When people plan their holidays, their primary concern is safety. Unlike the safaris in the wildlife national park where game drive to see game as lion, hyenas, buffalos, elephants, leopard among others which are done in the vehicle, gorilla tracking is done on foot by penetrating into the forest and getting close to the gorillas. But worry not! These gorillas are not a threat.
First and foremost, gorilla safaris in Africa take you to trekking for habituated gorilla groups, this means these gorillas are used to human presence and it is once they are comfortable that they cannot pose a danger to humans that they will be allowed for a visit. Besides, as you go on gorilla tracking, you will be accompanied by trained ranger guides who know how to communicate with the gorillas and will always guide you on how to interact with these giants. This will help you avoid danger with the gorillas in case they charge at you. The gorillas have overtime been used to being with tourists and guides daily, which makes trekking much safer. With this in mind, it is easier to enjoy every moment with the gorillas.
Typically shy and reserved, the mountain gorillas are so gentle. A typical day for a gorilla family includes playing, caring for their young and foraging in the jungle for bamboo and other greens. Despite their massive size and strength in collecting food, they move thoughtfully and carefully. Trackers who have been on a gorilla tracking agree that these gentle giants are almost like humans and there is no doubt they share 98% DNA with human beings.
The gorillas are largely vegetarian unlike the chimpanzees which also feed on fresh. The gorillas can sometimes eat insects but will not feed on any animal fresh or human fresh. When provoked, they can only injure but not with intention of feeding on a human being.
However, just like human beings and any other animal, the gorillas get agitated when they are provoked. For gorillas, provocation includes being surprised or threatened, especially when it comes to their family. The typical response of a male silverback to a threat is making bluff charges by beating on their chest, making aggressive sounds or running up to their target quickly, then stopping a few feet away. In this situation, the best response is to crouch down, look away and act casual. They’ll see you as non-threatening and move on. But in case you try to attack or scare him away, then he can be dangerous.
The gorillas have overtime been endangered due to the result of poaching, deforestation, and political instabilities. There is too much deforestation in the forest and despite the efforts to conserve the forests; the locals still encroach on the forests. The issue of poachers is still rampant especially in DR Congo where little effort has been put in conservation due to political instabilities. The wars have also led to death of the gorillas and injuries. The gorillas do not easily adjust to the environment which endangers them more.
So in all, the mountain gorillas are very peaceful, gentle and loving creatures which only can be dangerous out of provocation and still this has to be serious provocation that they will try to act in self defense. As vegetarians, they are not interested in Fresh.
Africa Tours Adventure will help you in organizing a dream holiday to see these gentle giants in their natural wild.
