Where do mountain gorillas live in Africa? Mountain gorillas are endangered primate species and stay high in the forested mountains, at elevations of 8,000 to 13,000 feet and are found in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. Mountain gorillas have thick fur, and more of it compared to other apes. Thick fur helps them to survive in the wild where temperatures often drop below freezing. But as human beings have moved more and more into mountain gorilla habitats, the gorillas have moved further up the mountains for longer periods, forcing them to tolerate dangerous and sometimes deadly conditions.

What might have been unwelcoming outlook for the subspecies a just a couple of years ago have brightened in recent years because of conservation efforts? Despite ongoing civil wars, poaching and human encroachment, both populations of mountain gorillas have increased in numbers.

Where do mountain gorillas live in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo

Yes, mountain gorillas live in Africa and only in 3 countries. They are only found in 4 national parks of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda, volcanoes national park Rwanda and Virunga national park DR Congo. These are the only places in the whole world where you can see mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.

Mountain gorillas in Rwanda

Mountain gorillas in Rwanda can only be seen in volcanoes national park. The park is located on the north western part of the country and its neighbors with Mgahinga gorilla park of Uganda and Virunga national park of DR Congo.

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are got from Rwanda development board a body in charge of issuing out the permits to trek mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas are referred to as endangered species but conservation efforts are paying of well and their population is increasing. This is nice work and organizations and institutions involved has proved that something can be done for all other endangered species of animals or plants.

Recently concluded population census indicates that there are 1080 mountain gorillas surviving in the wild. This is good news that the population is slowly increasing and it has doubled in the 15 past years. This does not mean that the threats to mountain gorillas are completely eliminated.

Local communities benefit much from gorilla tourism and this has kept them from encroaching on their habitats for timber, agriculture and poaching. Supporting gorilla tourism is one way of contributing to the conservation of mountain gorillas. Money from gorilla tourism activities directly benefits the neighboring communities as well as protection of the environment.

Mountain gorillas in Uganda

In Uganda you can find mountain gorillas in Mgahinga national park and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Mountain gorillas in Uganda being in 2 national game parks in Uganda is the reason why Uganda has the biggest population of mountain gorillas in the world.  This is also why Uganda is regarded for gorilla trekking trips and gorillas conservation efforts.

To track mountain gorillas, you must buy a gorilla purchase a gorilla permit which allows you to go deep in the thick forest where they stay. A gorilla trekking permit can be got from Uganda wildlife authority or from any trusted tour operator like Africa Adventure Vacations.

Mountain gorillas in DR Congo

In democratic republic of Congo, mountain gorilla can be seen in Virunga national park. The park has volcanoes national park of Rwanda and Mgahinga national park of Uganda as its neighbors.

While DR Congo has been disturbed by civil wars for a number of years, the good collaboration with Rwanda and Uganda, plus other conservation partners has helped in the study and preservation of the habitat for mountain gorillas.