Mountain gorillas live only in a small area of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC. Habituated families can be visited for one hour with a permit, and the permit fees pay for their protection. Their numbers have risen thanks to this model.
Best places to see it
UgandaBwindi Impenetrable National Park
Ancient rainforest that is home to around half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb 2 to 3 nights
RwandaVolcanoes National Park
Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes.
Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb 2 to 3 nights
Where to see it
- Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
- Mgahinga, Uganda
Our destination guides: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · Volcanoes National Park
Best time
Dry seasons, about June to September and December to February.
Tips
- Stay at least the required distance and wear a mask if asked.
- Do not trek if you are ill; gorillas catch human diseases.
Did you know?
- A silverback can weigh more than twice as much as an adult man.
- Gorillas build a new nest to sleep in every night.
Conservation status: Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Check iucnredlist.org for the latest assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see the mountain gorilla in Africa?
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda; Mgahinga, Uganda.
Is the mountain gorilla endangered?
It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Have you been to Mountain gorilla?
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