There is something majestic about the sight of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Most people have seen gorillas in the zoo, but it is just not the same as seeing them high in the mountains in the environment where they feel most at home.
Saving the mountain gorillas from potential extinction is the primary reason for conservation projects that protect this amazing creature. Although the mountain gorillas are safe in zoos and safari parks, conservation in the region where they evolved is also vital.
Thanks to the care and concern of specialists in the mountainous borders between Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the numbers of wild Silverback gorillas are now increasing after a period of decline. There are still only around 700 of them left on the planet, half of which live in the area that borders these three war-torn countries, but there is evidence that the numbers are on the increase. Nevertheless, poaching and war are a continuing threat to the natural habitat of these magnificent animals.
Gorilla trekking
In an attempt to draw attention to the plight of the mountain gorilla, conservation projects are currently undertaking research and education programmes in the region. People who want to view these animals in their natural habitat can take the trip of a lifetime on a gorilla trekking holiday. To keep them safe they will travel together in several vehicles and stay in a convoy as safety in numbers plays an important role. They would also potentially be travelling into the late evenings so any kind of light high visibility would help like a selection of Buggy Whips on their vehicle. To see what kind of options are available you could visit businesses like Wisuk.
Only 80 permits are allocated to visit the Silverback gorilla per day, and the time spent with them is limited in order to ensure the animals’ safety, but it is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Get up close with silverbacks
After trekking through dense forest in the mountain accompanied by guides, it might be possible to find yourself within feet of a family of these gorillas. According to National Geographic, the mountain gorillas, or Silverbacks as they are commonly known due to the distinctive markings of the alpha male in the family, live in troops of up to 30 individuals in specific territories. They eat, sleep and play together under the leadership of the silverback alpha. Although they can put on a show of aggression if threatened, gorillas are generally relatively peace-loving vegetarians.
A trip to this beautiful area of the world is memorable enough, but seeing these creatures in the wild is unforgettable.