The Gorilla Excursion I Had Been Waiting For
The walk through the thick forest was both challenging and exhilarating. The dense vegetation made it difficult to see very far ahead, but the sense of adventure and unknown kept me moving forward, no wonder it is called an impenetrable forest with good reason. We were accompanied by a local guide and 2 game rangers who knew the area well and were able to point out various plants and animals along the way.
The group making its way into the jungle to trek gorillas
As we made our way deeper into the forest, the sounds of the jungle grew louder. I could hear the rustling of leaves and the calls of various birds and monkeys. It was truly an incredible experience to be surrounded by such a diverse and lively ecosystem.
After about an hour of climbing and descending, skidding and close-falls, we finally caught sight of the gorilla family. There were 14 members in total, including a large dominant male silver-back and his young, who were playing around in the trees. The sight of these massive gorillas was breathtaking and I couldn’t believe I was actually seeing them in person.
One of the most striking moments of the trek was observing an expecting mother gorilla. She was visibly pregnant and seemed to be taking it easy, resting on the ground while the other gorillas went about their business. It was heartwarming to see this beautiful and gentle creature in such a natural and peaceful setting.
The silver-back and his 'wife' having a grooming session
As we watched the gorillas for an hour, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of awe and respect for these incredible animals. They were so much more than just a tourist attraction – they were a thriving and vital part of the forest ecosystem.
Eventually, it was time to head back to the park headquarters. As we made our way out of the forest, I couldn’t stop thinking about the amazing experience I had just had. I knew that I would never forget the thrill of seeing these gorillas in their natural habitat, and I was grateful to have been given the opportunity to witness such a special moment.
To sum it up, my gorilla trek in Bwindi National Park was an unforgettable and exhilarating experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves nature and adventure. It’s an experience that you’ll never forget and one that will stay with you for a lifetime.