Best place to see Mountain gorillas in Africa
Mountain gorillas are the largest primates on planet earth and they belong to the eastern gorilla species . Mountain gorillas share 98% DNA with human beings . The great apes are habited in the tropical rain forests of central snd East Africa in the countries of Uganda , Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo .
They can be trekked in the national parks of Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga National park in Uganda , Volcanoes National park in Rwanda and Virungs National park in Democratic Republic of Congo .
Mountain gorillas are social animals that live in families and each family is led by a dominant silverback who is responsible for all group decisions , mating with females snd most importantly defending the family.
Mountain gorillas feed on Vegetation which comprises of leaves , roots , shoots , stems , fresh fruits among others
A male feeds on about 30kg of vegetation per day whereas a female gorilla feeds on 18kg of vegetation per day .
Mountain gorillas comprise of fur on their bodies which protects them from cold temperatures and insect bites , they have muscular arms , massive chest and broad hands and feet .
S male adult gorilla weighs about 180kg to 230kg while a female adult gorilla weighs about 80kg to 100kg .
There are about 1063 mountain gorilla individuals in the wild snd their number is greatly affected by poaching , habitat loss snd diseases
The life span of a gorilla is about 40 years in the wild and a gorilla is considered an adult at the age of 15 years .
Best place to see mountain gorillas in Africa
- Uganda
Uganda is one of the best places to see gorillas in Africa . Mountain gorillas are found in two national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park .
Bwindi impenetrable national park has over 20 gorilla families while Mgahinga has 1 gorilla family which are open for trekking .
Uganda has the highest number of mountain gorillas which are over 400 gorillas in the 2 national parks . Uganda offers one of the cheapest gorilla trekking permits in Africa alongside luxury accommodation where tourists can lodge .
The country is as well safe as tourists are accompanied by well trained park rangers and tourist police to search for gorillas in the wild snd this endured safety of the tourists.
Cost of gorilla permits in Uganda
USD 800 for foreign non residents
USD 700 for foreign residents
Ugx 300,000 for East African citizens
- Rwanda
Rwanda is another country that is good to see mountain gorilla in Volcanoes national park in the north western region of the country.
Volcanoes National park is a home to the endangered mountain gorillas with over 16 gorilla families open for gorilla trekking
Volcanoes National park offers one of the easiest ways to see mountain gorillas because of the bamboo forests that are easy yo hike through and come one on one with the great apes .
Volcanoes national park has the most luxurious accommodation facilities in Africa with all the necessary amenities and services thus offering wonderful trekking experiences.
Rwanda has a well developed transport network to connect to Volcanoes National park and spot the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat .
Rwanda gorilla permits are the most expensive but yet gorilla trekking is a fascinating activity that enables tourists have a glimpse of how gorillas look like .
By and large , Uganda snd Rwanda offer unique experiences to girw mountain gorilla in their natural habitat.
