Seeing mountain gorillas greet each other can be rare, but it has been recorded that gorillas greet each other by touching their noses together and sometimes even embracing each other.
There are 22 distinctive common sounds that gorillas make to communicate different feelings.
Gorillas mainly use vocalizations to communicate with one another, and the silverback is the one that often makes these vocalizations.
Newborn baby mountain gorillas use various vocalizations to communicate with their mothers, such as crying, whimpering, and screaming.
Gorillas also use all their senses, just like human beings, including smelling and hearing, touching, and much more.
Silverbacks can emit a very specific scent that can be detected from several meters away by other members of the group, alerting them to danger without making any noise.
Adult gorillas can use about eight vocalizations in an hour, especially while traveling to keep track of each other’s whereabouts.
These vocalizations can be classified as grunts, barks, hoots, and many other variations. Gorillas also use body postures and facial expressions to indicate their moods.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking has become one of the most sought-after activities in Africa, with thousands of tourists coming every year to encounter their close relatives.
The most commonly trekked species of gorillas are mountain gorillas found in Virunga National Park in Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – the best place for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Gorilla trekking requires hiking for several hours in montane rainforests where gorillas live, and once you find a gorilla family, you are given a period of an hour to observe and take photos.
When preparing for gorilla trekking, you must carry waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, plenty of drinking water, insect repellent, long and warm-sleeved clothes, and above all, be physically fit as some families move deep into the higher elevations of these forests.
Gorilla Permits
The cost of trekking mountain gorillas will depend on the country where you obtain your permit. Uganda charges $700 for gorilla trekking, Rwanda charges $1500, while Congo charges $400 during the peak season and $200 in the low season.
Permits must always be purchased in advance, preferably 3-6 months in advance, especially during the peak season.
