With only about 700 mountain gorillas left in the wild, the chance to spend an hour with these gentle creatures was a real once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Despite juggling my digital camera, Flip HD video camera, and BlackBerry to capture the experience, I still managed to take a few minutes to simply watch and enjoy.
A mama gorilla passes by us with a baby on her back.
Our guide ensures we keep our distance from this gorilla family gathering.
The silverbacks seemed to have an insatiable appetite.
These two little gorillas spent the whole hour we were there playing with each other.
Testing the strength of a vine before going for a swing.
Hanging out in the forest.
A little one bares his teeth during a wrestling match on the forest floor.
These three gorillas were quietly hanging out behind us.
As imposing as these big males appear in photos, they went about their normal business while we were around.
The gorilla walking sticks offered to us on the trek. I bought the one with the ribbed handle for $10.
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- World Nomads for travel insurance.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
- Rail Europe for train passes.
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Friday 29th of October 2010
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Migration Mark
Friday 9th of April 2010
Hey Dave,I have really wanted to trek to see the mountain Gorillas in Rwanda. My parents live in Tanzania so probably the next time I visit, I will try to make it to Rwanda. Great pictures, look like amazing animals to see in the wild!
Migration Mark
Friday 9th of April 2010
Hey Dave,I have really wanted to trek to see the mountain Gorillas in Rwanda. My parents live in Tanzania so probably the next time I visit, I will try to make it to Rwanda. Great pictures, look like amazing animals to see in the wild!
Dave
Monday 12th of April 2010
Hey Mark, thanks for stopping by. Hope you do get to see the mountain gorillas - it's worth the effort.
joanna_haugen
Thursday 8th of April 2010
What an incredible experience! I'm glad you had the chance to visit Rwanda. Did you feel like the trekking tour you were on help you learn more about the species?
Dave
Monday 12th of April 2010
Hi Joanna, actually, I don't think I paid too much attention during the park guide briefings - I was too excited to see the gorillas. I think I learned just as much, if not more, from watching Gorillas in the Mist beforehand. To go a step further, at some point, I'd probably want to read one of Fossey's books.
ShannonOD
Thursday 8th of April 2010
Love the photos - baby gorillas are just too cute - what an amazing opportunity to see them. :-)