Which Country Has Many Mountain Gorillas? Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC
Today, fewer than 1,063 mountain gorillas live in the wild, residing in just three African countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda hosts the largest population of mountain gorillas, with more than half of the world’s population residing in the country. In Uganda, these apes are primarily found in two areas: the majority in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and a smaller group in Mgahinga National Park.
Mountain Gorillas in Uganda: Bwindi & Mgahinga National Parks
Uganda’s mountain gorillas occupy the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga in the southwestern part. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to approximately 500 mountain gorillas, which can be observed in its four central regions. The key areas to consider visiting to explore mountain gorillas include Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Buhoma. The park was declared a national park under Uganda’s laws in 1991 and covers a land area of 331 sq. km.
Bwindi hosts the largest number of habituated gorilla groups, making it a top spot for observing mountain gorillas in their natural environment. The park is home to over 24 habituated groups, with each group allowing up to 8 guests to trek on any given day. Some notable mountain gorilla families in Bwindi include Christmas, Mucunguzi, Bweza, Nshongi, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Nkuringo, Bushaho, Posho, and Bikingi.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, like Bwindi, was declared a national park in 1991. Today, this lush gorilla park occupies only 33.7 sq. km of land area and is situated in the Virunga region. Approximately 100 mountain gorillas reside in Mgahinga, with one group currently fully habituated and available for actual gorilla trekking experiences.
Best Lodges Near Gorilla Trekking Starting Points in Uganda
During a gorilla safari in Uganda, you’ll overnight at lodges near Mgahinga or Bwindi. Accommodation options are spread across five sectors: four within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and one in Mgahinga (Ntebeko).
The best accommodation choices in Bwindi and Mgahinga include Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Mt. Gahinga Lodge, Golden Monkey Guesthouse, Mutanda Lake Resort, and several other options.
How to Reach Gorilla Trekking Parks in Uganda
Bwindi and Mgahinga are accessible by road or air. If you depart from Entebbe or Kampala, expect to drive for 8 to 10 hours. If you are departing from Kigali, be prepared to spend between 4 and 5 hours. By air, you can take a flight from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield up to Kisoro/Kihihi Airstrip. The two airstrips offer easier access to Mgahinga and Bwindi, particularly for visitors who opt for air travel.
Flights offer a more convenient option for reaching Bwindi and Mgahinga quickly, eliminating the need for long hours on the road. You can have about 2 hours on a flight. In the shortest time, you’ll find yourself in far southwestern Uganda, where you can meet a professional guide from Native Africa Tours to transfer you to the gorilla safari accommodation. All road travel with Native Africa Tours is conducted in a 4×4 tourist vehicle, which can be rented at an affordable rate.
Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda and the DRC
Mountain gorillas are not only found in Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks but also in other destinations in Africa. It is possible to explore mountain gorillas in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, each country offering a unique opportunity to witness these remarkable apes.
Mountain gorillas in Rwanda freely roam in the lush Volcanoes National Park, which over 300 of them call home. Volcanoes, mountain gorillas can be tracked by tourists on a Rwanda gorilla safari, provided they hold a valid gorilla permit. While in Volcanoes National Park, expect to visit the 13 habituated groups–all of which are open to tourism.
The list of habituated volcanoes gorilla groups includes Hirwa, Muhoza group, Agashya gorilla family, Umubano, Kwitonda, Karisimbi group (Susa B), Susa A, and many others.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, is a historic national park, established in 1925, and located in the Virunga Conservation Area. Today, it covers only 160 square kilometres of the area in Rwanda and offers refuge to not only the unique mountain gorillas but also to other animals, including golden monkeys.
While in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, expect to have your overnight stay in some of the finest eco-friendly lodges, ranging from budget to luxury. They include the Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Volcanoes Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
Midrange accommodation choices include Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Da Vinci Lodge, and more. The budget lodges include Faraji Hotel, Kinigi Hotel, La Palme Hotel, Hotel Muhabura, and Kinigi Guesthouse, among others.
Mountain Gorillas in Congo
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), you can visit Virunga National Park in the eastern region.
The park is home to approximately 203 mountain gorillas. They are divided into eight habituated groups, including Humba, Mapuwa, Munyaga, Rugendo, and Lulengo. Both Virunga and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park were established in 1925 by the Belgian government as Albert National Park. They were renamed after Congo and Rwanda gained independence. Virunga National Park spans a vast 7,800 square kilometres and is strategically situated in the Virunga area.
Understanding Africa’s Endangered Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas in Africa are part of the unique Eastern gorilla species. This subspecies of mountain gorillas, like other gorillas, lives in a family group. Each of the gorilla group families comprises a mature male silverback gorilla that weighs about 200 to 220kg. The silverback gorilla can stand upright 1.5 to 1.8m.
Gorilla Trekking Permits & Costs in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo
To visit mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a valid permit is required. This is a must-have for anyone planning to trek mountain gorillas in any of these African destinations. Uganda gorilla permits are priced at USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for Ugandans and East African citizens. Book your valid Uganda gorilla permit through the reliable company, Native Africa Tours. Rwanda gorilla permits are open for booking by visitors at USD 1500 per person, and Congo permits cost USD 400 per person. Native Africa Tours is the ideal company to contact for securing a valid gorilla permit.
Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in East Africa
Mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo can be tracked throughout the year. But the peak dry months offer the best conditions for you to explore mountain gorillas in the wild. Your target dry months are June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. The off-peak months are perfect for budget travellers. Think about booking your trip from March to May or October to November.
Conclusively, Native Africa Tours is the expert for planning memorable safaris to explore mountain gorillas in the African jungles. Whether you want to visit Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, we have you covered in our captivating mountain gorilla trekking packages.
