I can’t even really describe the feeling. I went gorilla trekking in the Virunga mountains on the Zaire/Rwanda border in 1995.
It’s such a privelege to have seen, smelt, sat and played with, some of the most rare, powerful and majestic animals on the planet. It’s a cliche but they really are incredibly human. I tickled the feet of a baby gorilla with a blade of grass and she rolled around with a big smile. An enormous 400lb silverback took an unhealthy interest in me, sniffed me all over then pushed me half way down the mountain!
If this is one of your goals, make it TOP of your list, you will never regret it and, as hard to accept as it may be, there may not be the opportunity for too much longer. I hear that due to the risk of disease transference you are no longer allowed to get so close to them, but it will still be more than worth it. Your visit will also raise priceless money to keep up the conservation effort and help to rebuild Rwanda, which is still a shattered land. Do it do it do it!
