Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking, available in Rwanda, and Uganda, is an African experience like no other – and, unlike so many others, it doesn’t come easy. You need to be physically fit (and not ill, to avoid infecting the gorillas), and have the right gear, including strong boots, gloves and waterproof trousers.

Access to the gorillas is limited, usually in groups of eight people only, accompanied by a pair of rangers. You need a permit, too, to be arranged ahead of time. And you’re allowed only an hour at a time with them.

But when a family’s forbidding-looking silverback has inspected you and deemed you to not to be a threat, and you can relax and watch the gorillas feed, groom and nurture, and perhaps even prepare a nest for their afternoon nap, nothing else in the world will matter.