Where to see Mountain Gorillas
Where to see Mountain Gorillas : Of all wild animals in the world, gorillas are our second closest relatives sharing 98% of the human genome (DNA Composition). Mountain gorillas are the smallest population of gorillas and they are a subspecies of the eastern gorillas, this type of gorillas is only found in the mountainous rainforests of East Africa only in three countries that is Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Unlike other species of gorillas which can exist in the zoos, mountain gorillas can only thrive in the wilderness. A bit more than half of the mountain gorillas live in the extinct volcanoes that border the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. The remainder can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Since the discovery of the mountain gorilla subspecies in 1902, its population has endured years of war, hunting, habitat destruction and diseases. These threats were so severe that it was once though the species might be extinct by the end of the twentieth century.
Where Can You See Mountain Gorillas in the Wild?
Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is a unique wildlife experience and once-in-a lifetime experience which will evoke a touching feeling to be close to our evolutionary relatives. In the whole world, you can only mountain gorillas in three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo and in four national parks – Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in DR.Congo.
Uganda’s dense rainforests are home to almost half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, this health population is protected in two fragile habitats that have been gazetted as National Parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the South Western Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most famous place in the world to see mountain gorillas, the park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest rainforests that date back over 25,000 years.
Given its unique flora and fauna, the park is a great destination for Ecotours.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park protects over 480 of these rare apes sharing the same habitat with several other mammal and bird species. The park has over 20 gorilla families that have been habituated for gorilla tourism, this means that 160 gorilla permits are available every day for the year. Note that only 8 visitors are permitted to track a specific gorilla group.
Also, Bwindi is home to 120 mammals including several primate species that include baboons and chimpanzees as well as forest elephants and antelopes and many bird species.
The number of gorilla families in Uganda has tremendously increased compared to the 1990s when gorilla tourism was still in its infant stage. As per the 2018 census, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park registered 50 gorilla groups and 13 lone individuals including habituated and non-habituated ones.
Today, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the ultimate destination that offers the most gorilla permits to prospective travelers.
Also, Bwindi offers a privilege of watching mountain gorillas for longer hours on a gorilla habituation experience that can only be done in Rushaga, the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This activity is only restricted to 4 people and a gorilla habituation permit costs US$ 1500 per person.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Nestled in the southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a captivating destination that offers an immersive gorilla trekking experience. Unlike its counterpart Bwindi, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks, the park has the fewest number of gorillas. The Park is part of the Virunga Massif (Virunga Conservation Area) – a transboundary conservation area that encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
Trekking through the rugged terrains of Mgahinga provides an opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home only one habituated gorilla group Nyakagezi which visitor can track that is with guidance of experienced rangers.
Mgahinga only has a total of 8 gorilla permits per day, we recommend to book gorilla trekking permits early since they are very few in number.
In addition to mountain gorillas, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also home to the rare golden monkeys encountered on golden monkey trekking experience, 2 volcanoes including Mount Sabinyo and Mount Gahinga offering stunning vistas and unique opportunities of the park’s visitors.
Rwanda
Rwanda is the most popular destination for gorilla trekking and is the most accessible of all the destinations that host mountain gorillas, the country jealously protects its mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park in Northern Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located in Northern Rwanda, this historic park was home to Dian Fossey – an American primatologist who carried out intensive research on mountain gorillas thus contributing to their survival. The park protects the steep slopes of the magnificent mountain ranges that give Rwanda its nickname as “the land of a thousand hills”.
Volcanoes National Park is home to 10 habituated gorilla families providing visitors a unique opportunity to encounter these gentle giants up close, each gorilla family can be visited by a maximum of 8 tourists per day.
In addition to mountain gorillas and gorilla trekking, the park offers myriad of other attractions. The park’s Five Volcanoes including the famous Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke provide a stunning backdrop for exploration. Visitors who are adventurous can embark on challenging hikes to reach the summits where breathtaking panorama await.
Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the only destinations where you can see both the Eastern lowland gorillas and the mountain gorillas. Though less known to most travelers, DR Congo offers several off-the usual paths for adventure safari seekers.
The country is one of the renowned Africa Countries that is rich with biodiversity, most visitors to DRC come to engage in gorilla trekking and volcano hiking.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is the most biodiverse protected area in Africa, home to over one thousand species of mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian and well as the world’s endangered mountain gorillas.
Virunga National Park is located on the eastern edge of the Congo Basin, the world’s second largest tropical rainforest. The park has become known as the park of fire and ice for its diverse habitats ranging from the Rwenzori peaks to savannah and volcanoes plains.
Virunga National Park is home to 8 habituated gorilla families open to gorilla trekking and two families that are still in the process of being habituated. This means 64 gorilla permits are available for gorilla trekking in Virunga.
Note: Due to the ongoing conflict, Virunga National Park is not open for gorilla trekking until further notice.
In conclusion- if you are planning a tour to visit gorillas in Africa, Rwanda and Uganda are the best places to see mountain gorillas and they provide a unique and immersive setting for gorilla trekking.
