Best place to see mountain gorillas in Africa – Mountain gorillas are the largest primates on Earth and belong to the eastern gorilla species. Mountain gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans.
These great apes live in the tropical rainforests of Central and East Africa, specifically in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountain gorillas can be trekked in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountain gorillas are social animals that live in families. Each family is led by a dominant silverback who is responsible for making decisions, mating with females, and most importantly, defending the family.
Mountain gorillas feed on vegetation, including leaves, roots, shoots, stems, and fresh fruits. A male gorilla consumes about 30 kg of vegetation per day, while a female eats about 18 kg per day.
Mountain gorillas have fur on their bodies that protects them from cold temperatures and insect bites. They also have muscular arms, broad chests, and large hands and feet.
An adult male gorilla weighs between 180 kg and 230 kg, while an adult female weighs between 80 kg and 100 kg.
There are about 1,063 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild, and their numbers are threatened by poaching, habitat loss, and diseases.
The life span of a mountain gorilla is about 40 years in the wild, and they are considered adults at the age of 15 years.
Best Place to See Mountain Gorillas in Africa
Uganda
Uganda is one of the best places to see mountain gorillas in Africa. These gorillas are found in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over 20 habituated gorilla families, while Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has 1 gorilla family available for trekking.
Uganda is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas, with over 400 individuals in these two parks. The country offers some of the cheapest gorilla trekking permits in Africa, along with luxury accommodation options where tourists can stay.
Uganda is a safe destination, as tourists are accompanied by well-trained park rangers and tourist police during their search for gorillas, ensuring their safety.
Rwanda
Rwanda is another excellent destination to see mountain gorillas, specifically in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern region of the country.
Volcanoes National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, with over 16 habituated gorilla families open for trekking.
The park offers one of the easiest trekking experiences due to its bamboo forests, which are easier to hike through. This provides tourists with a simpler way to encounter the great apes.
Volcanoes National Park also has some of the most luxurious accommodation facilities in Africa, offering all the necessary amenities and services to enhance the trekking experience.
Rwanda boasts a well-developed transport network, making it convenient for tourists to connect to Volcanoes National Park and see the gorillas in their natural habitat.
Although Rwanda has the most expensive gorilla permits, the trekking experience is fascinating and allows tourists to have an up-close glimpse of these magnificent creatures.
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer unique and unforgettable experiences to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.
