Africa offers an incredible troop of gorillas that are truly a sight to behold. These endangered species attract tourists from all over the world for gorilla trekking and witnessing them in their natural habitat. Efforts are made to preserve their species as many areas in Africa are reserved especially for them. While you think of indulging in gorilla trekking yourself, there are a few things you must know about the gorilla. Here are some of the burning questions you’ll stumble upon:
What Are Mountain Gorillas?
As their name suggests, mountain gorillas reside in high-altitude areas of the mountains at an elevation of 8000-13,000 feet. Mountain gorillas, also known as Gorilla beringei beringei, are one of the two species of the eastern gorilla. These gorillas are subdivided into two regions, with one troop found in the Virunga volcanic mountains in central Africa and the other residing in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Even today, scientists and primatologists are still undecided whether these are separate subspecies or not.
What are Their Physical Features?
Gorillas are very easy to identify with their thick dark coat of fur and innate human-like behaviors. The fur provides better protection to combat cold temperatures in the mountain areas. Being one of the biggest primates, a fully erect gorilla can grow up to a height of 5-6 feet with an arm span of 7-8 feet. Like every other gorilla, they have dark brown eyes framed by a black ring around their irises.
Where Can You Find Them?
The population of 1000+ endangered species is spread across Africa in two parts. A little more than half the population is found in the three national parks, namely Mgahinga in southwest Uganda, Volcanoes in Rwanda and Virunga in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while the remaining population can be found at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda. A safari package booking to these places will allow you to explore them closely.
What is Their Lifespan?
Mountain gorillas are known to live up to 60 years in the wild, while the ones living in zoos enjoy a shorter lifespan of 50 years.
Do they Have Any Peculiar Behavioral Patterns?
On a gorilla safari, you get to observe everything about the gorilla – right from their diet to their social behaviors. Being herbivores, their typical diet includes leaves, flowers, fruits, shoots, stems and small invertebrates. Their social structure is dominated by a silverback, a male dominant with silver hair on the back, who decides their movements and wards off any threats to the other gorillas.
What Are the Rules and Regulations You Should Keep in Mind While Visiting the Gorillas?
Remember to follow these rules at a gorilla safari:
- You should keep a distance of 10 feet between you and the gorilla.
- Carry two face masks.
- Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are in the vicinity of the gorillas.
- Ensure there is no flash photography and approach the gorillas slowly to take a picture.
- Do not attempt to get too close or touch the gorillas as you could never expect how they will react.
A gorilla safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you can indulge in and Bushman Safari is here to make your adventures memorable. Our gorilla safari packages are customized for you to explore the incredible wildlife of Africa, so you can hoard a bunch of cherishable memories in the wild.
