Mountain Gorillas Baby Boom in Uganda’s Forested National Parks

Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Uganda
An Infant gorilla with its Mother in Bwindi, Uganda. Photo by Bishop Skyler

Updates from Uganda’s mountain gorillas national parks indicate an increase in births with six mountain gorilla babies having been born in just six weeks. 5 baby  gorillas have been born in Bwindi Impenetrable national park in the different sectors of the park and 1 baby gorilla in Mgahinga gorilla park.

About Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are endangered primate species that live in the forested mountains of East and central Africa. Their population had declined due to poaching, human encroachment on their habitats and civil wars. After several conservation efforts, the total mountain gorilla population has increased steadily now estimated at 1063 gorillas.

East Africa is a home to these primates living in the forested mountains of Uganda, Rwanda and DRC.

Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest has the highest gorilla population of all the gorilla destinations. The park has over 15 habituated mountain gorilla groups that are open to tourist visitation. With the new and increased gorilla births we just hope for the best especially for conservation and gorilla tourism.

Gorilla Trekking

Those interested in mountain gorilla tracking  can have a gorilla tour arranged to one of the destinations.

While on the mountain gorilla trek, tourists are allowed in the presence of mountain gorillas for strictly one hour. This helps to limit contact to avoid disease spreading among gorillas and humans.  Mountain gorillas have 95% DNA similar to humans with chances of transmitting diseases easily if interaction is not limited.

In case you want more time with the gorillas in then you can opt for a mountain gorilla habituation experience. This experience is where gorillas are accustomed to human beings presence in the wild. Tourists on the gorilla habituation experience stay for 4 hours in the presence of the gorillas.

Note is that mountain gorilla tours are on high demand with need to book gorilla permits in advance. The gorilla permits usually get sold out in the high season from June to September and from December to March.

You can have a mountain gorilla tour arranged anytime and visit one of the two gorilla parks in Uganda.  The best gorilla trekking experiences can be had in the dry season with minimal rainfall disturbances.

Mountain Gorilla Census Reveals an Increase in Population

Mountain Gorilla in Democratic Republic of Congo
Mountain Gorilla in Virunga National Park. Photo by Blue Skye Photos

A mountain gorilla census was conducted in 2018 in Bwindi Impenetrable forest in Uganda and Sarambwe reserve in the DRC.  This was aimed at establishing the mountain gorilla population in the two primates wildlife ecosystems. The mountain gorilla census results were released in December 2019 showing a steady increase of the mountain gorilla population. This is from an estimated 400 in the 2011 census to 459 as per the released results in December 2019.

With this, total mountain gorilla population is now estimated at 1063 gorillas when combined with those in the Virunga massif. The Virunga massif covers Volcanoes national park Rwanda, Mgahinga gorilla park Uganda and Virunga national park in DRC.

The Conservation Journey

The mountain gorilla conservation journey has not been an easy one but has over time yielded positive results. The population increase portrays conservation efforts as in 1980’s the population in the Virunga massif was as low as 240.

Many gorillas were killed in civil wars, poached and disease since they have a DNA similar to humans. The mountain gorilla habitats had been also encroached on which affected them further making their numbers shrink this low.

At the time, mountain gorillas had been listed as critically endangered primates species by the IUCN. There was therefore urgent need for mountain gorilla conservation to restore numbers and habitats for them.

A 2016 mountain gorilla census of the Virunga massif indicated gorilla population increase from 240 in the 1980’s to 604. With this, the mountain gorillas status in the IUCN Red list records was changed from critically endangered to endangered.

Mountain gorilla conservation has been supported by collaborative efforts from wildlife authorities in the 3 countries with the Mountain gorillas. With teams from these countries, surveys are easily done and with information sharing it makes the whole work very easy.

There has been more continued support from government and mountain gorilla conservation organizations like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Mountain Gorilla Tourism

The forested mountains of Bwindi and Virunga massif have habituated mountain gorilla families that are open to tourist visitation.

Because of need for conservation, only 8 tourists are allowed to track one mountain gorilla family per day. These tourists buy gorilla permits and part of the money from gorilla permits is used in mountain gorilla conservation.

