National Geographic
Adventure Magazine interviewed Becci Crowe as part of their November 2003 issue
which includes Rwanda as one of the 25 greatest adventure trips in the world.
The following photos chronicle highlights from her journey to find the
rare Mountain Gorillas still surviving in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda - an
area bordering The Congo and Uganda. This trip was documented by still
photography and video, in addition to Becci's drawings and journal.
Email the Artist at becci@becci.com to inquire about her slide
and video presentations for groups. Now scroll down and enjoy the
journey!
Virunga Mountain Range Accompanied by armed militia and local trackers many
hours were spent climbing the steep slopes of
this volcanic range over 4 days in search of
Mountain Gorilla.
Road
Traffic Rwanda is a densely populated country
but most of the road traffic is by
foot.
Traditional Way to Carry Babies
& Goods A common scene throughout Rwanda.
Children
in the Field We hiked through many cultivated
fields to reach the edge of the Volcanic
National Park to begin tracking Gorilla. We
attracted many curious children along the way.
Volcano National Park Headquarters We started each morning here to validate our Gorilla permits and pick up our guide..
Armed Guard We were
accompanied each day by 3 armed guards to
ensure our safety in the Mountains.
Entering Bamboo Forest Our
first day entering the park through thick bamboo forest which lead to higher elevations and dense jungle growth.
View of Jungle
Ahead Beautiful views but strenuous climbing.
Disappearing in Thick Jungle
Growth The higher you climb, the steeper and more dense the
terrain.
Machete Man The bamboo and
jungle growth was so thick in places a path
had to be hacked out with a machete.
Mountain Gorilla Nest Gorillas
make new nests each night. Finding
a fresh nesting sight means
you're getting closer!
Watchful Eyes If
you feel like you're being watched - you probably are!
How do I get
down? Our approach being carefully observed.
Mountain Gorilla Family The first
family group we managed to find was the largest - containing 35 gorillas including two Silverbacks. We were
literally surrounded and had to shift our
position several times as individual gorillas
approached and then passed close enough
to touch - an equally intimidating and
amazing experience.
Mother and Baby
Babies are well protected by their family.
Curious Gaze We
were there to observe and be observed.
Big Hug Bonding
takes many forms.
Reach out and Touch -
Not!
Eye to Eye
Look at Me!
Playful youngster at the center of attention.
Photo close up
No zoom lenses required here. We had many close encounters.
Young Mountain
Gorilla
Big Daddy The
Silverback and group leader.
Silverback
Portrait
Silverback Close
Approach This Silverback came bounding out of the dense
foliage to check us out.
Strutting His
Stuff Posing for the humans.
Lunch As
vegetarians, many hours are spent feeding.
Always Watchful
Our presence never went unnoticed.
Best Seat in the
House
Chest Thumping Finale This
Silverback's sudden departure was preceded by a resounding show of force of Chest Thumping.
Happy Gorilla Trackers Our
small group includes a gorilla guide and two trackers. Groups are strictly limited and require special
permits.
Be Careful Walking Through the
Jungle! You never know what lies waiting to
join you in the dense vegetation of the
jungle.
See video of
Becci's adventures with rare
Mountain Gorilla in Rwanda and The Great Migration in the Serengeti.
