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Where to see gorillas in Africa
Where to see gorillas in Africa: Africa is home to two species of Gorillas, namely the Eastern Gorillas and the Western Gorillas found in Uganda, DRC, Rwanda, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola respectively. Eastern Gorillas are further divided into the Mountain Gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas ( Grauer’s gorilla’s). the western Gorillas are divided into cross-river gorillas and Western Lowland Gorillas.
The most common gorilla species are the west lowland with an estimated population of 250000 , Eastern lowland gorillas’ number about 7000 and the Mountain Gorillas are about 1000 as the latest census shows at the bottom of the curve are the cross-river gorillas. The number of gorillas has declined over the last decades, leading some to be listed as critically endangered species threatened because of hunting, animal trafficking, instabilities/ war, diseases, poaching, and human encroachment on their land, among others. But because of the conservation efforts that were implemented 25 years ago, they are gradually increasing from 250 to the 1000 as the last census reviled. Wildlife conservation agencies, scientists together with the government are working tirelessly to conserve these great apes and prevent them from total extinction in their measures like stopping trafficking baby gorillas, stopping forest encroachment , protect them from big cats and diseases and eliminating poaching activities.
Relationship between the Eastern and Western Gorillas.
it is believed that the western and eastern gorillas were one family but separated during the ice age period. Due to the long separation time these species started following different paths genetically and physically like the eastern gorillas are larger than the western gorillas, the eastern have darker, larger and longer fur. Despite the many differences, they are similar in some ways, like they both have broader shoulders and chests, larger forearms and hands, eyes are very close and nostrils prominent.
Where Mountain Gorillas Are Found.
Gorillas are nestled in the dense tropical rainforests of Africa, they are highly endangered. These gorillas you see all over the world in zoos are small lowland gorillas. We are taking the larger mountain gorillas that can’t survive anywhere outside their natural habitat because of their irresistible desire for freedom. These mountain gorillas are larger with long dark hair, heavier and taller than the lowland gorillas. Countless intrepid adventure “encounter with Africa’s mountain gorillas should be added to one’s bucket list of top 50 things to do before leaving earth”.
Best Countries to spot see Gorillas in the World.
Don’t get it twisted that the five best countries to visit for the best gorilla trekking experience that will fulfill your wanderlust are Uganda, Rwanda, DRC, Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo for these countries have gone an extra mile to put up strategies that will make your stay memorable. And the best destination for a more rewarding and safe gorilla tracking safari are Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, Virunga national park of DRC would be among but because of the political instabilities in the county, the park is not highly recommended to travelers. Uganda hosts 50% of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world. The countries are safe to visit with best conservation and sustainable programs to support gorilla watching, there are best forest lodges ranging from luxury, Mid-range and Budget to ensure travelers get a hospitable and memorable stay during their visit to these endangered species.
The countries of west Africa offer amazing primate adventures with wild gorillas( not mountain gorillas ) but due to their discomfort, unpredictability, long travel distances and poor conservation efforts they are not highly recommended but if you can tolerate them then you will be rewarded with amazing biodiversity.
Uganda and Rwanda have taken the lead in providing the most rewarding gorilla trekking experience with wildlife viewing extensions. You’re guaranteed the best jungle experience.
Gorillas Vs Chimpanzees
Chimpanzee carry 95% human DNA while Gorillas Carry 97% human DNA. Chimpanzee are intelligent and clever but very aggressive compared to the gorillas which are the larger and more powerful yet very gentle Apes, benevolent, wiser and charismatic in simple terms.
Is gorilla trekking Safe ?
Visiting these large apes in their natural home sound life threatening though it’s one of the most rewarding activities on the plant. Mount Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC are habituated which means they have gone through training to get used to human presence in their natural home without outering out their natural behaviors. One can engage in Gorilla habituate where you will escort researchers into the forest for 4 to a full hour of making these species get used to human presence.
What are the chances of spotting Mountain Gorillas?
