One thing we can never ignore is the natural curiosity we have about primates, which in the animal kingdom are our closest relatives with much similarity to us. Reading about these human-like creatures is not an exaggeration, and having the chance for a close-up interaction always brings to light the many stories you have probably heard. In Africa, there are currently over 51 species of primates that have been recorded, making it the best place to have an immersive experience with the different groups that survive in the jungle.
However, human activities and the destruction of tropical forests have resulted in the primates becoming endangered species with most of them facing extinction. The result is these primates are not found in the high numbers they were before, and conservationists have taken strict measures to ensure the remaining ones are protected.
The desire to see primates on safari calls for the readiness to take the path less traveled and explore the depths of the forests. One of the most popular and breathtaking experiences is, without a doubt, gorilla trekking in East Africa, which takes you right to the heart of the natural habitats of these endangered primates. It is a terrific experience coming face to face with these intelligent apes that are in all evaluations the closets living relatives to humankind. Similar to man, they live in families which are headed by a silverback male with several adult females and their offspring.
If you have a strong desire to have these unforgettable experiences with a gorilla family, it is essential to know that special permits are required before access can be granted. It is therefore critical that early preparations and inquiries are made with leading tour operators that offer gorilla trekking services. This will save you from the inconveniences of last-minute hassles as the number of people who can go for a trip is limited and always pre-planned. You must also know that gorillas are vulnerable to human infections, and if you happened to have any diseases or the common cold, then the trek will not be permitted.
It will also be important to have a favorable fitness level to have a pleasant experience, which can take a few hours on rough paths in the mountain. The mountain gorillas are like most animals: unpredictable, and while they do not cover much space in their day to day movements, they could go to areas harder to access. Most of the time, however, gorilla trekkers get to have the pleasures of finding these apes in easily accessible areas where they have much space to rest as they feed. Finally, and most importantly, is to adhere to the rules provided by the guide which include respecting the animal space, avoiding flash photography, and dressing rightly for the jungle trek.
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