Rwanda is home to about half the remaining population of near-extinct mountain gorillas. Some of the families have been habituated and for a hefty sum ($500), I visited one of the groups. I trekked through muddy conditions in search of the Amahoro group, meaning “peace” in Kinyarwanda. When I found them (aka I followed the ranger), I was only allowed to spend one hour with them. Any longer and they could become attached to you. They are so similar to us genetically that if you are sick, you can’t go trekking because they could easily contract your illness.
Watching the gorillas for an hour is quite magical. They come right up to you. The babies play. The silverback (king of the group) naps against a tree. I wanted to touch them because they are so cuddly but that’s obviously against the rules. But I did enjoy taking some photos.
So what do you all think? Is it worth $500 to spend an hour with these rare mountain gorillas? Supposedly, Rwanda is going to raise the permit price to $2000 in the next few years.
The really cute 8-month-old gorilla
Seriously, how cute is this pic???
3 comments
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April 10, 2009 at 2:29 am
Donny
Yes. Yes, definitely worth the $500.
Crazy to think the silverback is just napping against the tree.
April 13, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Megan
Wow – the photos are great- and I agree, definitely worth the money paid. What a rare experience… how are you ever going to be able to come back to the US to hang out with normal people again? Still love reading about your adventures…
Miss you!
~M
June 2, 2009 at 11:44 pm
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