Who are the Kings of the Forest? And how have they transformed conservation and tourism in Uganda?
I tracked gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest just a few weeks ago. Every tracking is different, and the Posho group at Nkuringo gave us a magical hour on the edge of the forest — we even watched a female gorilla cross a river with a baby on her back. Delightful!
Sometimes I’m so busy travelling or researching a destination that I forget to simply be. Reconnecting with my purpose, being mindful, and immersing myself fully in wherever I am — that’s important.
Despite my recent “gorilla fix,” I was still curious to see what a major international media outlet like CNN would make of the mountain gorilla story. Their short documentary, “Kings of the Forest” filmed deep in the Impenetrable Forest, didn’t disappoint. As I told Dr Gladys “Watching the film made me fall in love with Bwindi and the gorillas all over again!”
It’s always interesting to see Uganda through someone else’s eyes. The film captures the timeless beauty of this 25,000-year-old forest — you read it right! — and its charismatic gorilla residents. The film follows vet Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka and the team from her NGO Conservation Through Public Health, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, as they track the Rushegura group, examining nests and collecting samples to monitor their health.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse ecosystems; Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka has dedicated her life to protecting this population of mountain gorillas, building a conservation model that allows both humans and wildlife to thrive.
The narration is calm and clear, with forest birds, chimpanzees — and of course gorillas — adding a rich soundscape to every frame (much like what I try to create on the East Africa Travel Podcast).
It’s a joy to see familiar faces and places on the big screen. And interesting to think how CNN’s Kings of the Forest may stir something in international viewers: perhaps they’ll be inspired to visit Uganda and track gorillas with Dr Gladys, stay at Conservation Through Public Health’s camp in Buhoma, or buy a cup of Gorilla Conservation Coffee (ideal presents for friends back home).
Watch Kings of the Forest on CNN.
You might also like to read Walking With Gorillas, Dr Gladys’ memoir.
And there’s more!
I’ve written extensively about gorillas over the years, here on Diary of a Muzungu and for international guides. Whether you’re into gorilla conservation, or fancy tracking these great apes as part of a Uganda tour, read my Ultimate Guide to Gorilla Tracking or feel free to contact the Muzungu.
