Go Places™ Digital Taking you a step further!

Go Places™ Digital Taking you a step further!

Go Places Wild Trails, The Epic Search For The Rwigi Gorilla Family

A Heart-Racing Trek, Cultural Welcomes, Porter Heroes & Silverback Magic

The morning of our Gorilla Trek began long before sunrise. By 5:30 AM, the lodge was already alive with quiet excitement. Delegates gathered for an early breakfast, each of us mentally preparing for what we had been anticipating since the beginning of this journey.

At exactly 6:00 AM, we boarded our 4×4 Land Cruisers. The mountain air was crisp, the mist still settling on the slopes, and the road ahead felt like a gateway to something extraordinary.

Arrival at the Bwindi Gate – A Welcome from the Heart

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Upon reaching the Bwindi briefing point, we were welcomed with rhythmic drums and traditional dance. It was a vibrant cultural reception that immediately set the tone for the day — warm, authentic, and deeply rooted in Uganda’s heritage.

The Chief Warden then gathered us for the official briefing, speaking passionately about conservation, safety, respect for the Gorillas, and the importance of our presence in supporting communities and wildlife.

We were divided into small groups of eight and assigned to the Rwigi Family, one of Bwindi’s well-known Gorilla groups.

Preparing for the Trek

Before stepping into the forest, we checked our gear. Rangers reinforced the essentials — hiking shoes, gaiters, gloves, waterproof jackets, reusable water flasks, hats, sunglasses, and of course, a face mask for the moment we would meet the Gorillas.

Porters were assigned to those who needed support, and we cannot emphasize enough how invaluable they are — for safety, balance, carrying your rucksack, and navigating slippery sections.

With everything in place, we stepped forward into the unknown.

Into the Depths of Bwindi

The trek began gently through farmland, but soon the landscape shifted. The rangers cut through thick foliage, forging temporary paths through walls of vines, oversized leaves, and steep, muddy slopes.

We knew the trek could last anywhere between one to four hours — Gorillas never stay in one place. That unpredictability added a certain magic to every step.

After almost an hour of trekking, we reached a resting point. Trackers ahead were working to locate the Rwigi Family. We removed our bags, caught our breath, and looked out over an untouched forest canopy that stretched endlessly across the mountains.

The Call: “Family Found. Move In.”

After about 30 minutes, the ranger radios crackled.
The trackers had found the Rwigi Family.

Masks on. Bags secured. Cameras ready.

We followed the rangers deeper into the forest for another 30 minutes, climbing, sliding, and holding onto vines for support. The moment felt surreal — we could sense something was near.

Face to Face with the Rwigi Family

And then — everything changed.

A shadow moved.
A branch broke.
A low grunt echoed between the trees.

One of our colleagues, who had gone slightly ahead, froze.
There it was — the first Gorilla. Towering. Calm. Eyes deep and expressive, almost human.

In moments, we realized we were surrounded. The Rwigi Family was all around us — feeding, climbing, resting, observing us with their gentle curiosity.

We watched a baby struggle to climb a tree, slipping, trying again, slipping again — until the mother finally extended a hand, letting the little one climb halfway before offering help. A moment so human it left us speechless.

Juveniles swung overhead, mothers groomed their young, and the enormous Silverback, Rwigi himself, observed from a short distance with majestic calmness.

Being this close… changes you.

You don’t watch Gorillas.
You meet them.
You feel them.

And they stay with you long after the trek ends.

The Descent – A Reminder Why Porters Matter

Leaving the Gorillas was the hardest part. The descent, however, reminded us why porters are essential.
The slopes were steep, slippery, and muddy — and more than once, a porter’s arm prevented a fall.

Their presence turned a challenging trek into a safe, comfortable one.

Certificates & Celebrations

Back at the station, the Chief Warden congratulated us. Each of us received a personalized Gorilla Trekking Certificate, proudly stamped with Rwigi Family.

A true once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

Lunch at Gorilla Heights Lodge

Before returning to our lodge, we stopped at Gorilla Heights Lodge for a well-deserved late lunch and a property tour. The views of the forest and mountains were nothing short of breathtaking.

Evening Reflections at Gorilla Safari Lodge

Back at our lodge, we gathered at the bonfire. There was warmth in the flames, but even more warmth in the stories shared by everyone — stories of fear, wonder, joy, adrenaline, and gratitude.

Dinner was served soon after, and we retired to our cottages, still carrying the weight and beauty of the day.

This wasn’t just Day 3 of a trip.
It was a memory carved into our hearts forever.