January 4, 2016: The hike to find and watch the mountain gorillas started at a small village where we picked up porters (who were very helpful) and then went through farm fields at the base of the mountain. The mountain paths were narrow, increasingly steep and furrowed, overgrown, and lined in places with stinging nettles. We found it a difficult walk. After about 1 1/2 hours, we came to the gorillas, which were moving around looking for plants (including bamboo) to eat (like pandas). After a while, they settled down in a clearing and rested, while the youngsters played.
As can be seen from the last two photos, we got remarkably close (under the careful eyes of the guides); but the gorillas paid us no attention.
As can be seen from the last two photos, we got remarkably close (under the careful eyes of the guides); but the gorillas paid us no attention.
The mountain we will have to climb (about 1/3 to 1/2 way up) and the vegetation we will have to pass through to reach the gorillas.
Farmers (including children) working in the fields.
The white flowers are the source of the insect repellent permethrin.
Permethrin field against the base of the mountain.
Another group of trekkers walking through the fields.
The farmers also grow potatoes.
The path was like this much of the way up the mountain.
Two golden monkeys sighted on the way.
We finally sighted the silverback and began to follow him and his group as they ate.
In the clearing, as one of the youngsters nursed and everyone rested.
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