Gorilla Tracking
Gorillas are ground dwelling apes that can be found in the forests and mountains of East and Central Africa. There are two species of gorillas – the western and Eastern gorilla. The Eastern gorillas is further divided into the Eastern lowland gorilla and the mountain gorilla. Western gorillas are divided into two subspecies – The Western lowland gorilla and the Eastern lowland gorilla.
Lowland gorillas are found in the equatorial forests of central Africa and particularly DR Congo. Eastern Lowland gorillas are smaller with brown-gray coats and are commonly seen in zoos around the world. They are herbivorous and mainly feed on juicy plants, wild berries and leaves. The Kahuzi Biega National Park and Odzala-Kokoua National Park in DR Congo are famous for Eastern Lowland gorilla tracking.
Note: Whereas there are over 350,000 western lowland gorillas surviving in the wild, only about 1000 mountain gorillas remain. Mountain gorillas are an endangered species and have attracted greater attention and interest from conservationists and tourists.
Mountain Gorillas: Mountain gorillas are found in the mountainous borders between Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. They are larger, have blacker coats, live in a smaller 
range and are usually led by a dominant male silverback. They live in dense jungle and high altitudes feeding mainly on foliage in the mornings and afternoons. Despite their large size, Mountain gorillas are more peaceful and calmer than lowland gorillas. They move constantly to new feeding grounds as they build nests for the day. Mountain gorillas are not found in zoos. The western world first came to know of mountain gorillas when German explorer Von Berenge spotted a group of mountain gorillas in 1902 while hiking in Rwanda’s Mount Sabyinyo. After further analysis, it was discovered that mountain gorillas where a different and larger specie than the already known western lowland gorilla.
Dian Fossey later studied mountain gorillas extensively between 1967 and 1985 at her Karisoke Research Site located between Mount Bisoke and Karimbi. She is credited with initiating gorilla conservation and protection activities in East Africa.
Mountain gorillas are only found in the three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. In Uganda, they are found at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National park. Mountain gorillas are also found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park. According to the World Wildlife, half of the worlds remaining mountain gorillas live in Uganda. A detailed description of how to get to the parks in the different gorilla trekking countries can be found here.
Mountain gorillas share 98% of the same genes with humans. They weigh more than we humans – About 500 pounds for the largest silverbacks. Males are called silverbacks because their back hair changes to silver as they grow older. A fully grown male silverback is ten times stronger than the largest male person you can find.
The chance to track mountain gorillas is the ultimate wildlife experience. Whereas a safari to view the big 5 is great, nothing beats watching mountain gorillas in their natural habitat – Gorillas are our relatives. It is estimated that only about 1000 mountain gorillas now survive in the world. 
Half of these are found in Uganda and the other half shared by Rwanda and DR Congo. Only about 20 percent of mountain gorillas are habituated – A two year process of allowing time for a particular group to get used to humans in their midst. Non-habituated mountain gorillas are unpredictable and visitors are not allowed near them. Mountain Gorilla tracking involves passing through dense forest, steep hills and mud-filled pathways. Depending on the gorilla family you choose, the activity may take anywhere between half an hour to 8 hours. The best time for gorilla tracking is usually just after the rains have stopped and the parks are still very green but less muddy. We recommend that you prepare yourself physically and psychologically for your adventure. You will find the article on facts about mountain gorillas interesting.
Guide to gorilla tracking
We have taken time to compile information that we feel will be useful and make your gorilla safari in Uganda, DR Congo and Rwanda more exciting. This information will help you answer questions related to all aspects of gorilla trekking – including the cost of gorilla tours:-
Mountain gorillas are an endangered species. Since the initial efforts of Dian Fossey, several organizations have been formed to protect them. Read More
Gorilla tracking is a once in a lifetime activity that should be undertaken by everybody at some point in their lives. However not everyone can track mountain gorillas. There are rules and regulations that must be taken into consideration while tracking mountain gorillas. Read More
Visitors interested in a gorilla safari are often concerned about their safety in the Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. They are also concerned about safety in the parks and with the mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are extremely gentle when compared to other primates. Visitor are only allowed to track habituated gorilla families. Read More
Mountain gorillas look the same in all the gorilla tracking countries. The only differences may be felt in the experience while tracking in the different parks and with which gorilla group one is assigned.
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Depending on which country you decide to go for gorilla tracking, there are noticeable differences in how to access the gorilla parks. Some parks are far off from the main cities and will require more driving hours or crossing borders. Read More
The time taken tracking mountain gorillas will depend on the gorilla family assigned to the visitors, their location and the terrain leading to the family group. Read More
In order to have the most comfortable and memorable gorilla tracking session, you need to come with your gorilla Permit and Passport, hiking boots, the right hiking clothes, gloves, water, packed snack and a walking stick among other things. Read More
Choosing the right accommodation while on a gorilla tracking mission may not be as easy as it seems. There are numerous hotels operating around the gorilla parks that makes a final selection difficult and confusing. A lot of factors need to be taken into consideration including costs, reputation and proximity to the park. Fortunately Mission Africa Safaris can help you organize and select the very best depending on your budgets. Read More
So what happens on the day of the trek? Where and how will you reach the park? What is it like being around the gorillas. Where will the company guide pick you from after the activity? Read More
Porters can be very useful while tracking gorillas. They usually help with the extra luggage, heavy equipment and navigating difficult terrain. Read More
Tracking mountain gorillas is not the only activity you can do while within the park. There are many other activities that visitors can get involved in while in these beautiful parks. There is hiking one of the great volcanoes within the Virunga ranges, birdwatching, golden monkey tracking, nature walks, game drives and off course visiting the local communities. Read More
Its a requirement to have a valid gorilla permit in order to track mountain gorillas. Gorilla permits are on high demand and visitors need to book this important document many months in advance. You will be required to show your permit at the park. You need to be 15 years and above acquire a gorilla permit. Read More
The Volcanoes national park in Rwanda is located near the capital Kigali hence lowering driving time to park. The park now has 10 habituated gorilla groups and each gorilla permit costs 1500USD Read More
Gorilla tracking in The Democratic republic of Congo gives visitors a choice of 8 habituated gorilla groups. Past insecurity has taken a toll on the number of gorillas in the Virunga National Park but the numbers keep growing as security normalizes. Gorilla permits in Congo cost on 400USD and is the lowest. Read More
Uganda has the largest number of mountain gorillas in the world with 14 habituated gorilla groups. Uganda’s mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga Gorilla park. Tracking mountain gorillas costs 600US compared to 1500USD in Rwanda and 400USD in DR Congo. Read More
