Where do mountain gorillas live?
Mountain gorillas live in east-central Africa in just two isolated groups – one in the Virunga Volcanoes, a cross-border region spanning three forest reserves in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The rest live in a far-flung, isolated montane forest in Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, extending to Sarambwe Nature Reserve in the DRC. Where do mountain gorillas live?
These gentle giants inhabit only high-altitude montane and bamboo forests, located between 8,000 and 13,000 feet (1,400 m to 3,800 m) above sea level, often surrounded by human agriculture and settlements. Where do mountain gorillas live?
mountain gorillas available for trekking
. Only approximately 900 mountain gorillas remain on Earth, and walking into their natural habitats is the only chance to observe these critically endangered gorillas, as they cannot survive captivity. Trekking through Africa’s emerald rainforests to observe the everyday interactions of these vulnerable primates is arguably one of life’s greatest privileges.
Better places to see mountain gorillas are in the small town of Musanze.
It’s the oldest national park in Africa, and the rainforest is home to one of the highest populations of these beautiful primates, with 178 of them making up 10 habituated gorilla groups of varied sizes, ranging from 11 to 33 family members.
History buffs will appreciate that you can follow in the footsteps of American primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey, who famously studied the Gorillas in the Mist (the title of her book and film) here and brought worldwide attention to the importance of their conservation. A must-see is the. The multi-acre, eco-friendly facility adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park includes three main buildings—the Sandy and Harold Price Research Center, the Rob and Melani Walton Education Center, and the Cindy Broder Conservation Gallery—as well as housing for visiting students and researchers. The Ellen Campus now serves as a gateway to conservation for the many stakeholders with whom we work, helping to create the next generation of conservationists.
Wondering where to stay in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park during your gorilla safari? There are some totally incredible properties right in the forest, overlooking the twin lakes and more. Check out some of our favorite experiences.
Best times to see gorillas in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity, but like any rainforest, it’s easier to trek in the dry seasons, which are mid-December to early February and June to September. Park rangers track the groups’ movements year-round, so if you don’t mind muddy boots, the opportunities are still there when the rains come down—just bring your most waterproof gear (pants, jacket, warm hat, and you’ll be totally comfortable. In the wet season, the air is crystal clear, so you’ll find great views of the volcanoes, and gorillas tend to hang out on the lower slopes of the mountain.
Rwanda gorilla permits and inclusive.
To support conservation efforts, the Rwanda Development Board only issues 80 gorilla permits daily for $1,500 per person per trek—with a max of eight people allowed per group. Each trekking group is assigned a gorilla family by a ranger on the day of their trek, according to group size and fitness levels. The permit grants you an hour-long experience with a gorilla group once a park ranger locates them. This price may seem steep, but you’ll be in one of the cleanest, most progressive model nations on the continent, and the data shows how successful this conservation model is. In fact, they are the only primate species whose numbers are increasing. Also, 10 per cent of what you pay goes to surrounding communities. The gorilla safari experience in Volcanoes National Park is highly organized, with free coffee provided every morning before your trek by Rwanda’s famous coffee shop.
Top locations to see mountain Gorillas.
Here are a couple of options for a gorilla safari in Uganda. Travelers might recommend Uganda’s smallest national park, which has only one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group. This group is unique in that they are accustomed to humans and are very peaceful and curious when you approach them, virtually enabling you to become a member of their family.
Best seasons to see Gorillas
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is available anytime, but most people go during the two dry seasons: January to February and June to September. It may be advantageous to opt for the rainy season when the apes are just as present, and there’s less competition to secure one of the limited 96 gorilla permits issued per day.
Where to find Gorillas in the West Lowland
. This vast swath of dense forests, bushes, and marshes is home to African forest elephants and one of the continent’s most diversified primate populations. It is also thought to have the largest population of western lowland gorillas in Africa. Temperatures are generally hot and muggy, but for the intrepid traveler, it is an amazing opportunity to visit a gorgeous, almost untouched area.
This is an amazing adventure for seasoned African travelers. You must be willing to endure some pain (heat, humidity, and insects), but you will be rewarded with incredible wildlife diversity in one of the world’s most remote locations.
. If you opt for the seven-day program, charter flights will whisk you between camps.
Best months to see Gorillas in the Republic of Congo
The best days to go are during the dry seasons, from June to September or December to February. Not only do these times allow for better odds for sightings of lowland gorillas gathering fruits, but they’re also when the roads to these parks are less prone to flooding and, therefore, more accessible.
Rules for gorilla trekking
always follow the guide’sinstructionss
carry packed food for energizing
Keep a distance from mountain gorillas. Remember, they are wild animals
always wear masks
Ask questions where you want to understand well
avoiding using flash photography
Carry reusable water bottles
Stay calm, especially when the gorillas charge
Do not touch the mountain gorillas
Finally, mountain gorillas may be found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as well as in various sectors of Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga, while in Rwanda, they are famous in Volcanoes National Park.
