Seeing mountain gorillas greet each other is rare, but it has been observed that they sometimes touch their noses together and even give each other a hug.
Gorillas use 22 common sounds to express different emotions. They mostly use their voices to talk to each other, and the silverback often makes these calls.
Newborn gorillas use sounds like crying, whimpering, and screaming to talk to their mothers.
Gorillas also use all their senses to communicate, just like humans. They use smell, hearing, touch, and more.
Silverbacks can produce a strong scent that other gorillas can smell from far away. This helps alert the group to danger without making any noise.
Adult gorillas can use about eight vocal sounds in an hour, especially when they are walking through the forest to help stay in contact with the group.
These sounds include grunts, barks, hoots, and other variations. Gorillas also use their body movements and facial expressions to show how they feel.
How to See Gorillas Communicate
If you want to see how gorillas greet each other, you will have to visit them in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking is now one of the most popular wildlife activities in Africa. Thousands of people travel each year to see these close relatives of humans.
The mountain gorillas that are most often visited live in Virunga National Park in Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, which is the best place to see them in Uganda.
Trekking involves hiking for several hours through the forests where the gorillas live. Once you find a gorilla family, you are allowed to spend one hour with them for observation and photos.
If you are planning to go gorilla trekking, you need to bring waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, insect repellent, enough drinking water, long and warm clothes, and most importantly, be physically fit. Some gorilla families live high up in the mountains and are harder to reach.
The cost of a gorilla permit depends on the country. Uganda charges $800, Rwanda charges $1500, and Congo charges $400.
Permits must be bought early, ideally 3 to 6 months in advance, especially during the busy travel months.
