Gorillas sleep in nests they build every evening. Each gorilla sleeps in their own nest, except for the female gorillas and their young infants. However, when the infants have matured, they also sleep in their own nests but next to their mothers.
Gorillas make new nests every day and typically don’t sleep in the same area. They build different nests, even if the previous one from the day before is close.
The nests are made of leaves and twigs that they gather from the vegetation around them. Gorillas sometimes can sleep in the same nests, but this is not common and often occurs when it rains.
During midday, gorillas also build temporary nests where some take a nap while others groom and play with each other.
Gorillas can construct their nests on the ground or in trees, depending on variables such as safety and the surrounding vegetation.
However, females and infants usually prefer to sleep in trees, while the Silverbacks hardly sleep on top of trees.
Gorillas live in social groups of 5-30 members, led by a dominant silverback responsible for the group’s daily activities.
The dominating silverback also ensures the group’s safety and will fight to the death in case of any attacks, just like the female mountain gorilla can fight for their loved ones if any predator attacks.
When planning to trek mountain gorillas, tourists should come prepared with good hiking boots, warm clothes, raincoats, insect repellents, drinking water, energy snacks, garden gloves, sunscreen, and more.
Porters are always available to help tourists with luggage at a reasonable price. Tourists with infectious diseases like flu and children under the age of 15 years will not be allowed to trek gorillas.
Gorilla permits must be booked in advance, preferably three months before coming to the country, due to high demand.
