Close Encounters with a Gorilla Family: My Story
The morning mist clung to the towering trees of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as our small group gathered at the ranger station. I had dreamed of this moment for years—finally, I was about to come face-to-face with mountain gorillas in the wild.
The Trek Begins
Our guide, Robert, briefed us: “The Rushegura family was last seen near the river. Be prepared—it could take minutes or hours.” Armed with walking sticks and rain jackets (just in case), we set off into the dense jungle.
The first hour was tough—steep, muddy slopes, tangled vines, and the constant buzz of forest insects. Every step required focus. Then, the trackers ahead stopped abruptly and signaled us to be quiet.
First Contact
A deep, guttural “whumph” echoed through the trees. My heart pounded. We crouched low as Robert whispered, “They’re just ahead.”
Pushing aside a curtain of leaves, I saw them—a massive silverback lounging against a tree, his dark eyes half-closed in contentment. Around him, juveniles tumbled playfully while females foraged for tender shoots.
The Magic Moment
We were instructed to stay 7 meters away, but the gorillas had other ideas. A curious young male ambled toward us, stopping just an arm’s length from where I knelt. His deep brown eyes met mine—intelligent, calm, and utterly unafraid.
For a breathless moment, time stood still.
Then, with a sudden burst of energy, he somersaulted away, crashing into his siblings in a playful wrestling match. The silverback grunted in what seemed like mild disapproval before returning to his leafy snack.
An Hour in Their World
We watched in awe as the family went about their daily routine—grooming, eating, napping. A mother cradled her tiny baby, its tiny fingers clutching her fur. The silverback occasionally glanced our way, as if to remind us who was in charge.
When our time was up, Robert gently signaled it was time to leave. As we backed away, the gorillas barely noticed—we were just passing visitors in their ancient home.
Why This Stayed With Me
- The Connection – Locking eyes with a wild gorilla is humbling. You sense their intelligence, their family bonds, their wildness.
- The Challenge – The tough trek made the encounter even more rewarding.
- The Lesson – These moments are rare. Conservation matters—without it, future generations might never experience this.
Would I Do It Again?
In a heartbeat. But next time, I’m bringing my family—because some stories are too incredible not to share.