A gorilla is the largest living primate. Half of the world's population of Mountain Gorillas are found in Uganda.A gorilla is a ground dwelling omnivore animal and largely dwells in the forest. An example of such forest is the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda.There are 3 classifications of Gorilla. That is the Western Lowland Gorilla, the Eastern Lowland and the Mountain Gorilla. All these gorillas are endangered due to poaching, habitat destruction and trade in bush meat.

Gorillas move in groups led by the male gorilla, the Silverback. Silver back is about 12 years of age or more with silver hair on his back. Its resposible for the entire movement of the troop, decision making and safety.The two homes of mountain gorillas are Bwindi National park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. In Rwanda, Gorilla tracking is done in Parc de Volcans.The Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi largely feed on fruits, foliage and epiphytes. the Bwindi gorilla diet is almost the same as that of the Bwindi Chimpanzees.Gorilla tracking or trekking is the top safari activity of tourists who flock to Uganda. A permit can be obtained and arranged by Tumbili Tours

Mountain gorillas are peaceful vegetarian animals. Their diet mainly consists of foliage. They most enjoys the tender rainy season mountains bamboos, as well as the bark of eucalyptus trees. The gorilla family is led by the male silverback, who is actually very knowledgeable about the medicinal plants and herbs. After eating the gorillas take a resting interval of a few hours before feeding again. When resting the children are playing around. In the evening the group, which has not a fixed location, will form a nest for spending the night. The nest is made by bamboo sticks and other broad leaves to provide a blanket against the cold. Gorillas can live up to 45 years and the silverback can weight about 200 kg while the female between 80 to 120kg.

The Lowland gorillas, the species of the Gorilla Gorilla Graueri, can be found in Kahuzi - Biega National Parc (KBNP) in Congo. After many years of insecurity in the region, now the management of the national park is reviving the tourist activities. There are about 300 lowland gorillas estimated. It is possible to visit some of the families through walking in the forest of the park following the direction of the ranger.

5 nights / 6 days gorilla tracking

Imagine walking slowly and quietly through the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi when your guide beckons you forward and there, just in front of you, is one of the most endangered species on earth, the magnificent Mountain Gorilla. This is probably the most exciting safari experience you will ever have. The forest is thick, your quarry scarce, you are on foot and suddenly you are surrounded by the gorillas who seem as curious about you as you are about them. It is estimated that only 650 of these magnificent cousins of ours still exist and they are all in the mountainous region of southwestern Uganda, and the surrounding countries of Rwanda and the Congo. Our itinerary will take you to the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi in the beautiful country of Uganda, the most comfortable and reliable destination for viewing these magnificent creatures.

1 night White Horse Inn on a fully inclusive basis. This colonial style hotel is set high on the hills of Kabale with its beautifully manicured gardens. Each room now has hot/cold water with private facilities. Nice bar with open fireplace and a good restaurant. 3 nights Gorilla Forest Camp on a fully inclusive basisThis exclusive location is a permanent luxury tented camp with 8 double tents, raised on wooden platforms, each with en suite facilities and hot and cold running water, WC, basin and a bathtub looking out onto the forest. Each tent has a spacious wooden verandah where guests can relax, enjoy a private meal and absorb the exotic mystery of the surrounding rainforest. This is the ideal base for gorilla tracking, primate viewing and birding excursions in the park.
1 night Lake View Hotel, Mbarara on a fully inclusive basis. Set on beautiful green grounds surrounded by colorful flowering trees and bushes. It overlooks the legendary Lake of the Obugabe. The rooms are spacious and fully equipped to international standards.

TIPS FOR ENCOUNTER WITH GORILLAS:

1. Submissiveness
When you encounter gorillas, you are required to portray total submissiveness. Do not look at them straight in the eyes and avoid standing over them. If the male gorilla charge at you, crouch down. Gorillas have freedom of way. Do not drum your chest.

2. Gorilla Photography/Photographic Safaris
Flash photography is prohibited. Tourists are allowed normal photography and filming for domestic use. Special Photographic and filming safaris may be organized for particular groups. These will include those who want to film specifically for commercial use and documentaries. These will require accreditation cards unlike normal tourists.

3. Health of the Gorillas
There are currently approximately 700 mountain gorillas in the wild. Thus these animals are classified as endangered species. To avoid transmitting human diseases to them:

• PLEASE avoid tracking if you suffer from contagious disease. In case you develop a severe case of flu, your money will be fully refunded if you make this known in advance. However if you attempt to track and fail for whatever reason, or if the guides discover that you cannot track due to disease, you do not qualify for any refund.
  
  

• Do not sneeze towards them
• Do not spit in the forest or defecate carelessly. If you need to the guides will help you with a machete to dig a hole to bury your waste.
  

4. Environmental consciousness
Leave only your steps in the national park. Do not litter and if you spot any litter, collect it and take it down with you.

5. Tracking gorilla in Uganda - the facts
How hard should one prepare for gorilla tracking in Rwanda?
The facts below will help you to answer this question.

• Gorilla Trekking, hiking and tracking takes place at altitudes of 3000 metres-this means that moderate/ average physical fitness is what is necessary and not athletic fitness.
  
  
• Trekking, hiking and Tracking gorillas is conducted by patient, qualified and knowledgeable ranger guides with wide experience in natural history with particular attention to gorilla behaviour
  
  
• Trekking hiking and tracking is conducted at a moderate pace with plenty of stops for resting, fielding questions further briefs etc. Competitive hiking is discouraged as the aim of the guides, porters and rangers is for all the group members to make it to the gorillas and back to the base.
  Believe it or not, the slowest hiker/ trekker will determine the pace of the trek.
  
  
• Always keep a distance of no less than 7m from the primates. This would greatly help as a measure for the reduction of disease transmission risk.
  
  
• Hiking, trekking and tracking gorillas may take approximately 2-3 hours. Sight, stay and encounter with the gorillas is recommended for for one hour only.
  
  
• Eating
  You can carry your picnic but do not eat in the vicinity of the gorillas.
  
  
• Chest beating
  Please do not imitate the male gorilla chest beating. It may take that as a challenge and charge after you which can result in severe injuries.
  
• Age Limit: Only people of 15 years and above can track gorillas.
  

What to bring for tracking gorillas:

• Hiking boots - ankle level boots are ok but make sure it is something handy.
• Gloves
• A warm cardigan
• Thick trousers and a long sleeved top are ideal for tracking.
• Rain Coat
• Video - filming is allowed in the parks though not outside the park
• Water proof container for their cameras
• A pair of binoculars if you are a keen bird watcher.
• If you prefer wearing a hat, a baseball cap is recommended.