Here is a sentence I never thought I would write when I started guiding gorilla treks 15 years ago: Mountain gorillas are no longer critically endangered.
In 2018, they were downlisted from Critically Endangered to Endangered. In 2026, the population continues to climb. From a low of just 680 individuals in 2008 to over 1,063 today—and still growing.
This is not luck. This is not accident. This is one of the greatest conservation success stories in human history.
And you—yes, you—can be part of it. Every gorilla permit you buy funds anti-poaching patrols, veterinary care, and community conservation. Every trek you take supports the rangers who protect these animals. Your visit is not a disruption. It is the reason the gorillas are still here.
This guide tells the full story of the mountain gorilla comeback in 2026. You will learn: how close the gorillas came to extinction (and what saved them), the current population numbers (Bwindi, Virungas, overall), the role of tourism in conservation (how your $800 permit is used), the threats that remain (and why the work is not done), what this means for your gorilla trekking plans, and how you can be part of the next chapter of this success story. This is not a tragedy. This is a triumph. Read it. Share it. Celebrate it.
Quick Overview of the Comeback
| Year | Population (Wild) | Status | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | ~254 | Critically Endangered | Lowest recorded population |
| 2008 | ~680 | Critically Endangered | Beginning of intensive conservation |
| 2010 | ~786 | Critically Endangered | Gradual increase |
| 2018 | ~1,004 | DOWNLISTED to Endangered | Historic reclassification |
| 2026 | ~1,063+ | Endangered (but improving) | Continued growth |
The deeper truth (Charles Lubega’s emotional reflection): I have been in the forest with gorillas when they were down to 680. I have seen the fear in their eyes when poachers were active. And I have watched, over 15 years, as that fear has been replaced by calm. The gorillas today do not run from humans the way they once did. Not because they are tame—they are wild—but because they have learned that the people who come are protectors, not threats. That change is the real conservation success story.
The 30-Second Answer – How Remarkable Is the Mountain Gorilla Comeback?
Let me give you the headline numbers first. Then we will dive into the story behind them.
The Comeback in Numbers
| Metric | Then (2008) | Now (2026) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total wild population | ~680 | ~1,063+ | +56% |
| Bwindi population | ~300 | ~459+ | +53% |
| Virunga population | ~380 | ~604+ | +59% |
| IUCN Status | Critically Endangered | Endangered | Downlisted (2018) |
| Annual poaching incidents | ~10-15 | ~1-2 (with rangers) | -90% |
| Habituated gorilla families for trekking | ~8 | ~20+ | +150% |
Why This Matters
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Only great ape increasing | Most great apes (chimpanzees, orangutans, eastern gorillas) are declining. Mountain gorillas are the only ones increasing. |
| Proof conservation works | The mountain gorilla model is now studied worldwide as the gold standard for endangered species recovery. |
| Hope in a crisis | In an era of biodiversity collapse, this is a rare story of genuine hope. |
| Tourism as conservation | Your $800 permit is a major reason this worked. |
The Honest Truth in One Paragraph
Charles Lubega says: “When I started guiding in 2011, I wondered if I would be one of the last people to see wild gorillas. Every trek felt precious, fragile, possibly temporary. Today, I look into the eyes of silverbacks and see not just survival but thriving. The gorillas are not out of danger—no wild animal ever is—but they are no longer on the brink. That is a miracle. And it is a miracle we all built together.”
[IMAGE PLACEMENT 1: Infographic showing population growth from 1981 to 2026 with milestone markers. 1200px+. Caption: “From 680 to over 1,063. The greatest conservation comeback of our lifetime.”]
The Dark Days – How Close the Mountain Gorillas Came to Extinction
To understand the miracle, you must understand how close we came to losing them forever.
