Whether it’s a special occasion or you just want to let someone know how much you appreciate them, it’s challenging to find the perfect gift that symbolizes what you feel. Material possessions have a shelf life, but there’s no better gift than the gift of experiences and travel. A surprise all-expenses-paid trip could be the gift of a lifetime with guaranteed unforgettable memories that they will always cherish. One such gift is gorilla trekking in Uganda, and you cannot go wrong with this one. Who doesn’t enjoy a nature trip and a chance to observe the majestic gorillas in their habitat?
Uganda Gorilla Tours
There’s nothing more pleasurable than getting a chance to observe the mighty gorillas in their natural habitat. There are less than 900 mountain gorillas in existence, and gorilla trekking is a rare opportunity to see their everyday interactions. Mountain gorillas live in the dense forest of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi alone is home to half the world’s gorilla population, giving it an edge above other places.
Gorilla trekking can be done at any time of the year, which is what makes it a perfect gift since it can be suited to any occasion and season. However, the dry season is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda since it makes it easier for trekkers to move through the dense vegetation and steep slopes to search for the gorillas.
Uganda’s terraced hills and volcanic slopes are an indication that this area is not for the weak-kneed. When you add in the high altitude and the challenging terrain, gorilla trekking could be the adventure of a lifetime for those coveting for some exhilarating experiences.
Interesting Facts About Mountain Gorillas
- The mountain gorillas are the largest primates and live at high altitudes of 1500-4000 meters. It can get quite cold at that height, and that is why they have such thick fur.
- There’s a common misconception mostly created through movies that gorillas are fierce and aggressive when, in fact, the opposite is true. They are gentle and peaceful giants of the forest.
- The mountain gorillas do not have homes but live in different spots in their territories. That is why they are tracked since they mover often and need to be searched before they can be observed.
- The mountain gorillas are kept in top shape by their family physician, who visits them often, making sure they are given immunizations and sometimes surgery when needed.
- Mountain gorillas converse with each other in their language consisting of grunts, hoots, and gestures.
- The mountain gorillas often use tools that help them with daily life things such as using sticks to extract ants from the ground or putting a log across a stream to cross it.
- A young mountain gorilla is black when he reaches maturity, he develops a silver-haired back, and he takes on the role of protector.
- A newborn baby gorilla weighs less than human newborns but grows up to be giants, unlike human babies.
An Invitation for a Close-Up Encounter With the Mountain Gorillas
You may research and know everything there’s about the mountain gorillas, but nothing can prepare you for the actual face-to-face encounter. It is hard to reach the gorillas as navigating the hills through thick tangles of vine, thorns, and roots, but all the effort is worth it when you get to observe the magnificent creature up-close and personal.
Other Primates Will Cross Your Path!
Uganda tours are a dream for animal lovers as there are other primates that you will come across during gorilla trekking. One such primate is the golden monkey that calls the Mgahinga home. These furry creatures live high up in bamboo forests and are easier to trek than the gorillas. Further inside, there are gray-cheeked mangabeys, L’hoest monkeys, and blue monkeys.
Giving this trip as a gift might be more trouble while planning out the details, but it is certainly more rewarding than all other traditional presents which cannot convey your feelings to someone in a way you desire. So give this trip a shot, and you’ll be hearing your praises till the end of time while proving how much you cherish them.