Apes Great and Small
Anyone who has spent time with chimpanzees or bonobos in the forests of central Africa would be hard pressed to dispute the fact that they are humans' closest living relatives. From the tiny talapoin monkey to chacma baboons and silverback gorillas, the similarities extend well beyond simple DNA. We have more behavioural similarities than we do differences and that is one reason why viewing apes in the wild is one of the most fascinating and thought-provoking experiences on earth.
A few of our favourite Ape experiences...
Chimpanzees
Charismatic and chaotic
It is only when one encounters a community of chimpanzees within the dense forests of central and east Africa does one begin to understand why the infamous Dr Jane Goodall spent decades of her life in their company. Just a few minutes is enough to impart a profound sense of awe and appreciation. The chimpanzee is a large ape that lives in a groups of up to 150 individuals. Although these larger communities are usually spread out over a fair distance, it only takes a few individuals together to shake the forest out of its apparent slumber and send chills down your spine. These tight family groups are notorious for spontaneous disagreements, usually sounding much worse than they are, that will make your ears ring. Screams, shouts and the eerie drumming of hollow trees is an invitation to follow the frantic group through the forest as the chaos climbs to a crescendo. Then abrupt silence. Birds and insects gradually resume their forest undertakings while the group return gentle gazes and gestures. This period of reparation allows one the opportunity for respite and reflection.
Gelada Baboon
The ‘Simien Lion’
Gelada monkeys, or baboons as they are more commonly called, are amongst the most fascinating and iconic primates. They are the soul surviving member of a lineage of ‘beast like grazing apes’. Troops can reach up to 800 individuals and their vocal repertoire is as diverse and complex as their social structure. Male gelada monkeys are adorned with a shaggy, golden mane, hence the nickname ‘Simien lion’, that draws photographers from far and wide. Perhaps even more magnificent than the animals themselves is the habitat in which they are found; the mythical Simien Mountains of northern Ethiopia. To many who visit, these mountains stand atop the podium of African scenery.
Western Lowland Gorillas
Wanderers of the lowland jungle
The Western Lowland Gorilla is the smallest of four subspecies of gorilla. It is the most abundant occupying a range from the Republic of Congo to Cameroon. They have comparatively wider skulls, smaller ears and their coat, particularly on their head and chest, have an auburn tinge. Their low altitude habitat supports a significantly higher level of biodiversity than that of their highland cousins. An abundance of African forest elephants, red forest buffalo, chimpanzees, giant forest hogs, African grey parrots and others makes this an experience equal, if not superior, to that of the better known mountain gorilla.
Mountain Gorillas
Majestic Giants
It’s easy to see why mountain gorillas have held captive the imagination of people the world over. Immortalised in countless works such as King Kong and Planet of the Apes the mountain gorilla is perhaps the most renowned of all great apes. Eye contact with an adult silverback will reduce one to a puddle of awe, wonder and humility. It is an ineffable moment bordering on the divine. At 5.5 feet tall and 440 pounds in weight their sheer size alone is enough to take ones breath away. Sitting comfortably amongst a family of mountain gorillas is an overwhelming experience. Their emotions and gestures are so far removed and yet so familiar to are own. Their young frolic about beneath the watchful supervision of their mothers while the adult male tolerates our presence. With a population that stands at a little over 1000 individuals spread over the Virunga massif and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, it is one of the most sought after wildlife experiences in Africa.
Mandrills
The blue-faced wonder
Of the mandrill Charles Darwin wrote,”no other member in the whole class of mammals is coloured in so extraordinary a manner as the adult male mandrill”. With their striking red and blue facial markings, males are without doubt the most colourful primate protagonist in the rain forests of Gabon, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of the Congo. Mandrills are a reclusive monkey that live in large hordes of up to several hundred. The largest verifiable record of 1300 mandrills was recorded in Lope National Park in Gabon. Mating occurs annually from June to October during which these larger congregations take place. Dominance, hierarchy and the associated vocalisations and behaviours are at the core of mandrill society. From aggressive ‘ground slaps’ to a ‘silent, bared-teeth’ expression complete with head shakes, mandrill interaction is as captivating as it gets in the world of primates.
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"an experince that changed my life"
Seeing the gorillas for the first time took my breath away. An experience that changed my life and far exceeded the expectations I had for the expedition – Susan Kelly
