How Many Mountain Gorillas Are in Uganda?

Discover the Wonders of Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safaris

How many mountain gorillas are in Uganda? This question sparks the curiosity of many nature lovers, conservationists, and travelers planning a life-changing Uganda safari. Uganda, a country often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. As of the most recent census, over 459 mountain gorillas reside in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with an additional group found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, making Uganda the top destination for Uganda Gorilla Trekking.

A wildlife safari in Uganda not only includes the magical encounter with these majestic primates but also invites you to explore a diverse range of ecosystems teeming with lions, elephants, hippos, and over 1,000 bird species. BLS Safaris offers immersive safari packages that combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with other unforgettable experiences like Chimpanzee Tracking, Rwanda tours, and cultural encounters with indigenous communities.

Whether you dream of embarking on a Gorilla Trekking Rwanda tour or combining it with the rich wildlife offerings of Uganda, this article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the status of mountain gorillas in Uganda and how you can responsibly experience their world.

Exceptional East Africa Safari Packages with Gorilla Trekking

• Kenya Uganda Rwanda Tour
• 10 Days Kenya Uganda Safari
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• Kenya Uganda Rwanda Safari
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• 12 Days Kenya Uganda Safari
• 12 Days Rwanda Kenya Safari
• 2-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
• 3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
• 3-Day Rwanda Chimps Tracking
• 4-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari
• Private Rwanda Gorilla Trek
• 5-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari
• 6-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking
• 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Safari
• Discover Rwanda Primates
• 7-Day Uganda Safari
• 7-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari
• 8-Day African Safari Holiday
• 8-Day Best Uganda Safari
• 9 Days Uganda Adventure Tour
• 9 Days Uganda Kenya Safari

Uganda Rwanda Experiences

Uganda: Home to Half of the World’s Mountain Gorillas

Mountain Gorilla Population and Their Protected Habitats

When asking, “How many mountain gorillas are in Uganda?”, it’s essential to look beyond just the numbers. According to the latest mountain gorilla census conducted across the Virunga Massif and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda alone boasts over 50% of the global mountain gorilla population, with more than 459 individuals thriving in Bwindi and others residing in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These gorillas are found in well-monitored, habituated families, which are accessible to visitors through Uganda Gorilla Trekking expeditions.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the epicenter of Uganda Gorilla Trekking, offering the highest concentration of gorilla families in a naturally preserved, lush tropical rainforest. Mgahinga, though smaller, is equally rewarding and forms part of the broader Virunga Conservation Area, which also extends into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This region is globally renowned for both Uganda safaris and Gorilla Trekking Rwanda adventures.

BLS Safaris organizes expertly guided gorilla safaris to these two parks, giving travelers the rare opportunity to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat while supporting ongoing conservation efforts. Whether you’re starting your journey in Entebbe or combining it with a Rwanda tour, our Uganda Gorilla Trekking packages are tailored to include the best trekking trails and cultural highlights.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Beyond: More than Just Gorillas

Wildlife Safaris, Chimpanzee Tracking & Cultural Immersion

While the focus often lies on the iconic question—How many mountain gorillas are in Uganda?—the country has so much more to offer. After enjoying an unforgettable Uganda Gorilla Trekking experience, many travelers extend their itineraries with a wildlife safari in top destinations such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley National Park. Here, visitors are treated to classic African safari scenes: lions lounging under acacia trees, elephants crossing the savannah, and crocodiles basking along the Nile River.

Another unmissable experience is Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of East Africa. Home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, Kibale offers one of the best opportunities in Africa to track and observe our closest genetic relatives. The tracking experience is often paired with a Bigodi Swamp Walk, which reveals a rich diversity of birdlife and smaller primates.

But it’s not all about wildlife. Uganda is a land of over 50 ethnic groups, and a well-rounded Uganda safari often includes vibrant cultural experiences. Guests can engage with the Batwa pygmies in Bwindi, the Bakiga tribes, or participate in traditional music and dance performances, basket weaving workshops, and local culinary experiences. BLS Safaris seamlessly weaves these elements into each itinerary to offer a holistic understanding of Uganda’s cultural tapestry.

