The Gorillas

In the southwestern corner of Uganda, bordering Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – the home of the mountain gorillas led by the massive Silverbacks.  They are the largest primates on earth. 

This beautiful region is the lush home to three volcanic peaks and several fresh water lakes.  The town of Kisoro has a small airstrip. Once you leave the town's tarmac road, you pass through dozens of small villages and individual farms. Many people grow tea, make bricks and grow their own food.  Most live at a subsistence level. 

The roads are both paved and rutted dirt and it takes 9 – 14 hrs. to drive each way from Kampala. But seeing the gorillas is a once in a lifetime experience. 

Visiting is strictly regulated.  A permit costs $700 (increasing to $800 on July 1) with 75% of the fee going to gorilla conservation, 15% going to the government and 10% supporting the local communities.  This revenue motivates the local communities to help protect these beautiful animals.  Only 200 visitors are allowed a day divided between four different entrances. It's a 1-4 hour hike each way to visit various gorilla families.  These groups roam between all three adjacent countries and park rangers and gorilla guides closely monitor the giants’ movements and health.

Our family visited this area in 2021 during Covid.  There were few visitors at the time but we loved the region, the jungle hiking and bushwhacking and spending the limit of one hour with the gorilla group we found.  During Covid, they started requiring visitors to wear a mask with the animals as it wasn’t clear if Covid would transmit to the species.  This rule is still enforced. 

Two weekends ago, a number of our law students made this significant trek.  They loved it.  James said, “I’m changed forever!” 

Another student, Austin Pistor, made the following video.  It is well worth the 8 minutes.  Beautifully filmed and edited and as much as I love the video of the gorillas and the scenery, I am especially taken with the fun the students had and the way they interact.

These are truly amazing future lawyers and just great people.  It makes me so hopeful for the future of our country and the legal profession.