Sharing 98% DNA with humans, Mountain Gorillas are Unique primates that grow 6 feet tall, and one large primate that can weigh 180Kg. The mountain Gorillas have got broad chests and strong muscles with adult males having distinctive silver shaped patch on the back.
Where to find mountain gorillas
The mountain Gorillas live in natural habitats of dense and misty tropical forests, and are found in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In their natural habitats of the tropical rain forests, total remaining mountain gorilla population is estimated to be 1,060 Gorillas, half of which are in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. beside Bwindi, you can also trek gorillas at Mgahinga gorillas national park. the park has one habituated gorilla family that cam be visited every day of the year.
Rwanda is the home to about 20 percent of mountain gorillas with over 20 habituated gorilla families found at volcanoes national park. another place where mountain trekking is done is Virunga national park Congo. however, it is currently closed due to political unrest within the area. though Cong also offer an opportunity of encountering lowland gorillas at kahuzi-Biega national park.
Behavior and social structure of gorillas
Looking at the behavior and social structure of the mountain Gorillas, these gentle giants are highly social primates and live in groups of up to 30 individuals. The group is led by a silverback as head of family and other members of the group include infants, younger males, as well as adult and juvenile females. There are various ways through which mountain Gorillas communicate. They use Vocalization, Gestures and facial expressions. Mountain Gorillas Roar to alert others to potential threats, they Murmur or Grunt as an expression of discomfort and anxiety.
Mountain Gorillas are closely related to human in various ways. They can easily learn sign language to communicate with humans, they can laugh when tickled like humans and they can cry when hurt. The male silverback protects other group members and maintains order in the group.
Is gorilla trekking worthy the hype?
Gorilla tracking is a captivating activity where you witness gorilla behavior in their natural setting. It is an experience worth the hike in the often steep, muddy dense forests and effort needed to see the mountain Gorillas. Safety guidelines and regulations are given to trekking during the pre-trek briefing and the activity is done in groups with experienced rangers.
In the Gorilla Encounter, there are a number of things to be followed while observing the gorilla behavior (interaction, how they feed, play, take care of the young ones) and how they act in the presence of human. It is key to note that you have to keep distance and follow instructions. Photography is allowed but without flashes.
Time allowed to spend with mountain gorillas
Visitors are allowed strictly one hour with the mountain gorillas during trekking. This policy cuts across all the through Countries that have got the mountain Gorillas. this is a conservation measure to preserve the Gorillas and their natural wild behavior. It is also a protective measure to limit the risk of transmittable diseases from humans. Limiting time also helps the animals to conserve the energy for their natural and reproductive activities.
Uganda gives an unforgettable encounter to visitors who wish to stay longer with the mountain Gorillas. Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable National park gives one an increased understanding of gorilla behavior and observation for four hours. Even with a longer stay in the presence of the Mountain Gorillas, the guidelines and instructions are to be followed as part of responsible tourism practices.
The cost of gorilla trekking and habituation
The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda goes for 800 dollars for foreigner nonresident, 700 dollars is charged for foreigner resident, 500 dollars for African citizens and approximately 80 dollars for Uganda and east African resident. The gorilla permit give you one hour to trek gorillas either from Bwindi forest national or Mgahinga gorillas national park.
When you compare that to Rwanda where gorilla permit goes for 1500 dollars, you will find out that gorilla trekking in Uganda is relatively cheap.
If you are planning to spend a long time with mountain gorillas in their natural habitats, you can choose to go for the longer gorilla habituation at Rushaga sector of Bwindi national park in Uganda.
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