Mountain gorillas are the main iconic species in the Republic of Rwanda and a significant draw for wildlife lovers worldwide. These gentle giants are located explicitly at Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern part of the country, bordering Uganda and DR Congo, where they also exist.
These primate species (Gorilla beringei beringei) are rare great apes found only in high-altitude forests. Mountain gorillas inhabit only three countries, though other gorilla species can be found in other African countries. They are found in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.
As of recently, the mountain gorillas’ population globally is estimated to be about 1070 species, and due to conservation efforts Rwanda exhibits, the gorilla numbers in volcanoes are increasing. For now, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is home to the most enormous mountain gorillas, following Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.t
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Rwanda and one of the best primate experiences on a Rwanda primate safari. Travelers enjoy gorilla trekking in the Virunga forests; about 20 groups are in the Park Forest. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 and can be purchased at the Rwanda Development Bank.
On the other hand, Uganda’s gorilla trekking permit costs $800, a fairly low amount compared to Rwanda. Tourists can choose which country to trek gorillas from according to their budget. Travelers can also get a gorilla permit through a licensed tour operator. Reservations for permits should be made earlier, about three months before the tracking date, to avoid safari inconvenience.
Interesting facts about mountain gorillas
Mountain gorillas live in temporary regions rather than a stable base of operations. They move a few kilometers daily to build their nests in the wild, stay there for a few days before leaving, and do this as they move from one location to another. Because of this, they constantly wander in the jungle, and occasionally, they even cross international borders, like the Ugandan gorillas crossing into Rwanda and vice versa.
We share about 98% DNA with Gorillas
Incredibly, mountain gorillas have 98% human DNA. This means that due to their close biological resemblance to humans, mountain gorillas are receptive to catching human diseases like colds, which are dangerous to them as their immune systems don’t match those of humans.
Gorillas can live over 40 years in the wild
Up until the age of three and a half, they are considered babies and, at eight, as adults. They have a lifespan of more than 40 years. Adult males between the ages of 8 and 12 are known as silverbacks due to the development of a silver strip of hair on their backs. In these situations, the male silver bucks are in charge of gathering the young and building nests, as well as being the guardians of the group.
They live in Groups
They live in families of about 10-30 members (troops), including parents and the young ones. The family is dominated by a male called a silverback. The silverback’s responsibility is to protect the family, make decisions, and look for food.
Female gorillas reproduce at age 10 and have a gestation period of eight and a half months. They give birth to one or two babies.
Intellectual
Mountain gorillas are intelligent species because they have DNA similar to humans. They can demonstrate different cognitive abilities that show how they solve problems, communicate, and socialize with fellow humans.
They have a wonderful memory for recalling past interactions, food locations, etc. They display their emotions differently when sad, happy, or feeling empathy. They can do this through gestures, grunting, and banging their chests.
They are the largest and most potent primates
A male gorilla can weigh 200 kg and stand 170 cm tall. On the other hand, female gorillas are relatively more minor. In addition, male gorilla giants are shy and strong, so they will never fight or chase anyone looking in their eyes unless threatened.
Endangered Species
They are considered to be endangered species, which puts their life in peril. Factors such as habitat loss due to human activities like deforestation and encroachment destroy the forests where these primates dwell. The increasing disease outbreaks, such as Ebola, cold, and cough, also significantly affect gorillas. Poaching still poses a severe threat to mountain gorillas; the poachers set traps for hunting small animals in the forest and end up capturing gorillas.
Diet
They are herbivorous and consume primarily stems, leaves, fruits, bamboo, and sodium-rich ants throughout the day. The gorillas can consume about 60 pounds of leaves and vegetables a day, and they can consume a variety of vegetation depending on the availability of food and the season.
Although they may look enormous, they are not obese because of the thick fur covering their bodies. The thick fur helps regulate body temperatures because they live in high mountains where temperatures often drop below freezing.
They live in high-altitude
Mountain gorillas dwell in a high altitude of dense bamboo forests and tropical rainforests. These attitudes may be found in the Virungas, volcanoes, Mgahinga, and Bwindi impenetrable national parks, where they live between 1,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level. Gorillas can survive in these climatic conditions because their thick fur regulates body temperatures.
Habitat
Mountain gorillas build their nests for sleeping on the ground. They are made out of leaves, tree branches, and grasses. The silverback’s role is choosing the safe spot secluded in the thick bush.
The young ones can sleep in tree branches, and the adult gorillas sleep on the ground. Unfortunately, they don’t have time to maintain their nests; gorillas build new nests daily. This is done because they don’t stay in one location for days; they keep moving from one place to another.
How to access mountain gorillas
Are you a traveler who wants to see mountain gorillas? Mountain gorillas are a few subspecies that reside in East and Central Africa. Travelers can see them on arranged gorilla trekking tours or any primate safari. These gentle giants can only be accessed in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.
Other destinations can inhabit other gorilla species. Book your private customized gorilla safari with us and have a wonderful encounter with the gorilla. You can tailor it with other wildlife tour encounters to have an exclusive wildlife safari in Rwanda, or we can extend it to Uganda according to your preference.
Rwanda’s gorillas are remarkable conservation success stories that show the power of wildlife and ecotourism. Tourists paying to see these gentle giants have the best wildlife experience. The trek is challenging but worth the thrilling experience of witnessing them in their natural habitats.