Where do mountain gorillas live? It is well known that mountain gorillas are a critically endangered animal species. This brings to mind the questions of where mountain gorillas live and what climate they live in.
Mountain gorillas cannot survive in the captivity of a zoo. The gorillas in zoos are the western lowland gorillas. Why one subspecies would survive and another can not is hard to say. This is why all the mountain gorillas live in the Wild and nowhere else.
Where Mountain Gorillas Live
Mountain gorillas live in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The world’s last remaining mountain gorillas live in three countries and span four national parks Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park. These are the only places where you may see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
A family of Mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
1. Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
In Uganda, you can see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The presence of these two locations is why Uganda has the biggest population of gorillas in the world. this is also why it is greatly regarded for gorilla trekking tours and gorilla conservation efforts.
To reach where mountain gorillas are found, you visit the respective national parks.
To track gorillas, you have to buy a gorilla permit that allows you to go into the thick forests where they live. A gorilla tracking permit can be bought from the Uganda Wildlife Authority by the Safari Company on your behalf.
2. Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda
In Rwanda, you can be able to see Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcan). The Park is in the Northwestern part of the country and is neighbours to Uganda’s Mgahinga and DRC’s Virunga National Park.
It is in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park that Dian Fossey undertook her groundbreaking gorilla research, which has helped in the conservation of gorillas and other primates.
Gorilla permits in Rwanda can also be obtained via the RDB (Rwanda Development Board) which is the government body in charge of issuing the permits to see the gorillas of Rwanda.
3. Mountain Gorillas in DR. Congo
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, you can see gorillas in Virunga National Park. The park neighbours both Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
While DRC has been disturbed by internal conflicts for many years, the good collaboration with Uganda and Rwanda, plus other conservation partners has enabled the study and preservation of the habitat for mountain gorillas.
While we have organised gorilla trekking adventures in Both Uganda and Rwanda, we haven’t ventured into the DRC because of the security and safety of our guests and ourselves.
By visiting any of the places where they live, you will be able to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Much as mountain gorillas are an endangered species, conservation efforts have paid off very well and their population is increasing indeed. This is incredible work and the organisations and institutions involved have proved that something can be done for all the other endangered and at-risk species of plants or animals.
Recent statistics indicate that 1004 mountain gorillas are living in the wild. This is good news because the 2003 census estimated a population of 380 individuals. This means that the population has more than doubled in 15 years.
This, however, does not mean that the threats to their livelihood are eliminated.
Local communities can benefit a great deal from gorilla tourism, and this has kept them from encroaching on their habitat for agricultural land, timber and poaching (of other animals, which at times kills gorillas in the traps). Read more on this in our article about why gorillas are endangered and what factors threaten their survival.
One way of contributing to the conservation of mountain gorillas is by supporting gorilla tourism. Money from such tourism activities directly benefits the neighbouring communities, as well as supports further conservation and protection of the environment.
Here are some gorilla trekking safaris we most recommend to our visitors.
- 5 days Uganda gorilla trekking expedition. With double gorilla trekking.
- 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek
- 3 Days Rwanda To Uganda Gorilla Trekking Excursion
For specific requirements, we can create a custom gorilla trekking safari that just suits your needs. Just tell us what you would want via this safari request form. It will take you less than 3 minutes.
