Mountain gorilla trekking can only be done in Uganda and Rwanda at the moment. In Uganda mountain gorilla trekking can be done in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park as well as Mgahinga national park. Mountain gorillas live in families of about 2 to 35 with a dominant male silverback gorilla and a couple of other males and females. With 99% of their genes similar to that of humans, mountain gorillas are the closest relatives to humans. Their populations numbers about 720 in the wild and this is due to a great conservation effort which started way back with individuals efforts and late international conservation groups joined with the aid of the three governments of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Rwanda, gorilla tour packages are carried out in Parc Des Volcanoes national park. The government of Rwanda has put a lot of effort in the conservation of mountain gorillas and has won a number of international awards.
Mgahinga national park being close to Rwanda and adjoining Par des Volcanoes sometimes sees the migration of these gentle giants into Rwanda. Gorilla safari brings in lots of foreign exchange for both Rwanda and Uganda annually. Gorilla safari packages includes trekking in groups of only 8 -10 individuals and can only be done in families that have been habituated. There are a number of habituated mountain gorilla families in Uganda where trekking can be done.
In our next post I will give you pointers on how to get gorilla trekking permits as well as the rules and regulations on when doing a gorilla safari.
