Mountain Gorillas in Congo; Facts, Habitat, Characteristics
Mountain Gorillas in Congo; Facts, Habitat, Characteristics, and Behavior. Virunga National Park in eastern Congo is home to some of the world’s last mountain gorillas. Neighboring Rwanda and Uganda also have some mountain gorillas and together their population is more than 1,000.
The exploitation of the resource-rich Virunga mountains, where around one-third of the world’s mountain gorillas reside, poses a threat to the species’ survival. The ultimate treasure of the Congo is this majestic giant ape, which is both less common and more beautiful than oil or gold.
Mountain Gorilla Facts in Congo
Mountain Gorilla Habitat
Over one-third of the estimated 1,000 remaining mountain gorillas live in the protected forests of Virunga National Park. Compared to their eastern lowland cousins, mountain gorillas have thick hair, an adaptation that protects them against the sub-zero temperatures often encountered at altitudes of 7 – 14,000 ft.
Mountain Gorilla Behavior
Like most primates, mountain gorillas are social animals. They live in groups of fascinating complexity called troops or bands, led by a dominant alpha male known as a silverback. The silverback protects its members and directs troop activities such as nesting, feeding, and migration between seasonal feeding areas.
Mountain Gorilla Physical Characteristics
After nearly nine months of gestation, infants enter the world weighing only four pounds. From four months they begin clinging to their mothers’ backs, remaining there for two or three years. Despite beginning life so small, adult males typically weigh 430 pounds and can stand five feet tall.
Mountain Gorillas Safaris in Congo
Mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are predominantly located in Virunga National Park, a safeguarded region encompassing the Virunga Volcanoes along the frontier with Rwanda and Uganda. Approximately 350 mountain gorillas inhabit Virunga National Park, with some acclimated to human presence. The species’ growth rate in the DRC surpasses the normal rate, signifying effective conservation initiatives in Virunga National Park.
Congo Gorilla Trekking
Tailor-made Congo Gorilla tours and Congo Gorilla tracking in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is one of the less explored treasures in Africa though it hosted Africa’s protected areas. Our African Safari Experts possess direct travel experience with gorilla trekking in the Congo. Contact them to organise your remarkable African expedition:
Luxury Congo Gorilla Trekking
Luxury gorilla trekking in Congo provides a distinctive experience, merging the excitement of viewing Western lowland gorillas in their natural environment with the convenience of high-end lodgings. Various opulent accommodations, such as Ngaga Camp and Serena Hotel Goma, provide immersive wildlife encounters amid the jungles and national parks of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Budget Congo Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking permits in Congo are the cheapest in Africa at just 450 USD compared to 1,500 USD and 700 USD for Rwanda and Uganda respectively. A budget Congo gorilla trekking expedition may cost approximately $1500 for a 3-day tour, encompassing permits and transportation. The Congo offers the most economical gorilla permits, priced between $200 and $400, contingent upon the season.