Mandrills proved to be very difficult to photograph, this is one of the only shots we managed to get.
Since we didn’t get too see too many animals, we made the decision to splurge for the mandrill tour that is run by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). They put four collars on members of different packs of Mandrills to track their movements. Even with this technology, it can be very difficult to encounter them in the jungle.
The employees of the WCS first triangulate the position and we drive around looking for an entrance in the jungle close to these points. They try to predict which path the mandrills will then take and set us up in a high point hidden behind camouflage. Mandrills can travel in groups of hundreds, even a thousand. It is best to stay hidden so they aren’t spooked.
We sat for about an hour before we had the first sign of the group. First, we heard the deep toned hooting of the males and rustling of leaves getting closer. It grew louder and began to surround us and then we got our first sight. I didn’t know where to look because they were every where. The young were playing in the branches in front, some were drinking from the stream, and others grooming. It was unbelievable. I spent the entire time transfixed with my camera and then I realized after they had gone that I actually forgot to press the button. Our guide had tried to go back with my camera to get a shot for me but they had already scattered.
This experience more than made up for the lack of animals the day before. Mandrills are unique to the area so it was well worth the money to see them since this is the only place to do it. We are now satisfied to move on, this was a great note to end our time in Lope.
