How many Gorillas are in Africa?

It is challenging to provide an exact number of gorillas in Africa, as the population of gorillas is constantly changing, and conservation efforts are ongoing. However, we can provide you with some estimates based on that information:

There are two species of gorillas in Africa: the Eastern gorilla and the Western gorilla, each of which is further divided into subspecies. Here are the estimated populations for each of these species and subspecies as of 2023:

Eastern Gorilla:

Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei): Approximately 1,000 individuals in the wild. This subspecies is found in the mountainous regions of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri): Estimated to be between 3,800 and 4,000 individuals in the wild, primarily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Note that: They scientifically named Beringeri because the first gorilla family to be tracked was discovered by a Germany professor named Peter Beri Ngeri.

Uganda the Pearl of Africa hosts a biggest number of the world’s mountain gorillas, of up to 51% of the total population. The mountain gorillas are currently 1,062 as of to date 2023, and Uganda has more than 600 individuals and these are divided into the family members and are all In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Western Gorilla:

Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla): Estimated to be around 100,000 to 150,000 individuals in the wild, found in several Central and West African countries, including Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, and others.

Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli): This subspecies is critically endangered, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining in the wild. They are found in the border region of Nigeria and Cameroon.

How much is a Gorilla Safari in Africa?

The cost of a gorilla safari in Africa can in most cases vary significantly depending on several factors, including the location you choose, the duration of the safari, the level of luxury or accommodation you prefer. Here are some general guidelines to give you an idea of the cost range:

Location: The two primary countries where you can go on gorilla safaris are Uganda and Rwanda (for mountain gorillas), as well as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The cost can vary by country, with Rwanda typically being more expensive than Uganda and DRC.

Permit Fees: The most significant expense for a gorilla safari is the permit fee, which allows you to track and observe the gorillas. As of our last knowledge update in 2023, permit fees were approximately as follows:

Rwanda: $1,500 per permit

Uganda: $700 per permit.

DRC: $400 per permit (although prices can change)

Duration: The length of your safari can affect the cost. A shorter, 1-day trek is less expensive than a multi-day experience.

Accommodation: The type of accommodation you choose can vary widely in price. Options range from budget lodges to luxury safari camps. Luxury accommodations are more expensive.

Transportation: The cost of getting to and from the gorilla trekking destination will also impact the overall cost. This includes flights, ground transportation, and transfers.

Guides and Services: Costs may include the services of a guide, park fees, and meals. High-end tours often include all these services.

A rough estimate for a gorilla safari can range from $1,000 to $2,000 or more per person, excluding international airfare. Luxury safaris with premium accommodations can cost considerably more.

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