Back in November this year, Eve headed from New Zealand to Uganda to take part on the Great Gorilla Project. She loved her time on the project so much that she was happy to share her experiences with us! Let’s take a look and see what Eve had to say about these great apes!
I choose the Gorilla project after volunteering with the orangutans back in 2015. I had an amazing experience in Borneo and knew I would not be disappointed in Uganda. It had always been on my bucket list to see the mountain gorillas, and it was everything I thought it would be and more.
To see these amazing animals in their own environment and so close as well was completely mind blowing and very emotional. The gorillas are just gorgeous. We were lucky enough to watch the silverback called Mark, playing with the baby and he was so gentle with him. Play time finished when mum decided enough was enough and promptly put the baby on her back and disappeared into the bush.
My time with the gorillas was definitely one of my favourite parts of the trip, and the other was spending time at the schools. I have never seen such happy kids, and they were so excited to have us visit their schools.
We planted trees at our first school visit and were treated to a welcome dance by the older kids. It was amazing to watch, they had such rhythm! We were shown how the kids are educated on conservation, the gorillas and how important it is to respect the forest. There is a real drive to plant trees, vegetable and medicinal plants in the school grounds, and this means the community do not have to venture into the forest. Another school visit we watched a video on gorillas with the kids, and this was powered with 'pedal power'. Two people pedal their bikes and this generates the electricity, it’s a real novelty for the kids to see a film and they were transfixed till the end.
I’m so glad I choose this trip, apart from seeing the mountain gorillas and lots of other wildlife, I loved seeing how the community is working together to help increase the gorilla population. It’s all done through education and conservation and its working so well, the people involved are so passionate and dedicated. They are doing amazing things and I was honoured to be a part of it, even if it was just a short time. I’m planning on returning next year and hopefully to spend a longer time in Uganda and do some more volunteering.
If you are thinking about this trip, all I can say is 'Do it', you will not be disappointed.
I met so many amazing people, who will be friends for life and Africa is just beautiful. You will see wonderful things and learn so much, so much better than spending your day on a beach!!
If Eves story has inspired you to venture to Uganda to see the Gorillas, then check out the project page and learn a little more about what you could be getting up to!
