The Pearl of Africa is blessed by an unmistakable natural beauty. The Rwenzori peaks in the west reach towards the heavens. This is the ideal challenge for brave explorers. Parks all across the country are home to some of the most exotic animals in the world: Lions, Gorillas, and many others.

This unique chance to view gorillas in the wild is amazing. Many people say it has changed their lives. The encounters with gorillas in their natural habitat are carefully managed by expert trackers and guides who lead small groups up bamboo-covered slopes for a special and inspiring hour or more.

The gorilla is the largest living primate and can be found throughout much of the equatorial African forest. The species can be broadly divided into mountain gorillas or lowland gorillas.

The mountain gorilla is found in the volcanic range which stretches across Rwanda and Uganda.

The latest count shows that there are about 1,000 mountain gorillas living in the wild and 604 in Virunga Massif. The governments, communities, NGOs and other organizations are working together to increase the population.

While the composition of the troops is fluid, they tend not to move beyond a particular area. They are monitored by park rangers and protected at all times. Visitors can only come in contact with them for one hour each day.

The Bwindi National park headquarters is where visitors gather at 7 a.m. They are given a group according to their fitness levels and briefed about the protocols and rules for visiting gorillas.

It takes anywhere from 30 minutes up to four hours to hike to their destinations. The elevation can be between 2,500m-4,000m. To carry your camera and backpack, as well to provide assistance along the way, porters are available.