How many gorillas are in Uganda? According to the most recent Mountain Gorilla Census, there are about 1063 mountain gorillas in the world, with just Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda accounting for them. Uganda has the highest concentration of 1063 individuals, with roughly 600 Gorillas in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, namely Nkuringo, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Rushaga, are home to approximately 450 Gorillas. It is the country's most popular mountain gorilla trekking destination, with a species that is thought to be slightly different from the rest of the Virunga mountain network. Only about 5 newborn gorillas were received in the park in 2020, providing conservationists and future generations more hope.
About 100 gorillas live in Mgahinga National Park, with two groups open for trekking and the others currently through the habituation process. It's a small park, but it's packed with fauna, birds, and primates. There is no traffic, and the gates open at approximately 7:00 a.m. local time.
The Virunga highlands are home to Uganda's mountain gorillas, who can be viewed on a trekking mission to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both in the country's southwest. Once on the verge of extinction due to forest dwellers—the Batwa pygmies—the late Dian Fossey's conservation efforts at Volcanoes National Park in the Republic of Rwanda greatly contributed to their survival and presence around the high-altitude places of the Virunga chain of mountains, which sprawls through Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.
Uganda, a country in eastern Africa that is traversed by the equator, is a small but lovely location with decent security, infrastructure, unique cultures, diverse flora and fauna, and friendly people. The temperature is warm and pleasant throughout the year, which is one of the reasons why half of the Mountain Gorilla population calls it home.
The gorillas may be seen all year and are welcome to be seen by their family. Scientists have discovered that the DNA of humans and gorillas, chimps, and bonobos is almost 95% similar, making them our closest relatives. When you're in the woods with them, you'll notice this.
A troop is a group of gorillas who live together. Each family has a larger number of females and young stars but is commanded by a powerful Alpha Male known as a Silverback due to the silvery lining on their backs. The groups range in size from 5 to over 25 Gorillas and are most active in the morning and evening.
This is the most popular gorilla trekking destination in the world, not just in Uganda. The gorillas, who move, feed, and erect their nests in its dense foggy forested Jungle, adore it. The park is spectacular, and it contains the biggest concentrations of mountain peaks.
To accommodate the increase in gorilla populations, the well-being of the park's caretakers, and the access of communities living around the park, all visitors to the gorillas pay a fee to participate in the activity. Foreign non-residents will pay 800 dollars, foreign residents will pay 700 dollars, while Ugandans and citizens of the East African community will pay 250,000 dollars. This is exclusively for people over the age of 15, who are free from flu, cough, and any other contagious ailment.
Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and with the Apes' slowly dwindling numbers, witnessing them play, feed, or swing from tree branches is unforgettable. It's done on foot, with the help of an experienced ranger guide who knows a lot about them and their environment. It can take anything from 1 to 8 hours to reach the Apes' region, depending on one's speed and how far they've moved, starting from where they were last seen, plus an hour to take photos, ask questions, and relax with the best time to encounter gorillas and what to carry.
Gorilla trekking is possible all year, but the months of June to September and December to February offer the best circumstances. A good camera, a trekking permit, a long-sleeved shirt and pants, insect repellent, long stockings, warm clothing, and other items are required, depending on the activities and duration of the trip.
Mountain gorilla populations fluctuate due to unpredictably high birth rates, deaths, and disappearances in the jungle. The adventure is unforgettable.
