There’s something really striking about gorillas. It probably has a lot to do with the fact they mostly display gentle, human-like behaviour, while also possessing awesome super-human strength.
The Western Lowland is the most populous gorilla subspecies. There are around 500 held in captivity and an estimated 100,000 living the wild in central Africa.
Seeing a gorilla in the zoo doesn’t even come close to the mesmerising experience of observing them in their natural habitat.
That’s why we’re really envious of the 10 lucky folks who get to go on a wildlife adventure to the Republic of Congo run by the Aspinall Foundation (conservation charity) and Wilderness Safaris this September (ecotourism operator).
Leading conservationist Ian Redmond, who began his career with the legendary Diane Fossey in the 70s, will lead the group.
They’ll set out on foot on tracking expeditions, explore deep, unchartered rainforests, meet conservationists, scientists, guides and researchers and hear them talk about Western Lowland gorillas and the importance of their conservation, and they’ll embark on night rides using spotlights in search of rarely seen and shy nocturnal creatures.
Though the trip is based in the remote tropical forests of the Odzala-Kokoua National Park they won’t be roughing it. Far from it; they’ll be staying at the Aspinall Foundation’s gorilla research station at Iboubikro and a luxury eco camp situated deep within the forest (Lango and Ngaga).
And what will each of the intrepid 10 wildlife lovers have to pay for the privilege of this admittedly very rare six-night adventure? £8,115!
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Featured image: cazenove+loyd)