Another percentage of the money from gorilla permits is given back to the community around the mountain gorilla national parks. This is because these people around where initially forest dwellers who entirely depended on the forests for livelihood. They were now resettled at the edge of the national parks to reduce on gorilla habitat encroachment and poaching.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

 A gorilla tour to the misty mountains offers remarkable encounters that most tourists term as once in a life time experience.  Mountain gorilla tours  always leave lasting African safari  and primate tracking memories. 

A gorilla trek can be done any time of the year guided by trained ranger guides in gorilla national parks.

Mountain gorilla tours and safaris are on high demand therefore gorilla permits easily get fully booked. The peak travel seasons from July to September and from December to March is the most busy one.

You can have a Rwanda gorilla tour in Volcanoes national park that is a 3 hours drive from Kigali.  A Uganda gorilla tour can be enjoyed in Bwindi or Mgahinga gorilla park all located in the southwestern part of the country. Lastly, you can visit Virunga for a Virunga gorilla tour in DRC’s Virunga national park. 

We advocate for more conservation efforts towards all wildlife species including the endangered mountain gorillas.  We hope that in the next mountain gorilla census we will notice a further increase in the population. A number of baby gorilla births have been recorded in the three major mountain gorilla national parks.

Rwanda Discounted Mountain Gorilla Permits

Mountain Gorilla. Rwanda Safari Journeys
Mountain Gorilla in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. Photo By Eric Manzi

Information from Kigali indicate that Rwanda Development Board announced discounted mountain gorilla permits for the post lock-down period. This is aimed at boosting local and regional tourism after several months of lock-downs where international flights were halted.

Before the COVID19 outbreak, tourism in Rwanda was normal and gorilla permits costed $1500 per person for all tourists. Now East African community citizens including the local Rwandans can be able to track mountain gorillas at only $200.  Foreign Residents in Rwanda can track gorillas at $500 if they present a valid work permit or resident ID.

Discounted Mountain gorilla permits is a great move that has given an opportunity to local Rwandans to track gorillas. There is an increase in the local tourists visiting Volcanoes National Park Rwanda specifically for Mountain Gorilla trekking.

Note that the discounted mountain gorilla permits offer is only valid until 31st December 2020.

New International Arrival Regulations

Kigali international airport is now open for international tourists who are required to present COVID19 negative results. These must tested not later than 72 hours before their flight to Rwanda from a credible health facility.

On arrival, tourists are further subjected to another COVID19 test with results presented within 24 hours. Here as they wait from a designated hotel before engaging in any tourist activities in the country. All these are safety measures aimed at ensuring the safety of the tourists and local Rwandan community

For international travellers, mountain gorilla permits still cost $1500 per person.  To avoid any disturbances, fill personal locator form because if you don’t, you will not be allowed on flight.

About Mountain Gorilla Tracking

Note that mountain gorilla trekking adventures can only be taken by individuals that are 15 years and above. Due to high demand of gorilla tours, ensure to book gorilla permits in advance as they easily get fully booked.

On the day of gorilla tracking, report at Volcanoes national park headquarters for a briefing. This is done by ranger guides who communicate rules and regulations to follow while in the forested mountains. After briefing, you are led to the forest to start your mountain gorilla trek.

Mountain gorilla tracking takes 1 to 6 hours depending on the movement of the gorilla family you are after. Once you get to the gorillas, you will be allowed to be in their presence for one hour.  You will get to know more about gorillas, taking photos and getting more information about the primates ecosystem.

Why A Post Covid 19 Lock-down Wildlife Safari in East Africa is Essential 

When the COVID19 pandemic outbreak was announced in December 2019, travel and tourism plus wildlife safari adventures were greatly affected.  These came to a standstill once governments instituted lock-downs prohibiting travel and social gatherings within the same country or town. For nature lovers, this was a setback as lock-downs were extended over a long time of up to 5 months.

As lock-downs are being eased and tourism slowly taking pace, a post COVID19 lock-down wildlife safari is very ideal.  The East African region is known worldwide for its wildlife wonders offering unique wildlife safari experiences.

