Mountain gorilla location (Mountain gorilla countries in Africa) – Mountain gorillas thrive in higher elevations, typically between 8,000 to 13,000 feet above sea level.
They have long and thick fur, more than other primates, which helps them survive in their habitat where temperatures often drop below freezing.
As humans encroached deeper into their territory, gorillas were pushed further into the mountains, enduring dangerous and sometimes deadly conditions.
It’s important to note that mountain gorillas cannot survive in zoos; only western lowland gorillas can.
It is unclear why one subspecies can survive in captivity and the other cannot, but all mountain gorillas live in the wild and nowhere else in the world.
Mountain gorillas are found in Africa, specifically in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These countries make up the Virunga Massif area, consisting of rain-forest-covered volcanic mountains where mountain gorillas thrive.
Where to See Gorillas in Rwanda
Rwanda, known as the Land of a Thousand Hills due to its breathtaking landscapes, is home to approximately 30% of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population.
All of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park. During the 1960s, the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey established a base in the park to observe these magnificent creatures.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is very popular and attracts thousands of tourists annually. There are currently ten habituated mountain gorilla groups in Rwanda.
The country is considered the most convenient place in the world to see mountain gorillas due to its well-developed tourism infrastructure and professional staff.
Rwanda issues the most expensive gorilla permit, costing USD 1500 per person per trek, but the chances of seeing gorillas in Rwanda are over 99%.
Where to See Gorillas in Uganda
Uganda offers some of the best viewing opportunities for mountain gorillas. About half of the world’s mountain gorilla population can be found in Uganda, primarily in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Mgahinga National Park has only one habituated gorilla group, while Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 17 habituated gorilla groups.
Mountain gorillas in Mgahinga live at relatively high altitudes, while those in Bwindi prefer lower altitudes. Due to the high number of mountain gorillas in Uganda, many gorilla groups remain wild.
Uganda is the only country among the three that offers a gorilla habituation experience, allowing you to observe these great apes for around four hours, compared to the standard one-hour trekking experience.
Additionally, Uganda offers a wide variety of animals and activities that visitors can engage in after trekking and viewing gorillas.
Although the government of Uganda is aggressive in promoting gorilla trekking, the driving distance between the capital, Kampala, and the cities of Bwindi and Entebbe is very long, which may discourage some tourists.
Many people prefer to come to Uganda from Rwanda, as it is easier to see mountain gorillas and the chances of seeing them in Uganda are very high (more than 99%).
The cost of gorilla permits in Uganda is $700, making it an ideal destination for budget gorilla trekkers.
Where to See Gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Wars and political instability have often prevented the world from visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite its potential for tourism.
It is the only country where you can see all three gorilla subspecies. Mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park, but due to insecurity in the eastern part of the country, gorilla viewing is currently only possible in Virunga National Park.
The gorilla permit in the Democratic Republic of Congo costs $400.
In Conclusion
Mountain gorillas can be found in only three countries in Africa: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Rwanda, they are found in Volcanoes National Park; in Uganda, they are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park; and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, they are found in Virunga National Park.
If you love trekking mountain gorillas, book your gorilla permit today and travel to your favorite country among the three.