The chances of encountering mountain gorillas during gorilla tracking are 99% , there are no recorded scenarios of not finding gorillas in the forest over recent years. Though taking good is challenging because of the dense forest cover and little sunlight yet no flash lights allowed. The best way to get rewarding photos of gorillas is through gorilla habituation only offered in Uganda.
Why are Gorillas so Special?
Gorillas are Man’s closest cousin with 97% human genetic code. Gorillas are like we humans with 95% human behaviors with gentle characters, emotions like sadness and happiness just like humans. they are debatably the most intriguing primates in the world.
What do gorillas eat ?
Gorillas are vegetarian mainly feeding on bamboo shoots, fruits, tree stems/barks and occasionally on termites.
How much do Gorillas Weigh?
An adult Male Eastern gorilla ( Silver back) can weigh up to 200 kilograms, measuring 170 cm( over 5’5 feet tall) and a female mountain gorilla weighs 90 kg and measures up to 150cm (4’9 feet).
Are Gorillas only found in Africa
Gorilla are the only Natives of Africa in the whole world and live in tropical African rainforests.
How do gorillas live & their Life span?
Gorillas live in stable groups of 30- 50 individuals. Each group is led by a dominant male called a Silver back which determines where to feed, rest and protects them at all costs, keeping a keen eye on all the members of the group and protects them from other silverbacks, predators and humans, it is the head of taking important decisions for the group. The silver back reigns until death, after his death another strong male will be picked from with in the group or from others groups to led. The silver back has all mating right to all the female gorillas in the group and becomes sexually active at the age of 15 years.
The female gorillas leave the group once they became sexually active at 8 years and start breeding later on, they produce 4 young ones in their life time. It is on rear occasions for gorillas to reproduce with in their own group mostly in the cross-river gorillas.
Gorillas live up to 50 years under captivity and 40 years in the wild.
Minimum and Maximum Age for Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is not allowed to children under the age of 15 years and individual from 15 and above are all allowed in the forest with Gorilla trekking packages for the elderly. There are a number of reasons why they are not allowed to trek in search of gorillas in the forest and some are; Children under 15 years have behaviors that can not be predicted, they are likely not to follow the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. Uganda Wildlife Authority has full power to adjust and allow anyone in the forest. Note; that the responsibility of the outcomes of insisting to take your child into the forest are in your head as an individual not the safari company or even Uganda Wildlife authority.
Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Hustle/ Why one Should consider going for gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is not only worth the hustle but also the money, time, long drives and the tiresome trekking in the rainforest in search of these Apes. Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC creates memories that will last for a life time. This is a once in a life time chance to spot these endangered species in their natural habitant has they play, breast feed, silver back protect young the group, rest among others for a full hour. The many the is generated from the trekking tickets is used in the conservation efforts and also to develop the communities that surround the park, support former poachers not to go back to that.
You shouldn’t leave the world without an encounter with Man’s closest cousin.
How to book
We not only plan your gorilla trekking safari, but also ensure you get memorable adventure of a life time. Usoke Explorers’ team is here to assist you plan your gorilla trekking safari, we also offer an extension of wildlife safari in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
When is the best time to go gorilla trekking?
The best time to go for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda is in the dry months of June to September and December to February. Being that it’s done in the rainforests the weather is unpredictable hence expect some bit of rain from time to time.
Where to Find Gorillas in Africa
Where to see Gorilla in Uganda
Uganda boasts of being one of the best places to see mountain Gorillas in the world, it is home to 50% of the remaining mountain Gorillas in the world in its two parks Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable is nests over 400 gorillas and 17 gorilla families / groups. Some gorilla families are easy to encounter and others difficult. Due to the dense vegetation cover in Bwindi trekking is a bit challenging and requires one to be physically and mentally fit to engage in the activity, the forest is very thick to an extent that the paths have to be cleared every day they are used hence the name impenetrable. Uganda is the only country that offers gorilla habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which gives you more time with the Apes compared to Gorilla trekking. During habituation you can’t predict the behaviors of this new gorilla family making it a bit fascinating but you will be rewarded with ample time satisfaction with the Gorillas and also cleared photos. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 3 trekking trails Buhoma Trail is the most preferred by tourists and a popular one, it has 5 habituated families with the highest number of safari accommodation. Nkuringo and Rushaga are the other sectors of the park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the other destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda, trekking in Mgahinga is easier compared to that of Bwindi. The park is located on the border of Uganda and DRC. It has only one habituated gorilla family.
