10/07/2026
I share more on my personal page than here.. but this post deserves the same long explanation as on my other page..
ITS TIME FOR THE MAIN EVENT! Our reason for heading to Uganda! To be in the presence of the Gorilla 🦍!!!!! Long post ahead but it is worth the read to fully understand the experience.
Our morning started at base camp at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We were assigned to the Rwigyi family. Each family of gorillas has a name and trackers that keep an eye on their location around the jungle. Each family is allowed to be viewed by humans 1x a day for an hour. And they are strict. When the gorillas are sighted by the group, the clock starts. This is for the safety of the gorillas and to keep their life as normal as possible inside the jungle.
Masks MUST be worn. The biggest threat to gorillas is humans. We took that very seriously. This is such a privilege and once In a lifetime experience to be allowed by the gorillas to be in their home and presence.
We started out with a 3 hour hike through the jungle as the trackers worked to locate the family. The trail was up and down the entire time. They go from their sleeping spot the previous night and track their movements through the jungle. Once located, our guide was radioed so we could head in that direction . I hired a local porter to help me along the hike. I specifically requested a woman as you know in many countries women aren't given as many opportunities as men. She was amazing! So helpful in keeping me steady on the trail full of rocks, roots, and steep falls. Her assistance made my journey so much easier and allowed Brandon to be able to enjoy his experience without having to help me. She also carried my pack.
Over 60% of the park sits at over 6500 ft in elevation going up to over 8000. As an out of shape flat lander... the exertion from a 3 hour
Jungle hike and the elevation hit me shortly after reaching the family. I felt dizzy, weak, and nauseated. Then the 🤮 came-- straight water 🫣 I of course moved away from the family when I felt this and only moved back to view when I started to feel a bit better ALWAYS with my mask. Anytime I would feel dizzy or nauseated the trackers helped me climb back to the trail to sit and rest. Sweet Brandon kept checking on me but I said go go take photos lol. The gorillas are more important than me and time was a ticking! 😬
I can't put into words the emotions and feelings of being next to these massive creatures. And they didnt seem to mind our presence. We were quiet, didn't make sudden movements, and just viewed the beauty that they are. To think that we share this Earth with such amazing animals warms my heart . That they still can live and thrive in this jungle and have the cutest babies ❤️
Bwindi Impenetrable National park is home to over 400 mountain gorillas that are in around 36 family groups. These gorillas account for nearly HALF of the global population of the ENDANGERED mountain gorilla. Yep... less than 1,000... let that sink in. Support this park if you can. Help them keep these gorillas safe and healthy. They watch these families to make sure they don't see health issues or anything that they can intervene to help keep them alive.
I will NEVER forget this experience and even though leaving the jungle I felt AWFUL it was 110% worth it! And thank goodness the hike out was less than an hour because I don't think I would have made it much further. My amazing porter was holding me up and holding my hand to help guide me out. ❤️ I am incredibly proud of myself for accomplishing this as I was extremely concerned that I would not make it to the family... and let's just say our permit to do this was not cheap... I may have pushed myself too much and thus ended up sick but I did it and would've been so upset if I hadn't. My body did not fail me and allowed me to make it and for that I am truly thankful. And thank goodness by the next morning it was like nothing had even happened and I was back to normal!
Bucket list item ✔️
Thank you for sharing this journey with us !
