Observing gorillas at a single time – Gorilla trekking permits – Gorilla tours and safaris.
size that allows for the simultaneous observation of gorillas. The exact number wasn’t set in stone, but it was based on Bill’s observations of Groups 11 and 13, where the adult gorillas were far more placid when all the tourists kept their distance. Six was also the maximum number of guests he thought the guides could safely manage without disturbing the gorillas.
Each guest will get a memorable experience thanks to the small group size. Seeing gorillas up close was too invasive for the visitors who had paid thousands of dollars and traveled hundreds of miles to accomplish it. On the other hand, ORTPN was hesitant to set any boundaries. Part of it was driven by greed and stupidity, but it also represented a genuine need for more financial influence in politics. Monsieur Weber, you said that the gorillas may be a source of income. Okay, then, let’s become rich.
Bill overheard the low rumble of two Volkswagen vehicles making their way up the last ascent to Visoke’s base on a December morning in 1979. The only way to know who may turn up each morning was via this aural early warning system. Bill was unprepared for the thirteen visitors that stepped out of the vans, even though there were three overnight campers already planned to go. The two vehicles indicated a likely overflow.
They were all part of an Air France team that had arranged to see gorillas, bought the tickets, and leased the cars. The next day, Bill attempted to convince half of the gang to go back, but they were determined to remain together. Bill was left with little choice but to comply with Benda Lema’s latest directive not to refuse anybody. He gathered the sixteen guests together and ordered them to remain silent, remain in formation, and obey his every command.
Observing gorillas at a single time
Big Nemeye led the way, Bill occupied the center of the caravan, and two porters were in the back as they started off. Not far from where they had left Group 11 the previous day, within half an hour, Nemeye discovered new route from that morning. According to Bill, the gorillas often followed the footprints of the visitors who had departed, which would sometimes make it easier for them to find their way back the next morning.
He wished it marked a positive sign. However, the shortcut that day went directly up the mountain. The group of twenty people gradually spread out over the next fifteen minutes as fatigue and high altitude pushed the last survivors to the back. Bill halted the gathering many times to emphasize the importance of maintaining silence and unity.
The gorillas continued to climb Visoke’s eastern side at a steady pace. A mother and her two young gorillas emerged from the shade of a Hagenia tree, some twenty yards distant, as the group of gorillas drew closer to the forest canopy. As he attempted to identify the gorillas, Bill took the lead and collected five or six people around him.
Observing gorillas at a single time
The Frenchman who had fallen into a little gully and was surrounded by nettles was the one who cried out. He felt dissatisfied. The silverback that let out a single wraaagh in reaction to the Frenchman’s profanities was also not. Bill found himself faced with an unsavory array of choices as the other gorillas scampered away. He would have left the gorillas alone and gone home if he had been with Nemeye or anybody else.
However, visitors muddied the waters. They were ready to continue after renting cars, paying fees, and hiking a great distance. Even though things were tough, most people had handled themselves admirably. Gathered around Nemeye and the porters, Bill ordered the company to sit quietly and wait for him to go forward. After the gorillas had across a gully where they could be seen unimpeded, he would signal for the rest of the troop to come closer. The gorillas would end the game if they displayed any symptoms of panic or flight. Bill went out on his own, and everyone nodded.