Since lock-down was instated, there has been limited tourism activities in East African national parks enabling rejuvenation of wildlife. A wildlife safari to any of East Africa’s national parks now will be enjoyable offering fresh and exclusive encounters. We have listed some of the leading safari destinations you can opt for to revive your tourism love.  

Volcanoes National park, Rwanda

Volcanoes national park situated in the northwestern part of Rwanda about a 3 hours drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. The national park is a home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, over 180 bird species.

Mountain gorillas and golden monkey tracking are leading wildlife safari activities done in this park offering outstanding primate encounters. The mountain gorilla tracking experience starts with a briefing about the regulations to follow while in the forest. Tourists are then led to the forest as they enjoy the sound of nature from the birds and small insects. The hike takes 2 to 6 hours depending on the movement of the mountain gorilla. Tourists are given an hour in the presence of the gorillas taking photos keeping a 7 meters distance from them.

Gorillas have 95% DNA similar to humans therefore meeting gorillas in the wild is a unique man and wildlife encounter. This an excellent way of getting over the anxiety that pilled over during the COVID19 lock-down.  

Golden monkey tracking also starts with a briefing and then tourists are guided to the forest to meet them. Golden monkeys are covered in golden fur and live in the bamboo forest. They are pure vegetarians that mostly feed on bamboo shoots. For birders, you can’t miss out on seeing the major bird species while on a guided walk.

Mountain Gorilla- Wildlife Safari Rwanda
Gorilla in Volcanoes NP. Photo by Eric Manzi

Other Wildlife Safari Adventures in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes national park has a number of mountains where one can do hiking for those interested in mountain climbing. Mount Bisoke has a crater lake and can be hiked in one day (a return trip). There is also Mount Karisimbi that is hiked in two days, spending a night in the mountain. While on the mountain hikes you are rewarded with scenic views of the Virunga volcanoes and the surrounding environment.

The views are priceless and refreshing therefore ensure to include volcanoes national park on your post COVID19 wildlife safari destinations. Remember to wear a mask and test for COVID19 because mountain gorillas can contact human diseases and need protection.

Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda

This beautiful safari destination is located in western Uganda just 4 hours drive from Kampala Uganda’s capital city. Lake Mburo National park has diverse wildlife species savanna wildlife like antelopes, over 315 bird species.

The park is an ideal escape for a post COVID19 lock-down with game drives where most wildlife is seen. Boat cruises are done on lake Mburo where you see animals especially hippos that spend time in the shallow waters. You can have guided nature walks here bringing you up-closer to animals like zebras and antelopes.  

There is horseback riding in this beautiful park with horses owned by Mihingo lodge.  Ensure to book for this activity in advance as priority is given to Mihingo Lodge guests. You can also do a cycling wildlife safari in the park but should also be booked in advance.  Lake Mburo national park is situated near the Ankole community where one can have a cultural experience.  You will get an opportunity to milk a cow and get to know more about the local people’s culture.

The park is easily accessed by road and the nearest savanna park to get to from Kampala. For those looking for relaxing nature encounters after lock-down, there could be no other option than this.

Lake Mburo National Park. Wildlife Safari Uganda
Views of Lake Mburo NP from Mihingo Lodge Swimming Pool

Akagera National Park, Rwanda

If in Kigali you can also visit Akagera National park that is located in the eastern part of Rwanda. This is only Savanna national park in Rwanda with Africa’s finest wildlife species. Often seen animals include lions, Rhinos, Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, leopards, antelopes including Topis, water-bucks among others.

The park offers an opportunity for a boat cruise along lake Ihema where you see crocodiles and hippos.  There are also as primates like baboons and various bird species in Akagera national park.  Major activities in this park include game drives, boat cruises along Lake Ihema and birding excursions.

Those who want to stay overnight in the park can stay in the major lodges in the park.  The lodges in Akagera national park include Akagera game lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp and the new Magashi Camp.

The time people have spent without working because of the lock-down has left many bankrupt which has greatly affected tourism. The above suggested post COVID19 wildlife safari destinations can be explored in a day a thus less spending yet enjoying. If your budget allows, you can spend a night in the park as people have been locked down for long. A night or day excursion in the park is very important at this point in time for nature lovers.