4 Days Fly in gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi

Today is the day you have been waiting for. After breakfast, you drive to the park headquarters, where your ranger will give you a briefing about the gorilla trek and the rules you need to follow. Then, the adventure begins. You set off on foot into the ancient mountain rainforest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families. The trackers have already gone ahead. They leave early in the morning and follow the gorillas from where they were last seen the previous day. Once they find the family, they let your ranger know where the gorillas are. You then follow their trail through the forest.

And then, suddenly, you see them. You carefully approach the gorilla family. Perhaps the first thing you notice is the silverback. He may be resting nearby while the younger gorillas play around him. Standing just a few metres away from these magnificent animals is a moment you will never forget. You have one hour with the gorillas. This strict limit helps minimise disturbance and allows the animals to continue their natural behaviour.

The trek itself can be strenuous. How long you walk depends on where the gorilla family is that day. Good walking shoes, gaiters and rain gear are essential. Gloves are also useful when pushing through thorny plants and dense vegetation. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. You should also be in good health before your trek. Even a simple cold can prevent you from joining the gorilla trek, as gorillas are highly susceptible to human illnesses.

But once you are standing there, watching the gorillas move through their forest home, the effort is quickly forgotten. The young ones may play and tumble around the family. The adults may feed, rest or simply watch you with quiet curiosity.