Gorilla leader bursts from the brush toward a hiking group in tense jungle encounter

In the latest installment of his journey through gorilla country and in search of the lost Ten Tribes, Isaac Karmeli describes a close and frightening encounter deep in the forest, accompanied by photos he took on site. He says the silverback was very near the group and that she is the leader of the troop, making any contact especially dangerous.

According to Karmeli, as the group entered the gorillas’ habitat, the guide, Jesta, and the accompanying soldier repeatedly stressed strict safety rules: avoid sudden movements, walk bent over, and remain completely silent. He says the gorilla usually warns before attacking with distinct body language and, in the moments before a charge, emits barking sounds.

That warning came moments before the confrontation. Karmeli recounts that the gorilla suddenly emerged from the thicket, ran toward the group, and made powerful alarm calls. He says the first instinct in that moment was simply to run.

The segment ends by teasing the next chapter of the trip, asking how one can get close to a gorilla without putting oneself at risk.