Your passport to adventure
PHONE: 1 877 260 3950
PHONE: 1 877 260 3950
The moment had arrived, our small gorilla trekking group had not been able to sleep given the excitement for what we were about to do!
Trekking day had arrived and we were going into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda to search for the Silverback Mountain Gorilla!
We were all up extra early, the excitment that lay ahead of us was almost too much to handle! There was also a little 'uncertainty', I mean, how long would we have to trek before finding the gorillas, and then the big question,would we actually see these amazing creatures?
Dressed in our camoflage gear and comfortable hiking boots, we walked for about two hours until we reached the forest area. The walk itself wasn't too hectic but it was very humid! Once in the forest the trekking went a bit slower. There were branches and tree stumps everywhere and we were bushbashing through it, everyone had to watch their step a bit more carefully.
After about 45 minutes we came around a bend and there they were - a whole family of gorillas! What an awesome and unforgettable moment in my life! Definitely the highlight of all my travels! It is impossible to explain the feeling I had watching these spectacular creatures, an experience that I will never forget. According to our guide, we were watching the Bitukura gorilla family. The young gorillas were playing, just like children rolling and tackling each other. One or two gorillas also farted, very loud and quite funny! The adult gorillas were just chilling in the shade chewing on branches and leaves. The silverback male was indeed a gentle giant but I knew that his mood could change very quickly if any enemy threatened his family.
All too soon our time with the mountain gorilla family was over and we had to head back to camp, with many fond memories and photos to accompany us.
You can experience this, and more, yourself on our new Gorillas and Plains 16 day tour with Encounters Travel.
BY: MARIANA PAULSEN 2012-08-07
Experience Bhutan's majestic landscapes, ancient fortresses, vibrant festivals, and unique culture on this unforgettable 8-day adventure. Hike to Tiger's Nest, explore dzongs, and connect with local life at a traditional homestay.
Type
Days
Price
Small Group
8
From
$2250
$2645
This 13-day tour explores cosmopolitan Istanbul and the ancient sites of Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus, features a 3-night cruise in the Gulf of Fethiye on board a traditional Turkish gulet and explores the fantastic scenery of Cappadocia.
Type
Days
Price
Shoestring
13
From
$1885
$2215
Need some travel inspiration or looking for some handy travel tips? Our blog provides excellent insight into our travel destinations - from tour updates to country guides, packing lists to little known things to do, you'll find it all in our travel blog.
Many well travelled people are often looking for the next big thing but before the masses find out about it.
What do you think of when you picture Thailand? There are many things that may spring to your mind.
Israel has an incredible past and is shaping up to have an amazing future. It has much to offer travellers from all walks of life.
I reach Dahab in the early afternoon after an eight-hour road journey from Cairo.
Now on month 13, I'm exploring the last continent on my world trip itinerary.
On most Egyptian tours, the long overnight train journey from Cairo down the Nile to Luxor or Aswan is unavoidable. This journey can be taken in two ways.
When I tell people we are taking the kids to Egypt, I get two responses.
While touring Uganda's lush landscapes, Bridget March gets a heart-stopping close-up with the severely endangered mountain gorillas.