It is shortly after 7. Only one person slept in this morning

We were entertained by a band of former bush dwellers (Pygmy) dancing and singing, before we got started on our trek. They were convinced in 1991, to come out of the bush.

We are in Rushaga. In 1994 it became a World Heritage site. It is 331 sq. Kms. I’ll have to get “My gorilla family” app. We are told there are only 1760 gorillas in total in the world.

We share 98.4 % of our DNA with the gorillas.

“Tindagine” which means “Fearless” is the name of the family of gorillas that we are going to meet.. There are 17 family members

Highest mountain is 4127 metres in Uganda…. Is near Kibale town. We started at 1900 metres and going up to 2000. Our guide is trying to make it easier for us (because we are not the most fit group). Instead of going up and over, up and over repeatedly, he is trying keep to the valley. It is still a struggle. Every day the Gorillaz make a new nest and before they leave they pee in the middle of their nests to mark their territory. Each adult, juvenile & child are required to make their own nest with exception of the babies that stay with their mothers

In our group besides us 4 ladies (3 from Victoria) including one from NZ and the solitary guy from UK, we have a couple from Kampala. Bridgette and Gerous just wanted to see the gorillas as we all do, having seen them on tv. They were on their honeymoon. We also have a guide and 2 others with AK 47’s, one in front and one in back. We meet up with 3 trackers that have been following the gorilla family all morning. They call this park “Impenetrable” because you cannot see through the jungle. Every step of the way, they are slashing with machetes, making new trails.

We finally came across the family. Unfortunately, they kept moving downhill with us mostly only able to catch their backs….. especially the “silverback”. Silverbacks can weight up to 200 kgs. We stayed very close to them for an hour then slogged through the jungle back down slipping and sliding. It was an experience but one experience I don’t need to repeat. We all survived the trek. It was an endurance test…..5 plus hours. OMG, it was so tough….sweating profusely, filthy clothes and shoes ….from skidding on our butts….. not sure if they will ever come clean. But….. we did it!

I am sorry but I will have to send pictures once I am home. We just don’t have enough free time to deal with them. I promise you will be amazed at what we’ve seen.