We gathered early in the morning at the entrance to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. Today was the day—one of those “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences.
Our group consisted of eight adults. We had opted for the intermediate route; that day, there was a choice between visiting a nearby gorilla family and one further away. We wanted something that was neither too easy nor too difficult.
After a briefing by the rangers, we set off. At first, we walked along narrow paths, heading deeper and deeper into the tropical rainforest. I wore a long-sleeved shirt and tucked my trouser legs deep into my socks to avoid being bitten by fire ants. The hike itself was already a fantastic adventure.
Later, the ranger turned off the path and headed straight into the thicket. The going got tough then, as he had to hack a way through for us with his machete. Our progress slowed significantly.
After about two hours: a halt. The trackers—experienced men who monitor the gorilla families daily—suddenly appeared in the bush ahead of us. Final instructions: put on masks to protect the animals. Maintain a distance of at least seven meters. No loud talking. Stay calm, no matter what happens.
A few meters further on. And then—I couldn’t believe it. Right in front of me was a family of mountain gorillas, a group of a good twenty animals. I thought of Dian Fossey, who had dedicated her life to this forest. Now I understood why.
The massive silverback sat peacefully in front of a tree, eating termites. Other gorillas climbed trees to feed or came back down. The little ones played.
How alike we are, I thought. And at that moment, one of the gorillas walked straight toward me and looked me in the eye. You simply stand still. You breathe. You look back. Gorillas are peaceful—as long as you respect them.
After an hour, we walked back—everyone silent, everyone somehow changed. What an experience, being so close to these peaceful giants—creatures so like us, and from whom we could still learn so much. I will never forget this day.
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