Silverback Mountain Gorilla trekking safari , Primate tours & Mountain Gorilla trekking tours

Mountain gorillas have coloration and facial features that are quite different from the lowland gorillas and other species. The mountain gorilla has noticeably more hair to protect it from the colder mountainous regions where they live and is the one species that seldom lives successfully in captivity.  The male known as the Silverback Mountain Gorilla is identified by the silver saddle on his back and hind legs.

If restrained in a zoo they will not breed and will eventually die. Hence the mountain gorilla is the most sought amongst tourists on gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda and Uganda..

In contrast to the six billion human beings living on our crowded planet, there are only some seven hundred mountain gorillas left on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.  The late Dian Fossey dedicated 18 years of her life to researching and studying these Mountain Gorillas.  Dian was also very instrumental in fighting back the poachers, who have been known to kill an entire family of 30 gorillas  to be able to capture just two babies for a European Zoo !!

Western lowland gorillas are also on the endangered species list, but they remain far more common than their relatives, the mountain gorillas. They live in heavy rain forests, and it is difficult for scientists to accurately estimate how many survive in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Western lowland gorillas tend to be a bit smaller than their mountain cousins. They also have shorter hair and longer arms. This is the subspecies of gorilla usually found in zoos. Sadly it is estimated that almost 500 of these gorillas are locked away in Zoos around the world

Western lowland gorillas are currently more numerous than mountain and eastern lowland gorillas combined and their population is estimated at between 150000 & 200000.

The Eastern lowland gorilla features a distinctive red crown, often seen in zoos

Gorillas are the largest primates in the world, and Grauer’s is the largest of the four gorilla types.
Males can weigh more than 500 pounds and stand erect at 2 meters.  There are approx only 4500 in the wilds.

As large forest mammals that feed predominantly on vegetation, they have an important influence on the natural composition of plant communities.

With only 200 in their entire population, the Cross River gorilla is rarely photographed in the wild.

Once thought to be extinct, this unique subspecies of gorilla “resurfaced” in the 1980s and is found only along the southern section of the Nigeria-Cameroon border. Preferring habitats of low- and mid-elevation rainforest and mountain forest, the remaining Cross River gorillas live in roughly 11 subgroups dispersed amongst the region’s highland areas. One of four known subspecies of gorilla, Cross River gorillas most closely resemble western lowland gorillas but differ in the dimensions of their skulls and teeth. Researchers have also recognized a number of socio-ecological distinctions.

CLOTHING:
The forest can often be wet and sometimes cool in the damp atmosphere. A light weight water proof jacket is advised. Good walking boots / shoes with long socks. Jeans can be tucked into your long socks to keep out any red ants while mountain gorilla trekking. Some areas of the forests also contain thistles / stinging nettles which can irritate the skin of the hands and arms when brushed against. We suggest long sleeve shirts and either a pair of light gardening gloves or a pair of socks pulled up over the hands and arms will suffice. Your boots will get muddy and we suggest you bring two small plastic bags to repack your boots in to protect your clothing from getting dirty in your case. A small back pack is ideal for cameras, water bottle etc. leaving your hands free to negotiate the bush that you will be walking through.

HEALTH:
A reasonable level of fitness is recommended as you will be trekking through thick forest and you will also experience some gentle climbing.
Though viewing is limited to one hour there could be a few hours trekking mountain gorillas before finding their current location.  You should be free of colds / flue etc as gorillas are not immune to human diseases. Travel insurance is always recommended (medical cover etc).

MEDICATION: -- 
The forests are in Mosquito areas and you should consult with your pharmacist about malaria precautions before leaving home. Yellow fever vaccinations are also required and may well be requested for proof of this on your return home.  You may wish to visit the International Centre for Disease Control for a more technical view on the health in these countries   Rwanda   --   Uganda

VISAS:
If required can be obtained on arrival at the airport.

POWER SUPPLY:
220 Volt - European round two-prong plugs and square 3 pin plugs.