Where are gorillas in Africa
where are gorillas in Africa, African nations hosting gorillas draw numerous travelers biennially for the chance to experience gorilla trekking safaris. Gorillas are undoubtedly the most intriguing primate species globally. Gorillas are far larger and more formidable primates, yet they remain remarkably kind. Gorillas exhibit human-like characteristics, sharing around 98% of their DNA with humans.
where are gorillas in Africa, Gorillas are only indigenous to Africa. There are two species of gorillas: the western gorilla and the eastern gorilla. Western gorillas are subdivided into two subspecies: the Cross River gorilla and the western lowland gorilla. Eastern gorillas are subdivided into two subspecies: mountain gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas. Western gorillas constitute the most populous gorilla species globally, with a documented population exceeding 250,000 individuals. The eastern gorillas are considerably larger than the western gorillas and possess darker and longer fur. Adult male gorillas can weigh up to 200 kilograms, indicating that they are indeed substantial and powerful creatures.
where are gorillas in Africa? Locations for observing gorillas in Africa
Gorillas inhabit the vast woods of East and Central Africa. African nations that host gorillas comprise Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda. African gorilla safaris frequently involve gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda; however, other African nations, particularly in Western Africa, can provide exceptional and very rewarding gorilla safari experiences. African nations that harbor gorillas, along with their respective species and subspecies, include:
Uganda
Uganda is unequivocally one of the premier locations to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda boasts two gorilla sites where travelers can observe the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural environment. Gorillas in Uganda can be observed on gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both situated in the southwestern region of Uganda near the Rwandan border. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over half of the global population of mountain gorillas, while the remainder is distributed among the Virunga Massifs, which include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in the Congo, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Travelers can observe mountain gorillas in Uganda year-round at any of the country’s gorilla locations. Travelers can only encounter habituated gorillas while gorilla trekking in Uganda, with approximately two semi-habituated gorilla families accessible for gorilla habituation experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Uganda is home to approximately 20 habituated gorilla families that travelers can trek to observe mountain gorillas in their natural environment. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boasts approximately 19 habituated gorilla families accessible for trekking safaris, whereas Mgahinga Gorilla National Park features solely the Nyakagezi gorilla family for trekking encounters.
Where are gorillas in Africa
Countries in Africa that harbor gorillas, Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
To encounter gorillas in Uganda, travelers must get gorilla licenses, priced at $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and ugx300,000 for East African citizens, per person per hike. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a traveler must pay $1500 per person for gorilla habituation sessions, allowing for up to 4 hours of interaction with the mountain gorillas.
Rwanda
Rwanda is an African nation that hosts gorillas and invites travelers to experience these remarkable mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, the sole gorilla destination in the country. Volcanoes National Park is a remarkable rainforest region that served as the location for the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey, who dedicated her time to studying and habituating mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas, with approximately 12 habituated gorilla families in Rwanda available for travelers to observe during gorilla trekking. A gorilla permit in Rwanda is priced at $1500 per individual per expedition.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the African nations that hosts gorillas and permits gorilla safaris for travelers year-round. The Congo is home to three taxa of gorillas: mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, Eastern lowland gorillas primarily in Kahuzi Biega National Park, where travelers can observe them during gorilla trekking, and western lowland gorillas located in the far western region of the Congo along the Madiakoko Mountains. Travelers can observe the mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas in Congo year-round, with a permit fee of $400 per individual per hike.
Cameroon
Cameroon is one of the African nations that harbors gorillas. Cameroon is a West African nation that is home to both western lowland gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas. The Cross River gorillas of Cameroon inhabit the region along the Nigeria-Cameroon border and are the most critically endangered among all gorilla species and subspecies, with approximately 250 individuals remaining globally. Cross River gorillas in Cameroon are not accessible for trekking and encounters; nevertheless, western lowland gorillas in Campo-Ma’an National Park can be experienced through gorilla trekking expeditions. The likelihood of sighting western lowland gorillas in Cameroon is, however, below 70%.
Nigeria
Nigeria is among the African nations that harbor gorillas. Nigeria is home to the Cross River gorillas, distributed in a 2,900 square mile region encompassing Cross River National Park, Mbe Mountain, and Afi Mountain, rendering their encounters quite challenging. The cross river gorillas of Nigeria remain unhabituated, rendering them wild and unsuitable for gorilla trekking.
Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is one of the premier destinations for trekking western lowland gorillas among all African nations that host these primates. In the Central African Republic, Western lowland gorillas inhabit Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, where only one completely habituated gorilla family is accessible to travelers on gorilla trekking excursions. Dzanga-Ndoki National Park is a densely forested area with limited illumination, rendering it challenging to capture quality photographs of the western lowland gorillas in the Central African Republic.
Congo-Brazzaville
Congo Brazzaville is home to western lowland gorillas, primarily located in Odzala National Park. Odzala National Park is home to around 22,000 western lowland gorillas, with only two habituated gorilla families available for tourists in the country. The optimal method to observe the western lowland gorillas in Odzala National Park is by residing in concealed enclosures and awaiting their emergence in open clearings referred to as Bai. Mbeli Bai is the most frequently observed clearing, home to approximately 100 western lowland gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking in Gabon
Gabon is an African nation renowned for its gorillas and offers a plethora of wildlife encounters. Gabon is home to western lowland gorillas, predominantly found in its national parks, with Moukalaba-Doudou National Park hosting the biggest population of these gorillas.
Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea is home to the western lowland gorillas, located in Monte Alen National Park. Although gorilla tourism has not yet fully developed. Numerous trained locals perform daily excursions in the jungle, significantly increasing the likelihood of encountering various primates.
Angola
Angola is one of several African nations that host gorillas, specifically a population of western lowland gorillas located in the northern region, particularly within the Cabinda enclave adjacent to the Congo River. Gorilla tourism in Angola is inadequately developed..
Do gorillas inhabit Africa? Indeed, gorillas inhabit Africa. The aforementioned pertains to the African nations that harbor gorillas. Although most countries lack well-developed gorilla tourism, gorilla safaris in Africa can still occur in the few nations that host gorillas, such as Uganda, Rwanda, the Congo, and Cameroon, among others. Contact a reputable gorilla safari tour operator to experience an extraordinary gorilla safari in Africa, amidst the continent’s breathtaking natural splendor.