The moment had finally arrived. Our small gorilla trekking group had barely slept the night before, overwhelmed with excitement for what was about to happen. Trekking day was here, and we were heading deep into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda in search of the legendary Silverback Mountain Gorillas.
We woke before dawn, the anticipation almost too much to handle. Beneath the thrill, there was a touch of uncertainty. How long would we trek before finding the gorillas? And the biggest question of all, would we actually see them?
Dressed in camouflage gear and sturdy hiking boots, we began our journey. The first part of the trek took about two hours, and while it was not too demanding, the humidity was intense. Once we entered the forest proper, everything changed. The pace slowed as the terrain became more challenging, thick vegetation, tangled roots, and fallen branches turned every step into an adventure. Each of us had to move carefully, watching where we placed our feet as we navigated through the dense undergrowth of Bwindi.
Then, about 45 minutes later, we rounded a bend, and there they were. A full family of gorillas, right before our eyes. It was a moment that words can hardly capture. My heart was pounding, my breath caught somewhere between awe and disbelief. Watching these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat was beyond anything I had imagined. It was, without question, one of the greatest highlights of all my travels.
Our guide told us that we were observing the Bitukura gorilla family. The young ones played just like children, rolling around and tackling one another, while a few of them made surprisingly loud noises that had us all laughing. The adults rested peacefully in the shade, contentedly chewing on leaves and branches. And then there was the silverback, a true gentle giant. His calm presence commanded respect, but it was clear that he would defend his family without hesitation if needed.
All too soon, our time with the gorillas came to an end. As we began the trek back to camp, we carried with us not only our photographs but a deep sense of wonder and gratitude. It was an experience that left an imprint on the soul, a reminder of how extraordinary nature can be when left to thrive.
This unforgettable adventure is just one of the many highlights you can experience on Encounters Travel’s “Gorillas and Plains” 16-day tour. It is a journey that combines breathtaking wildlife encounters with the raw beauty and spirit of Africa.
By: Mariana Paulsen | 2012-08-07
