Meet the Majestic Mountain Gorillas of Africa

Gorillas in general are believed to have evolved from monkeys and other apes in Arabia and Africa about 9 million years. After a period of time (about 2 million years ago), Eastern gorillas separated from the western gorillas in West and Central Africa. The eastern gorillas further split into what we now know as mountain gorillas (Guardians of the clouds) and eastern lowland gorillas 400,000 years ago. Discovering the Majestic Lives of Mountain Gorillas" sparks curiosity and admiration for mountain gorillas. It highlights their special homes in the high mountains, where they thrive in cool, misty conditions.

Meeting the Majestic Mountain Gorillas of Africa

This article encourages and connects readers to interact and learn about the interesting behaviors, social lives, and daily activities of these amazing animals. This part of the title invites us to ask questions and see how they interact with each other and their surroundings.

Where are Mountain Gorillas found?

Mountain gorillas are found only in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda has about half of the total mountain gorilla population, mainly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The mountain gorillas can be seen in the DR Congo’s Virunga National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. These areas provide the right environment for mountain gorillas, with high altitudes ranging from 7,200 to 14,100 feet. The cooler, cloudy conditions support dense vegetation, which is essential for their survival.

In contrast, lowland gorillas (both Eastern and Western) are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and other countries in West and Central Africa. There are over 250,000 western lowland gorillas, but only about 8,000 eastern lowland gorillas remain. Mountain gorillas get a lot of attention because they cannot survive in captivity like lowland gorillas. According to the last Gorilla Census in 2018, there are about 1,064 mountain gorillas left in the wild. For this reason, mountain gorillas are classified as endangered by the IUCN. You can also check out some interesting facts about mountain gorillas in our shorter article.

What Are the Chances of Seeing Mountain Gorillas?

This is perhaps the most common question we receive from tourists who are planning to go on gorilla safaris and yes, the chances of seeing the gorillas is very high. If it were not so, it would not be as popular as it is. We admit that Gorilla trekking permit is an expensive activity and tourists are always concerned about the chance of seeing the primates. There is so much to lose if you consider the price of a gorilla permit, airline tickets, accommodation, Visas, transport and equipment bought for the activity. The governments of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo invest heavily in the gorillas not only because they are endangered but also because they foreign exchange to the country.

What are Physical Characteristics of Mountain Gorillas?

Mountain gorillas have thicker fur than other types of gorillas in Africa, which helps them live in colder, higher areas. Adult male mountain gorillas are called silverbacks because of the silver hair on their backs. A female gorilla weighs around 100 kilograms, while a silverback can weigh about 195 kilograms. Silverbacks are also taller and much stronger than the largest human, but mountain gorillas are generally smaller than eastern lowland gorillas. The largest lowland gorilla recorded weighed 267 kilograms. Like all gorillas, each mountain gorilla has unique nose prints. They have dark brown eyes and longer hands than legs. While they can stand and walk upright, they usually move by knuckle-walking, using their fingers for support.

What Do Mountain Gorillas Eat?

Mountain gorillas are active during the day, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, spending most of their time eating plants, fruits, and insects. They eat the most in the morning, take a break around noon for grooming and socializing, and eat again in the afternoon. During the midday rest, you can often see young gorillas playing and having fun.

How Do Mountain Gorillas Sleep?

As night comes, each adult builds a nest from leaves and other plants on the ground, and infants share a nest with their mothers. Mountain gorillas mostly stay on the ground and will climb trees only for fruit if the tree can hold their weight. They avoid climbing too much because falling from branches can be dangerous. They are afraid of certain insects, like caterpillars, and reptiles, such as chameleons, although the reason is unclear. They also dislike water and rain, crossing streams only if they can use fallen logs.

How Do Mountain Gorillas Live?

Mountain gorillas live in stable groups led by a dominant silverback male. These groups are social and stay together longer than other gorilla families. Females may leave the group when they mature to join other groups or start with a lone male. Some females may switch groups several times before settling down. Mating is usually started by a female when she is fertile. Mountain gorilla groups don’t have specific territories. The silverback mainly defends the group against intruders. About 36% of these groups have more than one silverback, but the dominant male is the leader and gets the most attention. He decides where the group goes and what food to eat. He also helps resolve conflicts and protects the group from threats like other gorillas, leopards, or humans.

If a female gorilla dies or leaves, the silverback looks after her young. A silverback can help remove snares from group members. The death of a silverback can disrupt the group, leading to splitting or finding a new leader. If a new silverback comes from another group, he might harm the infants of the deceased male. Most of the females in a group will remain loyal to the dominant silverback for life.  Everyone in the group tries to be on his good books by behaving well and involving him in their games if he shows interest. He dictates the movement of the group and chooses the best feeding grounds.

Is It Safe to Visit Mountain Gorillas?

Yes, it is, as long as you follow the gorilla trekking rules. Mountain gorillas are very calm and peaceful unless threatened. To avoid irritating them, keep a distance of about 7 meters even when they approach you always stick with your group under the leadership of the park rangers and guides.

Wrap Up: Meeting the Majestic Mountain Gorillas of Africa

Mountain gorillas are interesting animals that are well-suited to their cold, high-altitude homes. Each gorilla has unique nose prints and they usually move by knuckle-walking. Their daily lives focus on eating, socializing, and building close relationships within their groups. Despite their strength, mountain gorillas are gentle, shy and tend to avoid conflict unless necessary they only show aggression when threatened or faced with another group, they do not cause harm to humans and trekking to see them in the wild is generally considered to be safe. Besides being gentle, they are also habituated and accustomed to human presence.

What about you, have you ever met a mountain gorilla? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!

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ABOUTME

We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.