The mountain gorilla population is recovering greatly – thanks to the efficient conservation programmes of the last thirty years, the population of the mountain gorillas has been steadily increasing in the Virunga forest, especially in Volcanoes National Park, while there were only about 250 in the 1960”s , their total population currently amounts to 480 animals (census 2010). But they remain one of the most threatened species in the world, due to their reduced numbers and reduced habitat, and this is why intense conservation efforts will need to be continued in the future.
Please note that it is not possible to book specific groups of gorillas in advance. Visitors will be allocated to a group the day of the hike.
As mountain gorillas can catch many human diseases , strict rules have been set up for visitors, one single spread of an epidemic disease could quickly wipe out most of the population. Gorilla tourism has actually saved the mountain gorillas in the virunga forest up to now. It should in no way became a threat to these fascinating creatures.