We had an amazing experience with this family of gorillas, including 3 massive silverbacks, in Mgahinga, Uganda.
We went with Gerald from Spectrum Nature Safaris. You can find this company on Exceptionalugandagorillasafaris.com or Jungleugandacarrental.com. Highly recommended.

Please read:
30 years ago, mountain gorillas were close to extinction with just about 680 of them remaining in the wild. The species have endured several threats including habitat destruction and poaching. According to Dr. Andrew Seguya, Executive Secretary, Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration “gorilla safety and the prospects for the species in the early 2000s were dire. There were immense problems”. However, through various conservation approaches financially supported by tourism, the fragile species is bouncing back. Today there are more than 1,000 mountain gorillas in the wild. In 2018, the apes were down listed from ‘Critically Endangered’ to ‘Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

How can you support these conservation efforts?
The Ugandan Wildlife Authority sells permits to be able to trek in the jungle where they live and observe them in their natural environment for a short moment and learn about them. It is very controlled, it is nowhere near mass tourism. These permits cost $700 and the money will be used for their protection against poaching. Keep in mind that without the UWA and all these local people employed for their protection, the gorillas would be critically exposed to poachers.

Why the masks?
Because it is mandatory (otherwise you can't go) and because we have to keep our human germs for ourselves (gorillas are sensitive to human diseases). We also had to be tested negative (covid test) before doing it. They just want to take zero risk. Also, touching a gorilla is of course completely forbidden.

What to do if you are charged by a gorilla?
Remain calm and lay low (I'm not a great example as I panicked a bit when it happened). Lower yourself down and act submissive because gorillas enjoy being in control. Pretend as if nothing is happening and look towards the trees while remaining alert. Remain calm and never attempt to run. A gorilla is faster than most humans and running away will only encourage it to chase after you. Gorillas never continue an attack if you stay calm and act submissive. Remember not to look directly in the eyes of the gorilla and never attempt to fight a gorilla as others have advised because it will only lead to disaster.

Enjoy the video!

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