I love the Discovery Channel. Watching the David Attenborough narrated documentaries about the worlds wild and wonderful species. Learning about the graceful movements, fascinating eating habits, and, of course, mating rituals.

It’s a pity we didn’t have Sir David with us on our Gorilla Trek recently, because we certainly got some good footage of some Gorilla’s in action. Doing it exactly like they do it on the Discovery Channel…

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime, (or more if you have lots of money), experience, and it is certainly not something you want to miss when travelling in East Africa. But you must work hard to be rewarded with front row views of these magnificent creatures.

After a 4am wakeup and 2 and a half hour drive from Lake Bunyoni, the guided trek begins with a group briefing. The wild mountain gorilla’s are a national treasure and each day only 8 people are permitted to visit each of the 4 gorilla families. If you are interested, make sure you plan your trek with a  good company to get your permits sorted out for you. Expect to pay around $1000 for Gorilla trekking in Uganda.

A few hours before we set out on our trek, the Gorilla Trackers went out to find how far our ‘Nshongi’ family had moved overnight. Apparently the Nshongi’s had been feeling energetic so we were in for a long hike. The difficulty of the hike will depend on each family and can last anywhere between 3-7 hours. We were out for 7.

Escorted by rifle-armed rangers (in case of any elephant attacks) and guides, you also have the option of hiring a Porter for around $15USD, and trust me, if you are as uncoordinated as me, your Porter will end up saving your life (many times). Along with carrying your backpack, your Porter will hold your hand through the rough forest. (It sounds wossy, but I would probably still be stuck in that forest, living with the Nshongi’s if it wasn’t for Gerald the Porter).

We started our hike deep into the volcano forests, bearing sticks and anticipation. The start was a breeze, but it gradually got more and more intense. We wadded through rivers, jumped along rocks in the mud and machetied our way up intensely steep and deep forest. But soon we heard that iconic sound of King Kong.

But King Kong was a bit preoccupied with his ding dong. Yep, he was Discovery Channel rehearsing so our first glimpse of wild mountain Gorillas was nothing other than ‘unique’, and apparently a ‘rare sight’.

Lucky us.

Distracted by the ritual going on in front of us, I didn’t notice the baby gorilla running towards me until it was too late.

My guide did… “Stay very still”.

Now a baby Gorilla isn’t as small as you think. And apparently stronger than it looks. I froze in shock as the cheeky little thing punched me on the leg and then rolled around in front of me.

I don’t think I have ever experienced an encounter with animals that had filled me with such a rush of adrenalin. Soon the family were on the move and chasing and admiring these creatures through the forest was breathtaking and spectacular (and a little bit dirty).

After about an hour of hanging out with the Nshongi family we headed back, exhausted and delighted with our Gorilla encounter,

This experience was honestly one of the best (and most challenging) things I have ever done in my life.

I have a few tips for anyone heading out for the trek:

• Get a Porter. Having someone carry your bag and help you with the Trek will make the experience much more enjoyable. Plus, it gives you more freedom to take great photos.
• Bring a good camera. It will be worth it.
• Bring HEAPS of water. Went through 3L on the trek. You never know how long you will be out for so bring more than enough.
• Bring a waterproof jacket. We got lucky and did’t have any rain but the weather can be unpredictable.
• Wear good hiking/waterproof shoes. I wore Timberlands and they worked really well.
• Tuck your pants into your socks. You will look like a dork but you won’t get Africa Ants in your underwear.
• Layers. Just wear layers. Like Shek said – ‘I’m like an onion’ and I bet he doesn’t worry about stinging nettle.
• Bring lunch and snacks. Just don’t eat them in front of the Gorillas…

 When To Go To See The Mountain Gorillas In Africa?

Although tracking mountain gorillas can be conducted all year round in Uganda & Rwanda),due to the somewhat damp seasons experienced by the national parks in which these gorillas stay, the majority of tourists prefer visiting from June to September as well as from December up to February. You can visit Bwindi at any time of the year, the low season calls for cheaper gorilla permit price.