How to identify it
Mountain gorillas have dense dark fur suited to cool highland forest. Mature males develop the silver-grey saddle that gives rise to the term silverback.
Behaviour and social life
Stable social groups are usually led and protected by a dominant silverback. Feeding, resting, grooming, play and travel structure the day.
Diet
Plant material dominates, though exact foods vary by site and season. Feeding often occurs in dense vegetation that can limit photography.
Habitat and East African context
Afromontane and bamboo forest across a very small range makes habitat protection and transboundary conservation vital.
Responsible viewing
A good encounter gives the animal control of distance and movement.
- Do not trek when ill; human infections can threaten gorillas.
- Respect the authority's current distance and viewing-time rules.
- Never use flash or touch an animal, even if it approaches.
Photography considerations
Use technique and patience to protect the sighting rather than asking the guide to create an unnatural scene.
- Set flash to disabled before the encounter.
- Use higher ISO rather than forcing a slow shutter in forest shade.
- Keep equipment compact and follow the ranger's position instructions.