Which continent has mountain gorillas? – Budget gorilla trekking safaris in Africa – Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda
Which continent has mountain gorillas? – The African continent is the only continent in the entire world where mountain gorillas live and survive in the wild in their natural habitats. Referred to as a “Cradle of Man”, Africa has several species of primates, but history has it that science came to know about the existence of mountain gorillas as a subspecies of eastern gorillas on 17th October 1902. Mountain gorillas are giant apes who live as families, headed by an adult male called a silverback. Adult males are referred to as silverbacks, simply because as they grow, a patch of silvery hair grows on their back and hips. A silverback can weigh up to 160kg while a female mountain gorilla can weigh up to 98 kg. A gorilla family is normally made of silverbacks, female gorillas, juveniles, infants, and some blackbacks. There are two species of gorilla recorded only in Africa, the Eastern and Western gorillas. Uganda’s, Rwanda’s, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mountain gorillas are a subspecies of the Eastern gorilla, found only in the East-Central African rainforests. As their name hints, they live only in the mountains at elevations between 8,000 and 13,000 feet. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Eastern gorilla species comprises of the Highland gorillas in Virunga National Park and Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Which countries have mountain gorillas on the African continent?
That said and done, not all African counties act as home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. These great apes can only be found in the East and Central African countries of Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These mountain gorillas are in these countries simply because of the factors that favor or support their existence. The Virunga ranges where we have three National Park of Volcanoes, Virunga, and Mgahinga are at a high altitude of about 2500-4000m with forests and bamboo forest that acts as their home and food. Bwindi National Park is predominantly a tropical rainforest with lots of shrubs and trees that act as food for these mountain gorillas.
Which National Parks in Africa have mountain gorillas?
Mountain gorillas live in East-Central Africa in just two isolated groups, that is to say, one in the Virunga Volcanoes, a cross-border region spanning three forest reserves in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The other group lives in a far-flung, isolated montane forest in Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, extending to Sarambwe Nature Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountain gorillas on the African continent are found in three countries namely Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In these three countries, only four National Parks are home to mountain gorillas. These National Parks are found in two separate locations with three National parks in the Virunga region comprising of several instinct volcanoes at the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The three National Parks in the Virunga ranges are Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These three National Parks share the same forest but are divided by colonial boundaries. The rest of the mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Which African country is the most affordable for gorilla trekking?
As earlier noted, Africa has three countries that mountain gorillas call home. Of the three countries, The Democratic Republic of Congo is the most affordable when it comes to the cost of a gorilla permit. A gorilla permit is a document that is issued to you after making payment and allows you to spend one hour with mountain gorillas. Currently, a gorilla permit costs USD400 in Congo, followed by Uganda at USD700 and Rwanda at USD1500 per person per trek. This, therefore, means that The Democratic Republic of Congo is the most affordable but unsafe for gorilla trekking, leaving Uganda the safest and most affordable gorilla trekking country. Great Adventure Safaris has been operating gorilla trekking trips in Uganda at affordable prices since its inception and we have never faced any insecurity.
Which African country is the most expensive for gorilla trekking?
As pointed out, Rwanda is the most expensive gorilla trekking nation on the African continent. A gorilla permit to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park costs a hooping USD1500 per person per trek, which is double the price of Uganda gorilla permits and triple that of the Democratic Republic of Congo. On top of the price of the Rwanda gorilla permit, Lodges, and Hotels in Rwanda are so expensive and unaffordable to an average person. This is because Rwanda as a country has positioned itself as a luxury tourist destination and looks at attracting few people willing to pay a lot.
How to choose the best country in Africa for gorilla trekking
It takes time and patience to select the best country on the African continent to visit for gorilla trekking. The criteria to follow will depend on your interest and budget. There is a lot of information online, but if you are a first-time visitor to Africa, we recommend that you do all your bookings through a registered and licensed tour operator in Uganda or Rwanda. They’re several reasons why you should do this. These tour operators will make your work simple by advising and answering all your questions concerning which country is safe, affordable, and has all that you want. Most recognized and licensed tour operators will offer you affordable packages and information you can rely on. If you are looking for luxury, Rwanda is the country for you. In Rwanda, almost everything is high end and you will not be disappointed. Rwanda tops Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo when it comes to infrastructures such as roads and Hotels. Your Tour Operator will suggest for you Lodges, modes of transportation, and booking your gorilla permit to make your work easier. If you are looking for an affordable and safe country, then Uganda is the country for you. Great Adventure Safaris operates in Uganda and Rwanda where we have excelled in providing gorilla trekking memories. Feel free to contact us for the best value gorilla safari packages now.
