Mountain Gorillas and the Adventure of a Lifetime in the Heart of Africa!
Imagine hacking your way through rough, steep, slippery terrain in a dense jungle, machete in hand, cutting through uncharted forest, and then – BAM! – face to face with mountain gorillas! Yes, you read that right! Dušan Krstin, a 27-year-old guy from Kanjiža, now living in France, fulfilled his dream and embarked on an expedition to Uganda’s famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Where are these jungles? Bwindi is a national park in southwestern Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. It’s called “impenetrable” due to its dense vegetation and rugged terrain. The park is home not only to gorillas but also elephants, monkeys, and many bird species.
What’s it like to meet gorillas? The expedition starts early at 6 a.m. with a brief briefing on behavior rules and safety. Only a small number of people are allowed in the park daily, and each gorilla family can host only one tourist group per day. The permit for one hour of gorilla viewing costs about $1,000 in Rwanda, with Congo being the cheapest option.
The terrain is tough, and the trek can last from one to six hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Armed rangers accompany visitors to protect the gorillas from poachers and ensure tourist safety.
Rules of engagement with gorillas When you encounter gorillas, the ranger signals silence. The one-hour viewing is strictly limited to reduce stress on the animals. If the silverback male approaches you, don’t panic! Crouch down, lower your gaze, and stay still. Direct eye contact can be seen as a threat.
Gorillas aren’t aggressive but have clear boundaries. Once, a silverback loudly warned a ranger who got too close to a baby gorilla. The message is clear: respect the rules or face warnings!
Why does this matter? Mountain gorillas are critically endangered, with about 1,000 individuals left in the wild. Any human contact carries disease risks, so strict protection measures are in place. This adventure isn’t just a trip; it’s a reminder of how important it is to protect nature and these magnificent creatures.
Dušan says this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What about you? Would you dare to take such an adventure? Or will you stay home and look at pictures? Share your thoughts—maybe this story will inspire you to pack a bag and head into the unknown!
Touching gorillas is forbidden, but being amazed by them is allowed!
If you thought gorillas were just big, scary animals, think again. They are quiet, peaceful, and highly social. Their protection is paramount, and every tourist must follow strict rules. Masks are mandatory to prevent diseases humans might transmit.
This expedition isn’t for everyone—you need to be physically prepared and respectful of nature. But the reward? Priceless. Face to face with these giants of nature, in their home, is unforgettable.
The bottom line? Mountain gorillas are on the brink of extinction, and expeditions like this help protect them and raise awareness. Dušan’s story proves dreams can come true, and nature deserves our attention and respect.
If you’ve read this far, maybe it’s time to think about your next trip. Or at least drop a comment with your thoughts on these majestic creatures. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next adventurer to meet mountain gorillas!
