Do Mountain Gorillas Live in Uganda?

Uganda is one of the most remarkable wildlife destinations on the planet — especially for travelers dreaming of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild. But many people still ask:

Do mountain gorillas live in Uganda?

The short answer is yes — absolutely! Uganda is one of the only places in the world where you can find these magnificent primates thriving in their natural habitat. In fact, Uganda is home to nearly half of the remaining mountain gorillas on Earth — making it a top safari destination for wildlife lovers.

In this comprehensive, SEO-friendly article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about mountain gorillas in Uganda, including where they live, why Uganda is such an important conservation home, how gorilla trekking works, the best places to see them, and how Monumental Expeditions and Safaris can help you plan the adventure of a lifetime.

What Are Mountain Gorillas?

Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are one of the most iconic and endangered species of great apes in the world. They are a subspecies of the Eastern gorilla and are distinguished by their:

Thick, long fur — adapted for living in cold, mountainous forests
Larger size compared to other gorilla subspecies
Complex social structures led by a silverback male

These incredible animals spend their days feeding on vegetation, building nests from leaves and branches, and moving through dense montane rainforests.

Mountain gorillas are classified as endangered, and thanks to decades of conservation efforts, their numbers have increased to over 1,000 individuals worldwide — a major success story for wildlife protection.

Where Do Mountain Gorillas Live?

Mountain gorillas are found only in East-Central Africa, in a few isolated mountain forest regions.

Three Main Areas

They live exclusively within two key regions:

The Virunga Mountains — a chain of volcanoes spanning:
- Uganda (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park),
- Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), and
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (Virunga National Park).
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — entirely within Uganda.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — also in Uganda.

Uganda’s Mountain Gorilla Population

Uganda is uniquely important because:

A significant portion of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live within its borders.
Mountaintop forests in Bwindi and Mgahinga provide essential habitat not found anywhere else on Earth.

In Uganda alone you can find dozens of habituated gorilla families, meaning they are accustomed to the presence of humans — which makes gorilla trekking safaris both possible and unforgettable.

Why Uganda Is a Top Destination for Mountain Gorilla Safaris

A. Home to Half the Remaining Gorillas

Uganda hosts nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, with a large number residing in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and some in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

B. Diverse and Ancient Forests

Both Bwindi and Mgahinga are home to dense montane rainforests with rich biodiversity and varied terrain — perfect for gorillas and thrilling for trekkers.

C. Conservation Success Story

Thanks to ongoing protection efforts by Uganda Wildlife Authority and conservation organizations, mountain gorilla populations are slowly rising, bucking the historical trend of decline.

Gorilla trekking

Key Places to See Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is the most famous gorilla destination in Uganda — and likely the world.

A UNESCO World Heritage site Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the only places in the world where you can trek to see mountain gorillas in the wild. The name “Bwindi” actually means “the place of darkness” — a reference to the dense canopy that gives this forest its mysterious allure.

Why Visit Bwindi?

Largest population of habituated mountain gorillas in Uganda
Multiple sectors for gorilla trekking such as Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo
Rich biodiversity with other primates and bird species
Immersive tropical rainforest experience

Each gorilla group treks differently — sometimes it’s a short walk from the trailhead, while other times the trek can take several hours up steep forest terrain. Once found, visitors spend a limited but unforgettable hour with the gorillas.

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is smaller than Bwindi but equally compelling:

It protects part of the Virunga volcanic mountain range.
Offers gorilla trekking in a less crowded setting.

This park often has a habituated group of mountain gorillas known as the Nyakagezi group — and sometimes the same gorillas range between Mgahinga and neighboring Rwanda.

Mgahinga offers a great combination of wildlife viewing and scenery, with lush forest paths and towering volcanic peaks.

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda

What to Expect

When you go on a gorilla safari in Uganda, especially with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, you’ll experience:

A guided hike through dense forest with expert trackers
The thrill of locating a gorilla family
One hour observing gorillas up close in their natural world
Respectful photography from a safe distance
A deeper understanding of conservation and primate behavior

Rules and Safety

To protect both visitors and gorillas:

Visits are limited to one hour per gorilla group.
Small groups (typically 8 people maximum) are allowed near the gorillas.
You must keep a safe distance and follow all ranger and guide instructions to minimize risk of disease transmission.

Gorilla Trekking Permits and Costs

One of the most important parts of planning a gorilla trek is securing your permit.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit

Standard permit for foreign non-residents: Around $800 USD per person.
Number of permits is limited and must be booked well in advance.

These fees support both gorilla conservation and local communities, making your safari a direct contributor to wildlife protection and rural development.

Conservation and the Future of Mountain Gorillas

The story of mountain gorillas is one of resilience. Once perilously close to extinction, sustained efforts by governments and conservation organizations have helped stabilize and grow populations in Uganda and beyond.

Tourism revenue — especially through gorilla trekking permits — is a major factor in funding conservation. Revenue is often shared with local communities near the parks, giving people incentives to protect gorillas rather than encroach on their habitat.

However, threats remain, including:

Habitat loss
Human encroachment
Disease transmission
Climate impacts

These challenges make responsible tourism all the more important.

Monumental Expeditions and Safaris — Your Gorilla Safari Expert

At Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, we specialize in creating unforgettable mountain gorilla safaris in Uganda. Whether you want:

A luxury gorilla trekking experience,
A combined safari with other wildlife parks,
Or a custom itinerary centered around gorillas,

we tailor your adventure to your interests and budget.

What We Offer

✔ Expert planning and logistics
✔ Gorilla trekking permit assistance
✔ Local guides with unmatched knowledge
✔ Customized safari routes
✔ Comfortable accommodations near gorilla parks
✔ Conservation-focused travel experiences

With Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, you’re not just buying a tour — you’re embarking on a journey that supports wildlife protection and ecological sustainability.

Practical Tips for Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Book permits months in advance — availability is limited.
Train physically — hikes can take several hours.
Pack appropriately — sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, water, and layers for cool forest temperatures.
Respect park guidelines for safety and conservation.

Conclusion — Yes, Mountain Gorillas Live in Uganda!

Yes — mountain gorillas live in Uganda, and this remarkable East African nation is one of the best places on Earth to see them up close in the wild. With two iconic parks — Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — Uganda offers unforgettable experiences for wildlife travelers.

Traveling with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris ensures a seamless, responsible, and deeply rewarding gorilla trekking adventure that supports both conservation and local communities.

Start planning your journey to meet the gentle giants of Uganda’s forests — the mountain gorillas — and discover why this experience remains one of the world’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters.