Mountain gorilla trekking is a unique and exhilarating wildlife experience that involves tracking and observing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The trekking adventure typically starts early in the morning with a group of visitors accompanied by trained guides and trackers. Before the trek, visitors receive a briefing on the guidelines and rules to ensure the safety and well-being of the gorillas and their habitat. Treks can vary in length and difficulty as the gorilla families’ locations change daily.
The Mountain Gorilla is only found on the mountains of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and are listed as one of the top 10 most endangered species on Earth. There are approximately 350 gorillas in the Volcano and Virunga Mountains of Rwanda and Congo and another separate group of approximately 300 in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. No Mountain Gorillas are living outside of their native mountain forest home or in captivity.
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of endangered mountain gorillas in Africa. The organization was founded in 1978 by Dian Fossey, an American primatologist, who dedicated her life to studying and safeguarding the gorillas in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains.
Ellen DeGeneres has used her platform on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” to raise awareness about the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and its conservation efforts. Through her show, she has encouraged her audience to contribute to the cause and support the protection of mountain gorillas and their habitats in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
