Tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park. A mountain gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 per person, per trek. Volcanoes National Park offers 17 mountain gorilla families. The Susa gorilla group is the best option for most of our gorilla safaris in Rwanda. The best month to visit Rwanda is in the months of June to August, but you should book permits easily enough because gorilla permits are sold out so fast. Volcanoes National Park is among the eight Virunga Mountains. Other primates reside on Mt. Karisimbi, Mt. Muhabura, Mt. Bisoke, Mt. Mgahinga, and Mt. Sabyinyo. Other gorillas are populated in Virunga National Park, Congo, and Kahuzi Biega National Park, Congo.

 

Where can I track Golden Monkeys in Africa?

 

Besides mountain gorillas, tracking golden monkeys is the third-best primate activity, just after chimpanzee trekking. Golden monkeys can be seen in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, all of which are situated in the Virunga Mountains.

 

What to Wear for Trekking withmountain Mountain Gorillas

 

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Gear Guide: It requires good-quality safari boots if trying any hikes, warm long clothes for the cold mornings or evenings, and clothing that suits wet weather. Remember, gorilla trekking destinations become cold and wet at high altitude. A jacket is a must; the best cameras, binoculars, thick Gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and Knee-high hiking gaiters are also important.

 

How Do Gorillas look?

 

The Male mountain gorillas are two times the size of the female mountain gorillas. Gorillas may grow up to 6 feet tall and even weigh between 350 and 500 pounds. Mountain gorillas are strong, have long arms, and are so muscular. The male gorillas are called silverbacks because, as they mature, the hair on their backs changes somewhat to silver, hence the name. The strength of the male gorillas is ten times that of the strongest kickboxer, even taking steroids.

 

Mountain Gorillas have longer and darker hair than their lowland counterparts since they stay at higher altitudes and in colder climates. The mountain gorilla’s life span ranges from 40 to 50 years. The mountain gorillas stay on the ground mainly, although they also climb trees occasionally in case they can support them. Just like children, young gorillas play in the tree branches. A fascinating fact is that mountain Gorillas and Humans share 98% of their genetic composition.

 

Where can I see mountain gorillas in Uganda?

 

Travelers to Uganda have two destinations protecting Mountain gorillas: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a stunning place and part of the Virunga chain volcanoes that extend from the DRC and Rwanda.

 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest protects the largest Population of mountain gorillas globally. Bwindi Forest is an ancient forest that was called the "Place of Darkness." The tall tree cover makes the place so dark within the forest. Bwindi Forest’s altitudes range from 1,160m to 2,607m above sea level. Bwindi and Mgahinga possess varying characteristics.

 

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is at higher altitudes, and the Gorillas sometimes move up and feed on the afro-montane vegetation zone. Typically, the endangered Mountain Gorillas feed on large quantities of flowers, bamboo, fruits, leaves, roots, and shoots in season. Adult mountain gorillas can consume up to 75 pounds daily.

 

The day of Mountain Gorilla trekking starts at 6 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. with a break for lunch. Uganda got light just past 6 a.m., and darkness came at around 7 p.m. Mountain gorillas move every day to different places where they make new nests using twigs and leaves, where they will spend the night.

 

Are Mountain Gorillas Dangerous Species?

 

Travelers to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park frequently ask whether mountain gorillas are dangerous. Mountain gorillas are dominant and very strong. Gorillas are gentle and shy. Mountain gorillas, which are presented to visitors, are all habituated. In other words, these gorillas are used to humans. The gorilla habituation process takes close to 2 years. Dian Fossey was not in support of visiting mountain gorillas, which is done today.

 

Mountain gorillas stay in groups or families that differ in size from 2 to 30 or 40 individuals; however, the most common group can contain up to 10 members. Mountain gorillas don’t have any specific mating seasons, and gorilla babies are born all year. The Male gorillas begin breeding at around 15 years of age, while the female gorillas start giving birth at 10 to 12 years of age. Female gorillas can also give birth after 2-3 years, and they give birth to four to six offspring throughout their lifetime. Male gorillas leave their family group at the age of 11 years. Mountain gorillas talk through the use of sounds such as roars, shouts, and grunts. These sounds have currently been documented by many researchers globally.