Mountain gorillas are mainly herbivores animals that feed on fruits, leaves, wild celery, bamboo shoot, bark, stems, and roots and sometimes supplement their diet with ants, termites and insects. They spend most of their day foraging for food until about midday when they rest and forage again in the afternoon till dawn when they build nests to sleep in.
Mountain gorillas build new nests everyday using leaves, branches and other plant materials, baby mountain gorillas share nests with their mothers until they are about 4 years old when they can build their own nests though still close to their mothers nest.
Mountain gorilla common enemies are humans and rarely leopards, humans are a threat to gorilla population due to poaching and invading gorilla habitats for settlement. The conservation efforts have seen increase in gorilla numbers over the years though they are still on IUCN red list as an endangered species.
Mukiza gorilla family
Mukiza mountain gorilla family was part of Kyaguriro gorilla family until the death of the dominating silverback Rukina then silverback Mukiza took over the group leadership until a tolerant silverback Rukara from Bitukura gorilla family came and fought Mukiza the dominating silverback of Kyaguriro gorilla family.
The fight between two silverbacks Rukara and Mukiza led to the formation of Mukiza gorilla family dominated by Mukiza and Kyaguriro gorilla family dominated by silverback Rukara.
Gorilla trekking
A group of only eight healthy people without communicable diseases lie cough and flu will visit Mukiza gorilla family in a day. The trekking starts early morning at the park headquarters after briefing and time taken will depend on the phase of hikers and also the location of the gorilla family but once you find the group, then you have a period of one hour to enjoy the memorable encounter though sometimes the visit can end early in case the family feels insecure.
What to carry
Gorilla trekking will not only require one to be physical fit but keep in mind that they live in tropical rain forests that can experience rain even in the dry season so you must pack; water proof hiking boots, garden gloves, plenty of drinking water, warm and long sleeved clothes, rain coats and jackets, energy snacks and so much more. They are also potters at the beginning of trekking who can help you with luggage at a cheap price.
Best time to visit
Though Uganda is an all year safari destination, the best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry season of June to September and December to February when the roads are in good condition and the trekking trails are not muddy and slippery. The vegetation is also not thick giving you clear views of gorillas and great photo opportunities.
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