How to Protect the Endangered Mountain Gorillas.: There are a number of ways to save the endangered mountain gorillas, so even as a visitor, you can help save the species. In the meantime, just three nations in the world-Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo-are home to severely endangered mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas can be trekked in two well-known locations in Uganda: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is situated in the southwest of the country, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which is home to more than 21 habituated gorilla families and half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Other well-known locations include Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo.
And as a result of the conservation efforts implemented in gorilla destinations, there are currently roughly 1063 mountain gorillas worldwide. Additionally, the following are some methods that you can assist conserve or protect the endangered mountain gorillas:
Raising Awareness
Even if you have never engaged in gorilla trekking, which is a crucial concept in gorilla conservation, it is still crucial to protect mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking
Trekking gorillas must first purchase a permit, and the funds obtained from the permit are utilized to safeguard the gorillas.
Contribution
You can donate money to a variety of conservation organizations that work to keep gorillas in their natural habitats.
Don’t go gorilla trekking when you’re sick;
Because mountain gorillas are susceptible to human diseases that could kill our beloved primates if they become infected, sick individuals are not permitted to trek with mountain gorillas. Therefore, when preparing for mountain gorilla trekking, make sure your body is in good health.
Regulations and guidelines must be adhered to.
Before setting out on the forest trailhead to look for gorillas, tourists are always given advice on how to adhere to the norms and regulations of gorilla trekking. It’s wise to abide by the guidelines that the park ranger has provided. There are numerous guidelines to adhere to, a few of them are as follows: You must maintain a 6- to 7-meter gap between you and the gorillas.
Because mountain gorillas are susceptible to human diseases, tourists who are unwell with the flu, diarrhea, or fever are not permitted to hike with them.
Trekkers must be at least 15 years old.
Encourage the local community
Residents of the majority of African national parks are skilled in creating handcrafted crafts, which draws many tourists to the area. Since the locals are the ones living in the nearby conservation zones, they typically sell to tourists on their gorilla trekking safari, protecting the mountain gorillas.
Maintaining sustainable timber, palm oil, and other environmentally beneficial products
Since other items are recyclable or environmentally friendly, sustainable sources are crucial for protecting significant forests.
Studying wildlife
While learning more about gorillas isn’t crucial, conservation calls for us to educate ourselves about all species and raise awareness among others. Gaining more knowledge about wildlife can help us safeguard humans and animals and lessen the global exotic pet trade.
Post this list on social media.
Everyone in your social network will understand the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats if you share an accurate mountain gorilla information list with them.
Participate in additional activities
The majority of visitors come to gorilla safari destinations specifically to do gorilla trekking, but there are many other exciting things to partake in, such as tracking golden monkeys, mountain climbing, and bird watching.
The money raised from these events also helps with gorilla trekking. All of the previously described knowledge tells us how to preserve or safeguard our beloved close cousins, “Endangered Mountain Gorillas,” which share 98% of our DNA.
Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is home to two gorilla species found nowhere else together: mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas, Gorilla beringei graueri) in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Virunga National Park – Africa’s oldest national park, established in 1925 – covers 7,900 km² of remarkable ecological diversity, from the volcanic peaks of the Virunga Massif to the glaciers of the Rwenzori Mountains and the tropical lowland forests of the Congo Basin. The park is also home to hippos, elephants, okapis, and the entire cast of Congo rainforest wildlife.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas – A Unique Encounter
The eastern lowland gorilla (Grauer’s gorilla) is the world’s largest subspecies of gorilla, with silverbacks weighing up to 220kg. Found only in the DRC, Grauer’s gorillas are considerably rarer than mountain gorillas – their population has declined by more than 70% since the 1990s due to conflict, habitat loss, and poaching. Kahuzi-Biega National Park in South Kivu offers the only reliable trekking experience with habituated Grauer’s gorilla families.
A gorilla permit in the DRC costs USD 400 per person – significantly cheaper than Rwanda (USD 1,500) or Uganda (USD 800). The experience is raw, off-the-beaten-track, and unforgettable for travellers seeking something genuinely uncommon.
Practical Information for DRC Gorilla Trekking
Getting to Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega
The most common entry point to eastern DRC is via Kigali, Rwanda. Goma – the gateway to Virunga National Park – is just 80km from Kigali. Direct flights from Nairobi and Kampala also serve Goma. Bukavu (gateway to Kahuzi-Biega) is accessible from Goma by road (3-4 hours) or by light aircraft.
Is it safe to trek gorillas in the DRC?
Security in eastern DRC is complex and fluctuates. Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega have experienced periods of closure due to armed group activity. Always check current security conditions with your tour operator and your government’s travel advisory before planning a DRC gorilla trek. Reputable operators with established local security networks are essential.
Recommended Tours: 8 Days Congo Gorillas & Nyiragongo Safari | 5 Days Lowland Gorilla Safari Congo