These parks also offer other activities apart from Gorilla Trekking like Golden Monkey trekking in Mgahinga, Wildlife viewing, Bird watching, Primates trekking, Nature walks, Cultural encounters among others. The prices of Gorilla trekking in Uganda are affordable compared to other countries like its neighbor Rwanda.
Where to Find Gorillas in Rwanda
Rwanda is the second-best place to view the endangered mountain Gorillas, it has 25% of the gorillas in the world in its Volcanoes National Park, the only place to spot gorillas in Rwanda. it is located in the Virunga Mountain Ranges shared by Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. Travelers who wish for a less challenging trekking experience them Rwanda is the best option. The park has 12 habituated gorilla families. The park is where the famous primatologist Dian Fossey studied primates in 1960 and the study was done on the Susa group nested high in the mountains of Karisimbi, the only group in the mountains other groups are found on the slopes of the mountain and easy to access compared to Susa group. Visit Rwanda and get a chance to engage in the annual baby gorilla naming ceremony locally know as “Kwita izina” at the capital of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes the Musanze. Tourists who want to avoid the long driving journey should opt for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda, the forest of Rwanda are less thick compared to those of Uganda. The trekking permits of Rwanda are a bit costly, though trekking in Volcanoes is no different from that in Mgahinga.
The park offers other activities apart from gorilla trekking like hiking, visiting the Diane Fossey campus, cultural encounter among others.
Where to see Gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo has a reasonable number of gorillas and would be one of the best places to carry out gorilla trekking but because of its on-going civil of its boarders with Uganda and Rwanda, you are discouraged from carrying out a gorilla tracking safari in the country and any other tourist attractions. DRC is the only country with both eastern low land and western lowland gorillas. Western lowland gorillas are found in Mayumbe area of Bas-Congo near its border with Angola in the far east, but because of political instabilities it’s not possible, tourists can opt to visit them in the Central African Republic of Dzanga-Ndoki National park, Gabon in Lope’s National Park. the eastern lowlands are located in swamps and forests southwest of the Virunga Mountains in Kahuzi Biega National Park, where mountain gorillas are found on the DRC’s side of the Virunga mountain in Virunga Mountain National Park. Before starting your safari in Congo it’s better to first check the area for your own safety. The security of Virunga mountain National Park has been improved and it’s safe to visit via Kisoro in Uganda by road or fly into Goma town on the northern bank of Lake Kivu.
Republic of Congo ( Congo-Brazzaville)
The Republic of Congo is at times mistaken for its neighbor the Republic of Congo. The Republic of Congo is politically stable situated between Cameroon, Gabon, CAR and DRC, so when you think about visiting the western lowland gorillas look no further than Congo-Brazzaville because its one of the best countries to spot these Apes in its large rainforests alongside forest elephants, chimpanzees, countless bird species making its forests the best jungle for a perfect jungle safari.
The gorillas in Cong-Brazzaville can be spotted in two parks, the Odzala-Kokoua National Park and Mbeli Bai in Naouabale-Ndoki National park.
Central African Republic (CAR)
The Central African Republic is home to western lowland gorillas, gorillas can be spotted in the park’s Dzanga-Sangha National Park, which is home to one habituated gorilla family, and there are high chances of spotting gorillas, though good photos are challenging because of dense forests with little light penetration on the land.
Other countries to spot gorillas include Gabon, Angola, Equatorial Guinea.