Meet the Mountain Gorillas
The mountain Gorillas of Central Africa are among the most fascinating creatures on this earth. Watching the strength and grace of these large primates is an incredible experience that, due to their critical endangerment, has become unfortunately rare.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The critically endangered mountain gorillas live only in the volcanic highlands of central Africa. Half of the Mountain Gorilla population, roughly 350 specimens, live in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is possibly the best location to see the large apes.
Trekking through the emerald rainforest is a unique experience. Encounters with the mountain gorillas are completely on their terms. The gorilla families are protected by a silverback who will lead his females, black-backs, und juveniles though the mighty trees of the impenetrable forest. Gorilla move a lot in their search for food, so tacking them down can be a task that demands patience, physical fitness and persistence. There is no guarantee that you will see the gorillas, however watching these calm and powerful creatures for only an hour will touch your soul.
Gorilla Behaviour
A mountain gorilla’s day will revolve mainly around resting and sleeping. After waking up at dusk the gorillas forage for age for a few hours before resting during the midday and afternoon. The late afternoon is again spent foraging after which every gorilla builds a nest from the surrounding vegetation to rest for the night. While foraging the massive apes are always on the move, lead by the silverback. Even though gorillas are the most terrestrial among apes, it is a myth that they don’t climb tree. Especially fruit trees will lure the heavy primates off the ground always in search of a sweet treat.
Where to Track Mountain Gorillas
When trekking mountain gorillas, you are entering a fragile habitat. Due to the critical status of the species gorilla tourism is strictly regulated. It is easiest to organise gorilla trekking through an experienced tour operator such as XA! nini Safaris. XA! nini focuses on creating unique experiences for their client and believes strongly in sustainable and eco-tourism principles.
