Where do gorillas live in Africa?

Where do gorillas live in Africa?

Gorillas are one of the most iconic and endangered wildlife species in the world often captivating the human imagination with intelligence, strength, and social behavior. For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In Africa, gorilla trekking has become one of the most popular wildlife activities, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world each year. Gorillas can only be found in only three countries in the world including Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Planning to see the gorillas in Africa, this blog takes you through some of the places to see gorillas in Africa including what to do with the gorillas, how much is seeing the gorillas, and other related information that will help you plan a memorable safari in Africa.

Gorillas in Africa.

Gorillas are found in the wild central regions of Africa. Gorillas are typically endangered animals and are of two species including the Eastern and Western gorillas with limited populations. These are briefly described below;

Eastern Gorillas

• Mountain Gorillas: Mountain gorillas are primarily found in dense tropical rainforests of central Africa including Uganda, Rwanda, and the Republic of Democratic Congo. In Uganda, mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Mt Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park.
• Eastern Lowland Gorillas: The Eastern Lowland gorillas are located in the lowland rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Eastern Lowland gorillas are found in Kahuzi-Biéga National Park and Maiko National Park. However, the Eastern Lowland gorillas are limited in number and therefore are hard to be seen sometimes while on an African safari.

Western Gorillas

• Western lowland Gorillas: These are the most spread kind of gorillas in some of Africa’s lowland forests including Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea.
• Cross River Gorillas: These are the most elusive and rare species of gorillas only found in a small area bordering Nigeria and Cameroon. Cross River gorillas are incredibly rare and typically require special permits for tourists on their safari.

Where to go gorilla trekking in Africa

For a traveler planning to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Africa, below are the gorilla trekking destinations to include on your bucket list to have an adventure of a lifetime.

1. Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Uganda prides itself as the top world gorilla trekking destination consisting of over half of the total population of mountains in the world and two prime gorilla trekking destinations including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage sight located in the southwestern part of Uganda consisting of over 450 mountain gorillas and habituated gorilla families for visitors and trekking experiences which make Uganda a prime gorilla trekking destination in the world.

For travelers who want to spend more time with the gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga sector of the park. Gorilla Habituation is the process of introducing Human beings to the presence of Mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. However, seeing the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats requires a gorilla trekking and habituation permit which are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents, USD 700 for Foreign Residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens while a Gorilla Habituation Permit costs USD 1500 for Foreign Non-Residents, USD 1000 for Foreign residents, and UGX 700,000 for East African Citizens. For tourists who are doing the gorilla habituation process, the experience is only limited to four hours.

2. Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda is one of the best gorilla trekking regions in Africa consisting of almost half of the mountain gorillas in the world. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park which is located in the northern part of the country covering an area of about 360sqkm. Volcanoes National Park does not only offer gorilla trekking but also golden monkey trekking. Seeing the gorillas in Rwanda requires a gorilla trekking permit which is issued by the Rwanda Development Boat.

A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1500 for foreign Non-residents and USD 500 for Foreign Residents.

3. Congo: Virunga National Park

The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to both Eastern and Mountain gorillas. The mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park. The Virunga National Park, located in the eastern part of the country, offers some of the most dramatic and scenic treks to see mountain gorillas. While the political instability in the region may deter some visitors, it remains a relatively affordable option for those who are determined to see gorillas in the wild.

A gorilla trekking permit in Congo costs USD 450 for Foreign Non-Residents and UGX 400 for Foreign Residents.

Gorilla Trekking Process

Embark on a gorilla trekking adventure that gives you a chance to get up close with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats making it a once in a lifetime adventure.

A gorilla trekking experience starts with a briefing at the visitor’s information center which is done by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Later, visitors are divided into groups of 8 and later assigned to 2-armed park rangers. Later, the actual gorilla trekking process begins with navigating through the dense tropical rainforests in search of the gorillas where you will get a chance to spot a variety of wildlife species including different bird species such as Rwenzori Turaco, White-cheeked Turaco, Mountain Yellow Warbler, African Emerald Cuckoo, Kivu Ground Thrush, Grey Crowned Crane, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Collared Apalis, Albertine Bush-Shrike, Black-headed Olive Back, Giant Kingfisher, African Green Broadbill, Rufous-crowned Robin-Chat, Yellow-eyed Black flycatcher, Mountain Wagtail, Dusky Tit, White-starred Robin and Scarlet-tufted.

Once the gorillas are located, trekkers are allowed to spend one hour with them. During this time, it’s important to remain calm and follow all instructions to ensure the safety and well-being of both the gorillas and visitors. Later the trekkers return to the park headquarters, where they can reflect on the experience and have your gorilla trekking certificates for those who will track gorillas in Rwanda.

What to pack for gorilla trekking

While you plan a gorilla trekking adventure, it is essential to carry some of the gorilla trekking items and wear the right gear for a safe gorilla trekking experience. Some of the trekking items include sturdy hiking boots, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, long pants, a waterproof jacket, a small daypack, a camera with a zoom lens, a hat and sunglasses, insect repellent, gloves, a water bottle, binoculars, a rain poncho, a first aid kit, a power bank, a flashlight, trekking poles, high-energy snacks, sunscreen, a light sweater, a scarf or neck gaiter, a waterproof dry bag, and personal identification documents like a passport or trekking permit.