How many Mountain Gorillas are left in the wild in 2025 - 2026
How many Mountain Gorillas are left in the wild in 2025 – 2026 , the population of mountain gorillas, which is classified as endangered, has consistently risen in the years leading up to 2025 and 2026. Mountain gorillas are the sole great apes experiencing a population increase, prompting inquiries regarding their remaining numbers in the wild in 2025. The overall population of mountain gorillas in their natural habitats of the tropical rainforests in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is believed to be 1,063 individuals. This represents the highest population of mountain gorillas since the inception of their conservation efforts.
The total population of mountain gorillas remaining in the wild by 2025 is based on the most recent census conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Sarambwe Forest Reserve in 2018. The numerous births in the habitats during the last years have undoubtedly resulted in population growth. The mountain gorilla population is commonly classified as endangered due to its dwindling numbers. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List), established in 1964, is the most extensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species, classifying mountain gorillas as endangered.
Previously, mountain gorillas were classified as severely endangered due to their extinction risk. Due to the rise in the mountain gorilla population to around 800, their status was changed from critically endangered to endangered.
Since its discovery in 1902, the mountain gorilla subspecies has faced prolonged challenges including warfare, poaching, habitat degradation, and disease; risks so critical that extinction was anticipated by the close of the twentieth century. Nevertheless, a demographic formerly regarded as highly vulnerable perceived a promising future a few years ago due to the rising population figures.
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Where to go for trekking mountain gorillas in Africa - What is the estimated population of mountain gorillas in the wild in 2025?
The Mountain gorilla population is spread between the Bwindi forest and the Virunga massif. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southern Uganda and constitutes the largest habitat for gorillas. The last census recorded 459 mountain gorillas. Nevertheless, following the many births subsequent to the census, the total is undoubtedly greater than that.
The Virunga massif is a mountain range that spans the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorillas reside in three distinct parks, each located in a separate country. These include Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park. There are 604 mountain gorillas residing in these parks.
3 days Budget gorilla trekking in Rwanda starts form Kigali and ends in volcanoes national park, to visit Rwanda
1-day gorilla trekking from Kisoro allows primate enthusiasts to experience mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The 1 Day kigali city tour itinerary takes you on an unforgettable journey across Kigali capital city of Rwanda.
9 Days Gorillas, Wildlife and Chimpanzee Tour takes you on an ultimate safari Adventure in Rwanda.
The Mountain gorilla population is spread between the Bwindi forest and the Virunga massif. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southern Uganda and constitutes the largest habitat for gorillas. The last census recorded 459 mountain gorillas. Nevertheless, following the many births subsequent to the census, the total is undoubtedly greater than that.
The Virunga massif is a mountain range that spans the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorillas reside in three distinct parks, each located in a separate country. These include Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park. There are 604 mountain gorillas residing in these parks.
In 2025, the overall population of mountain gorillas remaining in the wild is predominantly acclimated, making them accustomed to human presence and hence quite safe to observe on gorilla tracking safaris.
Given the rising population of mountain gorillas, trekking is an activity you should prioritize on safaris in Uganda. Given their existence in their natural habitat, one must organize a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, a gorilla tour in Rwanda, or a gorilla safari in Congo. Travelers may reserve a gorilla tracking safari or integrate it with other safaris in Uganda and tours in Rwanda, encompassing activities such as wildlife observation, birdwatching, or various adventure excursions.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Uganda is a year-round tourist destination for all travelers intending to explore the country. Gorilla trekking is a highly sought-after safari activity, with Uganda being the premier location due to its hosting of half the global population of mountain gorillas. Uganda has two distinct seasons: the dry season, often known as the peak or high season, and the wet or rainy season, referred to as the low season. The dry season consistently incurs high travel costs, but the low season results in the closure of several lodges, rendering it a more economical period for gorilla trekking.
Uganda experiences two dry seasons: from June to October and from January to February. The optimal period for gorilla trekking in Uganda and its national parks is currently underway. June and July represent the peak months for gorilla trekking.
Uganda experiences two rainy seasons, similar to many East African nations: the long rainy season and the short wet season. The brief rainy season occurs from late October to mid-December, while the prolonged rainy season, characterized by substantial precipitation, commences in late February and continues until the end of May. Frequent downpours, however brief, consistently render the trekking routes muddy and hazardous, often causing hikers to forfeit the entire gorilla trekking experience during the rainy season.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a premier tourism attraction conducted in Volcanoes National Park inside the Virunga region. This is the most coveted safari activity in the country, with a significant likelihood of encountering primates during the journey. Rwanda has two distinct seasons, the dry season and the wet season, which dictate the optimal months for gorilla trekking in the country.
The dry season, referred to as the peak season, has two distinct periods in Volcanoes National Park: the short dry season (December to February) and the long dry season (June to September).
The wet season consists of two periods: the short rains from October to November and the lengthy rains from March to May. Intense rainfall typically occurs at the end of March and throughout April; thus, we recommend avoiding these months if feasible.
