We were assigned Group 13, so named for being the 13th habituated gorilla family in the park. Our driver droppe
d us at the starting point. We had to cross an extremely muddy and wet field. The kind of mud that threatens to pull your boot right off your foot when you sink into it! We scampered over the rock wall into the edge of the forest. We only walked about 15 minutes when, in the distance, I saw a large gorilla swinging from a vine - just like in the movie Tarzan!Our guide gave us our instructions: leave your belongings with the porters, only carry your camera, no flash photography, talk softly, and do not point (which is really hard NOT to do!). He informed us that he would make sounds that basically told the animals "we come in peace".
We followed our guide, Olivier, who showed us the Silverback, the largest, ol
dest male leader of the family. We actually got to see two Silverbacks that day. The second one had come over to try and woo away a female and perhaps start his own family. There was a lot of chest-beating and grunting going on between the two. I actually got a fright when the biggest guy stood up and barreled right toward us. He ended up walking past without a second glance. I think my heart stopped beating for that split second. I quickly regained my composure to follow him to a clearing, where he easily pulled down small trees, stripped the branches of their leaves, and stuffed them into his mouth. We also got to observe mothers, babies and juveniles during our all too brief visit. The one hour allotted time went by very quickly.It was a very spe
cial experience and one that will stay with us for a long time. Gorilla-trekking allows proximity to the animals that you don't normally get on a regular safari. Most people who are fit and able to walk over uneven surfaces can do it.If you would like more information on gorillas or safaris, give me a call!
Bee Kalt Travel 248-288-9600
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