In local Ba’Aka language Makumba means „with speed“. This is the name given to the band of gorillas in the Bai-Hokou region of the reserve. It’s also an apt name for the silverback who kept trying to run while the group was being habituated.
In October 2012 I had the privilege of visiting a truly unique spot in Africa – Dzanga-Sangha Forest Reserve — a magnificent swath of emerald green tropical forest located in the extreme south west of the Central African Republic. It is also part of the Tri-National UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is deep within this forest that we found the Makumba Group of Lowland Gorillas. The habituation of this particular group began in 2000 and by 2004 opened to visitors. Today, with thanks to the WWF, gorilla trekking has grown and tourism to Dzanga-Sanga Forest focuses on gorilla tracking at two locations around the reserve – The Bai Hokou & Mongambe.
My encounter with the lowland gorillas at the bai was truly one of my most memorable and exhilarating gorilla experiences to date!
