Where do mountain gorillas live? | Gorilla safaris

Where Do Mountain Gorillas Live? A Complete Guide to Their Habitat and Range

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are among the world’s rarest primates. This guide answers the question: where do mountain gorillas live — covering their habitat, range, key national parks, and how to visit responsibly.

Quick answer

Mountain gorillas live only in two small regions of East and Central Africa: the Virunga Mountains (spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda.

The Virunga Mountains

The Virunga Mountains are a chain of volcanic peaks shared by three countries. Key parks include:

Volcanoes National Park — Rwanda (well-developed trekking infrastructure and many habituated groups)
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — Uganda (part of the Virunga range; quieter treks)
Virunga National Park — Democratic Republic of Congo (raw, biodiverse, and authentic)

These high-altitude forests (roughly 2,400–4,500 m) offer the cool, misty climate and dense bamboo and montane vegetation mountain gorillas rely on. For guided trips and permits, see monumental Expeditions and Safaris.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest sits in southwestern Uganda and, unlike the Virungas, is lower in elevation but intensely forested. Bwindi contains roughly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and is divided into trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. It’s renowned for rich biodiversity and accessibility.

Why these habitats?

Mountain gorillas require:

Abundant vegetation — bamboo, herbs, leaves, and roots
Cool, moist climate — suited to their thick fur
Dense forest cover — for feeding, nesting, and protection

Protected areas managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Rwanda Development Board, and ICCN (DRC) help maintain these critical habitats.

Where to trek mountain gorillas

Trekking is available in:

Uganda — Bwindi & Mgahinga (larger populations; cost-effective permits)
Rwanda — Volcanoes National Park (easy access from Kigali; premium experience)
DRC — Virunga National Park (wild, less-visited; travel conditions vary)

Book treks, permits, and guides through trusted operators. Start at: Monumental Expeditions and Safaris.

Conservation note

Mountain gorillas were once on the brink of extinction, but sustained conservation efforts have helped their numbers improve. Threats persist — habitat loss, human encroachment, and regional instability — so responsible tourism is vital. Learn more from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the IUCN Red List.

For trip planning, permits, and detailed itineraries visit Monumental Expeditions and Safaris.