This is surely one of the world's most exclusive and yet most poignant experiences. There are less than 600 mountain gorillas in existence today-about the number of children in one medium-sized school. Their habitat is constantly under threat from human encroachment, and they are now restricted to two small mountain areas, one of them Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the other the Virunga Conservation Area straddling Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. No mountain gorillas have ever been successfully raised in captivity.

A visit to these enigmatic creatures leaves one with an enduring sense of wonder and privilege. They inhabit areas that are remote, and gorilla tracking can be very strenuous. However a visit to see them is one of life's unique experiences.