Combining Uganda Gorilla Trekking with wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and cultural immersions makes for a truly transformative travel experience. Whether it’s your first time visiting Africa or a return journey, the thrill of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is best complemented by exploring Uganda’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage.

The Rising Popularity of Rwanda Tours and Cross-Border Gorilla Safaris

Combining Rwanda Gorilla Trekking with Uganda Safaris

The question, “How many mountain gorillas are in Uganda?”, also opens doors to cross-border exploration. Uganda’s position as a primate haven makes it an ideal partner for Rwanda safaris, particularly for travelers interested in Gorilla Trekking Rwanda. With just a short drive from Kigali to Bwindi (about 4-5 hours), many visitors opt for fly-in or drive-in itineraries that combine the best of both countries.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, home to around 300 mountain gorillas, offers another exceptional destination for gorilla trekking. Rwanda’s permits are higher in cost compared to Uganda’s (USD 1,500 vs. USD 800), but the convenience of shorter treks and luxurious lodging options attract many high-end travelers. BLS Safaris offers customizable packages that let you experience Gorilla Trekking Rwanda, followed by Uganda Gorilla Trekking, for a deeper appreciation of gorilla conservation across borders.

Moreover, Rwanda tours also include historical and cultural landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, ethnographic museums, and local coffee and tea experiences. By combining Rwanda tours with a Uganda safari, travelers benefit from a rich and varied East African adventure that balances primate encounters, wildlife viewing, and cultural discovery.

These combination safaris are designed for those seeking an immersive, educational, and luxurious journey through two of Africa’s most beautiful countries. Whether you want to start in Rwanda and end in Uganda or vice versa, BLS Safaris ensures every aspect of your adventure flows smoothly.

Conservation, Permits, and Responsible Travel

Gorilla Permit Costs, Age Restrictions, and Sustainable Tourism

Answering the question “How many mountain gorillas are in Uganda?” is also closely tied to conservation success stories and the ongoing need for sustainable tourism. Uganda’s remarkable gorilla population has grown steadily thanks to collaborative conservation initiatives between Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), local communities, and global partners.

To participate in Uganda Gorilla Trekking, visitors must acquire a gorilla trekking permit, which costs USD 800 per person per trek. These permits not only regulate the number of tourists visiting the gorillas each day (only 8 people per group per day) but also contribute directly to conservation efforts and local community development. Individuals must be 15 years or older to engage in gorilla trekking activities in both Uganda and Rwanda.

At BLS Safaris, we promote responsible travel by working closely with local communities, hiring knowledgeable guides, and educating our guests on wildlife etiquette. Our tours support community-based tourism programs, such as the Ride 4 a Woman initiative in Buhoma or the Batwa Trail in Mgahinga, which empower marginalized communities through tourism.

If you’re planning a Rwanda safari or Uganda safari, consider choosing an operator that prioritizes sustainability. Combining Uganda Gorilla Trekking with cultural tourism and eco-lodges not only enhances your experience but also ensures that gorilla populations continue to thrive for generations to come.

Conclusion: Why Uganda Is the Ultimate Destination for Gorilla Trekking

Book Your Uganda Safari Today with BLS Safaris

So, how many mountain gorillas are in Uganda? With over 459 gorillas living in protected national parks, Uganda proudly stands as the top destination for gorilla trekking in the world. But the experience doesn’t stop there. With BLS Safaris, your journey can include thrilling wildlife safaris, heartwarming cultural encounters, awe-inspiring chimpanzee tracking, and even a combination tour with Gorilla Trekking Rwanda.

Whether you are a solo traveler, a family on a life-affirming adventure, or a couple seeking an unforgettable honeymoon, Uganda offers everything an African safari promises—authentic wildlife, stunning landscapes, and deep-rooted cultures. With customized itineraries and expert local guides, BLS Safaris ensures that your Uganda Gorilla Trekking journey is not only seamless but also deeply enriching.

Let the answer to “How many mountain gorillas are in Uganda?” inspire you to witness their beauty firsthand. Contact BLS Safaris today to begin planning your life-changing Uganda safari and become part of a growing global effort to protect these magnificent creatures.