch I had to brush aside to make room for me served as a continual reminder that I had opted out of the convenience of viewing Uganda’s wildlife from a savanna game drive, however, I reminded myself that since this was a foot safari, I would have to endure some discomfort to reap the benefits.

We walked in silence since it’s best to appreciate nature’s kindness in meditative solitude. Some people did it out of worry, as a means to honor the immense beauty we were passing through while trekking, or simply out of a desperate need to conserve their air for the arduous hours ahead of us. Then it appeared! It wasn’t a wild pig, it wasn’t a mountain elephant or buffalo, it was a gorilla! Within thirty minutes, we had seen it! Holding back the urge to squeal at its size and intent focus on us little invaders, I tried to suppress my squeals. Although we had been warned about making prolonged eye contact, these were not eyes to look past in a hurry. My team’s other members didn’t appear overjoyed by how quickly we had located a gorilla, never the less, their cameras sprang to action, catching and preserving our encounter for posterity. They had desired a lengthier walk, something arduous with a Silverback reward. Then the guide said that this gorilla will take us to other gorillas and that was some exciting news my trek mates were much happy to hear.

Gorilla trekkers occasionally locate the gorillas after arduous hours of hiking because they have strayed far in search of food. I had hoped that I wouldn’t go through that despite dripping sweat and extreme tiredness. In my opinion, this was the luckiest expedition ever! A few panting bodies had been revived by our first encounter and were now ready to carry on and locate more. The Silverback, the goal of every gorilla trekker, was our next discovery. He sat in majesty and grandeur, but his gaze was kind, even maternal. I turned my attention to the juvenile gorillas nearby who had been engaged in what appeared to be a sibling quarrel before our arrival. They were so excited they were rolling over each other as they ran into the woodland. One of the gorillas tried to play with a member of my team by poking and prodding him, but he was unable to touch them in return, especially since the Silverback was watching him closely lest he is mauled. They frequently rolled around in hugs and patted each other on the back, appearing to converse by touch. The Silverback was a multi-tasking, powerful guy who was simultaneously watching out for the kids and us. My favorite part was watching the mother and baby care for one another.

I had memories of my youth as I observed them going about their daily lives through the network of shrubs. We frequently peered through our neighbors’ windows to see what they had for breakfast or to determine when our playmate would join us for our morning game of hide and seek. We frequently received a paddling for violating our neighbors’ right to privacy, however, how frequently we did it. Was I violating the privacy of this family? Regardless of whether I was, I hoped they would be gracious enough to let us snoop on their perfect family harmony for a little while longer.

These are some things to think about before going gorilla trekking, in my experience.

Get a gorilla trekking permit from your tour operator, and wear water-resistant hiking shoes if possible because some of the trails are muddy and it often rains. Wear long sleeves and long pants to prevent getting cut by the foliage, carry a raincoat in case of rain, use insect repellant, and pay attention to your guide. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old. If you cannot go through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest due to a physical disability, stretchers carried by porters are available for a price; tips depending on the service are allowed.

Trekking Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat is a naturalist’s dream. Here is what one of the happy visitors had to say: Visit to our distant cousins in Uganda.