We were lead on our daily walks into the forest by our guide, Seif and his father, Mohamed. Mohamed has worked with the Japanese researchers for over 40 years and this is his last year before he retires. Luckily he has passed on his knowledge of the individual chimpanzees and the trees and plants that they use for medicine and food, onto his son, Seif. It was fascinating listening to Seif as he pointed out various leaves used by the chimps to cure stomach ailments, diarrhea and worms. He also pointed out plants that are used by the local villagers for eye problems, ear ache, diarrhea, fever and to stop or induce labour. Seif plans to write a book about the various medicinal uses of the many different species of plant found at Mahale which I am sure will be very interesting to read.

Our guides: Seif and his father, Mohamed.