Where are gorillas found in Africa, volcanoes national park
Where are gorillas found in Africa, African nations that are inhabited to gorillas gather a significant number of tourists biennially, providing them with the chance to experience these magnificent creatures through gorilla trekking safari tours. Undoubtedly, gorillas are the most captivating ape species on the planet. Gorillas are a significantly bigger and stronger species of primates, while still maintaining a kind nature. Gorillas exhibit human-like characteristics due to their genetic similarity, sharing around 98% of their DNA with humans.
Gorillas are only unique to Africa. There are two species of gorillas, namely the western gorillas and the eastern gorillas. Western gorillas are classified into two subspecies: the Cross River gorilla and the western lowland gorillas. Eastern gorillas are classified into two subspecies: mountain gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas. The Western gorilla species boasts the highest population of all gorilla species worldwide, with a staggering count of over 250,000 individual gorillas. Eastern gorillas exhibit a notable disparity in size compared to western gorillas, as well as possessing considerably darker and longer fur. Typically, adult male gorillas have a weight of up to 200 kilograms, indicating that gorillas are indeed highly heavy and robust.
Where to see gorillas in Africa
Where are gorillas found in Africa, African gorillas inhabit the untamed jungles of East and Central Africa. Gorillas can be found in several African countries, such as Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda. Gorilla safaris in Africa commonly involve travelers embarking on gorilla trekking expeditions in Uganda and Rwanda. However, it is worth noting that other African countries, particularly those in western Africa, also provide exceptional and highly gratifying gorilla safari experiences. African nations that are home to gorillas and their respective gorilla species and subspecies are as follows:
Where are gorillas found in Africa, African gorillas inhabit the untamed jungles of East and Central Africa. Gorillas can be found in several African countries, such as Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda. Gorilla safaris in Africa commonly involve travelers embarking on gorilla trekking expeditions in Uganda and Rwanda. However, it is worth noting that other African countries, particularly those in western Africa, also provide exceptional and highly gratifying gorilla safari experiences. African nations that are home to gorillas and their respective gorilla species and subspecies are as follows:
Uganda
Undoubtedly, Uganda is among the premier destinations for observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda is fortunate to offer two gorilla sites where travelers can experience the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorillas in Uganda can be observed during gorilla trekking expeditions at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both situated in the southwestern part of Uganda, close to the Rwandan border. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 50% of the global population of mountain gorillas, while the remaining gorillas are found in the Virunga Massifs, which include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in the Congo, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Mountain gorillas can be encountered by travelers in Uganda throughout the year, in any of the gorilla hotspots in the country. Travellers in Uganda can only encounter habituated gorillas during gorilla trekking. There are around two semi-habituated gorilla families accessible for gorilla habituation experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Uganda is home to approximately 20 habituated gorilla groups that tourists can hike to observe the mountain gorillas in their native environment. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boasts approximately 19 habituated gorilla families that are accessible for gorilla trekking safaris. In contrast, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers only the Nyakagezi gorilla family as an option for those seeking a gorilla trekking experience. In order to get the opportunity to see gorillas in Uganda, travelers must acquire gorilla permits. These licenses are priced at $800 for non-resident foreigners, $600 for foreign residents, and ugx250000 for East African natives. Each individual is required to obtain a permit for each gorilla hike.
Rwanda
Where are gorillas found in Africa: Rwanda, an African nation, is home to gorillas and invites visitors to experience the presence of these extraordinary mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, the exclusive gorilla sanctuary in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is a remarkable rainforest region that served as a headquarters for the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey, who dedicated her time to researching mountain gorillas and getting them accustomed to human presence. Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas, with approximately 12 habituated gorilla groups in Rwanda that travelers can encounter when gorilla trekking in the park. The cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500 per person per trek.
The Democratic Republic of Congo
Where are gorillas found in Africa: The Democratic Republic of Congo, like other African nations, is home to gorillas and offers year-round gorilla safaris to travelers. The Congo is fortunate to have three distinct species of gorillas: mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, Eastern lowland gorillas primarily in Kahuzi Biega National Park (where tourists can observe them during gorilla trekking in Congo), and western lowland gorillas located in the far western region of the Congo near the Madiakoko Mountains. Travellers have the opportunity to experience both the mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas of Congo throughout the year. The cost of a Congo permit for each trek is merely $400 per person.
Cameroon
Cameroon is one of the African nations that is home to gorillas. Cameroon is a West African nation that is home to both the western lowland gorillas and the eastern lowland gorillas. The Cross River gorillas, located in the border region of Nigeria and Cameroon, are the most severely endangered among all gorilla species and subspecies, with a remaining population of approximately 250 individuals worldwide. Gorilla trekking and encounters are not possible with the Cross river gorillas in Cameroon. However, the western lowland gorillas in Cameroon, located in Campo-Ma’an National Park, can be experienced through gorilla trekking activities. The likelihood of sighting western lowland gorillas in Cameroon is, however, below 70%.
Nigeria
Where are gorillas found in Africa: Nigeria is home to gorillas, making it one of the African nations where these primates may be found. The cross river gorillas, which are found in Nigeria, inhabit a 2900 square mile region encompassing the Cross River National Park, Mbe Mountain, and Afi Mountain. Due to their scattered distribution, encountering these gorillas is quite challenging. It is worth mentioning that the cross river gorillas in Nigeria are not habituated, meaning they are still in their natural state and not suitable for gorilla trekking.
Central African Republic.
Where are gorillas found in Africa: The Central African Republic is a premier destination for trekking the western lowland gorillas, surpassing other African countries that are home to these particular gorillas. The Western lowland gorillas in the Central African Republic inhabit the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, where there is only one gorilla family that has been totally accustomed to human presence. Travelers have the opportunity to see this gorilla family through gorilla trekking expeditions. Dzanga-Ndoki National Park is a densely forested area in the Central African Republic that has limited daylight, making it challenging to capture high-quality photographs of the western lowland gorillas.
Congo Brazzaville.
Where are gorillas found in Africa, Congo Brazzaville is home to the western lowland gorillas, which are primarily found in Odzala National Park. Odzala National Park is home to a population of more than 22,000 western lowland gorillas. However, only two gorilla families in the park have been trained to tolerate human presence and are therefore available for gorilla tourism in the country. To observe the western lowland gorillas in Odzala National Park, the most effective method is to reside in concealed enclosures and patiently await the gorillas’ emergence in open clearings called Bai. Mbeli Bai is the predominant open area where approximately 100 individuals of western lowland gorillas are frequently observed.