What Type of Gorillas Are in Uganda?

What type of gorillas is in Uganda? When it comes to unforgettable gorilla encounters in Africa, there is no better place to visit than Uganda- The Pearl of Africa. Uganda is home to over half of 1063 mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) that still survive on planet earth.

Uganda boasts as one of the only 3 places in Africa and the world where the Gorilla beringei beringei (mountain gorillas) live. Other notable mountain gorilla spots in Africa include Rwanda and The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Half of the world’s mountain gorilla population in Uganda dwells on the Virunga Volcanoes slopes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park- best known as the place where silver meets gold and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are not ordinary Uganda safari parks but exceptional gorilla safari destinations to see the rare mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat. Choosing Uganda 2022 for gorilla trekking is amazingly the wisest decision any nature lover can make- imagine drawing yourself close to a massive silverback gorilla- that is truly a magical experience of a lifetime.

How many species of gorillas are in Africa?

In Africa, there are only 2 species of gorillas that are the Eastern and Western gorillas. In Uganda, there are only mountain gorillas that are sub-species of the Eastern gorilla. The rare mountain gorillas thrive in 4 gorilla safari parks in Africa and other than Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga, the other must-visit places include Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri Northwestern Rwanda and Virunga National Park of D.R. Congo.

Mountain gorillas take their name considering the nature of their habitats. These large apes live in mountainous areas with an elevation range of 1500-4000m. As of 2022, there are still no more than 1063 mountain gorillas left on earth. They thrive in various habitats with one population found in the jungles of the Virunga region (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Virunga National Park & Volcanoes National Park) and another section living in Bwindi Park, Southwestern Uganda.

Gorilla sub-species in Africa

Other than the endangered mountain gorillas, the other 3 gorilla sub-species in Africa include Western Lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), endangered Eastern Lowland gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri), and Cross River gorillas. These make Africa the preferred gorilla trekking destination.

Where can I find mountain gorillas in Uganda?

Mountain gorillas exist only in Africa and in Uganda, find them in the far Southwestern side of the country- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. They live in the lush bamboo and montane forest cover on the altitudinal range of 1500-4000m.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- There are 4 regions to consider a must-visit to see mountain gorillas here and they include Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. The four of Bwindi National Park’s region protect up to 20 habituated gorilla group families, also open for gorilla trekking.

The 20 habituated gorilla families to visit on gorilla safari tours in Bwindi include Kutu, Mucunguzi, Kahungye, Mubare, Kyaguriro, Rushegura, Katwe, Christmas, Busingye, Mukiza, Bitukura, Habinyanja, Nkuringo, Bweza, Oruzongo, Nshongi, Bikingi, Bushaho, and Rwigi.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park- Located in Kisoro District, Mgahinga is home to only one habituated family- the Nyakagezi group. Mgahinga is an excellent place to be for nature lovers who are interested in trekking mountain gorillas with no crowds. Only 8 visitors per day are allowed to go trek mountain gorillas. In general, there are 21 habituated gorilla families open for primate lovers to see mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas & humans

Mountain gorillas have a close relationship- they have about 98% DNA similar to that of humans making them our closest relatives. Due to their close relationship, any exposure to human illnesses has potentially detrimental effects on their lives. While on a trek to see mountain gorillas, all trekkers have to observe the set regulations including keeping a distance of 8-10m, wearing masks, no touching gorillas, no visiting gorillas if the person is sick or ill, and others.

What Type of Gorillas Are in Uganda? Size of mountain gorillas

What Type of Gorillas Are in Uganda? Mountain gorillas are massive and robust living primates on earth. On average, a male mountain gorilla weighs from 136-230 kg and when standing, 4-6ft/1.2 to 1.8m. These apes spend most of their day feeding and basically, they depend on fruits, shoots, leaves, roots, and others.

Mountain gorillas have a life expectancy of about 35 years and females give birth to single babies after a gestation period of 8-9 months like humans. On rare occasions, female gorillas give birth to twins and this has happened in most of the mountain gorilla parks.

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda

Securing valid gorilla permits in Uganda is essential every trekker on Uganda safari must undergo to have a complete gorilla trekking tour. Each of Uganda’s permits for trekking mountain gorillas cost USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents and Shs. 300,000 when you travel as a citizen from East Africa. For all Uganda gorilla permit and safari bookings, don’t hesitate to contact us.