(Other small groupings can be found in neighbouring Rwanda and in the Democratic Republic of Congo). But these rare animals – man’s nearest known relative – can only be viewed safely in Uganda and Rwanda.

Located 1,150 to 2,600 metres above sea level, the forest in the Virunga Mountains is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. What is more, Bwindi is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

These are the last examples of these remarkable creatures and for this reason many visitors to this remote and hard-to-reach area find the actual experience of encountering the gorillas deeply moving.

Permits to visit gorillas, which live in small family group, are heavily restricted, as is time spent each day viewing the primates. Such is the demand for these permits that they often have to be booked months in advance.

Gorilla encounters are usually limited to one hour each day and sightings are not guaranteed. In any case, reaching the gorillas involves a long hike from the drop-off point.

However, those who have made the journey say the walk at altitude is unforgettable experience and well worth the effort.
But Bwindi is about more than the gorillas. The fascinating ecosystem is home to other primates such as chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, red colobus, blue monkey, grey-cheeked mangabeys and I’Hoest’s (or mountain) monkeys.

At floor level, there are elephants, giant forest hogs and antelopes, but these can be hard to spot because of the dense vegetation.