The Low Point (1980s-1990s)
| Threat | Impact | How Bad It Was |
|---|---|---|
| Poaching | 10-15 gorillas killed per year | Silverbacks shot for bushmeat; infants sold as pets |
| Civil war (Rwanda, DRC) | Habitat destruction, displaced rangers | Virunga gorillas caught in crossfire |
| Habitat loss | Forest cleared for agriculture | 50% of gorilla habitat lost since 1970 |
| Disease transmission | Human illnesses (flu, pneumonia) killed gorillas | No tourism protocols yet |
The Turning Point
| Year | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gazetted | Protected habitat |
| 1990s | Gorilla trekking tourism begins | Economic incentive for conservation |
| 2005 | International Gorilla Conservation Program intensifies | Coordinated anti-poaching |
| 2008 | Population low of 680 | Wake-up call for global action |
What It Felt Like in the Forest
Charles Lubega’s memory: “I remember the first time I saw a gorilla with a snare wound. A silverback named Kinyonyi. His hand was swollen, infected, clearly painful. The rangers couldn’t get close enough to help. For weeks, we watched him suffer. He survived. But the memory never left me. That was the reality of gorilla conservation 15 years ago. Every gorilla was fighting to survive against humans who wanted them dead. Today, snares are found and destroyed weekly by anti-poaching patrols. That is the difference conservation makes.”
The Honest Dark Days Truth: “We almost lost them. If conservation efforts had not intensified in the 2000s, mountain gorillas would likely be extinct in the wild today. That is not exaggeration. That is fact.”
[IMAGE PLACEMENT 2: Historical photo of Bwindi forest with ranger patrol (1980s/90s feel). Caption: “From the brink of extinction to a thriving population. The transformation is real.”]
The Comeback – How Conservation Saved the Mountain Gorilla
The comeback did not happen by accident. Here is exactly what worked.
The Four Pillars of Success
| Pillar | What It Involves | Why It Worked |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Anti-poaching patrols | Armed rangers patrol daily; remove snares; track gorillas | Reduced poaching by 90% |
| 2. Veterinary intervention | Gorilla Doctors (veterinarians) treat injured/sick gorillas | Snares and respiratory illnesses treated quickly |
| 3. Community conservation | Local communities share tourism revenue (schools, healthcare, water) | Communities now protect gorillas instead of poaching them |
| 4. Regulated tourism | Permits limit visitors; strict health protocols | Tourism funds conservation AND prevents disease transmission |
How Your Permit Saves Gorillas
| Allocation | Percentage | What It Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | 80% | Anti-poaching patrols, veterinary care, habitat protection |
| Community projects | 10% | Schools, healthcare, water systems near the parks |
| Park operations | 10% | Rangers, trackers, administration |
The Community Conservation Revolution
Why it matters: Local communities used to see gorillas as a threat—crops destroyed, children at risk. Now, they see gorillas as an asset. Tourism revenue builds schools, pays for healthcare, provides clean water.
Charles Lubega explains: “I have worked with communities that once set snares for gorillas. Today, those same people are lodge employees, porters, and anti-poaching informants. They will tell you: ‘The gorillas are our future.’ That transformation—from enemy to guardian—is the real secret of conservation success.”
The Gorilla Doctors
What they do: Veterinary intervention for injured or sick gorillas. Snare removal. Respiratory illness treatment. Infant rescue.
Impact: Over 300 life-saving interventions since 2000. Countless gorillas alive today because of the Gorilla Doctors.
Charles Lubega’s story: “I watched the Gorilla Doctors treat a silverback with a snare wound that would have been fatal 20 years ago. They sedated him, removed the snare, treated the infection. He recovered. He is still leading his family today. That is modern conservation.”
[IMAGE PLACEMENT 3: Conservation graphic – The four pillars (anti-poaching, veterinary, community, tourism). Caption: “Four pillars. One success story. Your permit supports them all.”]
Current Population – Where the Mountain Gorillas Live in 2026
Today, every wild mountain gorilla lives in one of two places: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) or the Virunga Massif (spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC).
Population Breakdown (2026)
| Location | Country | Estimated Population | Gorilla Families | Trekking Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bwindi Impenetrable NP | Uganda | ~459 | ~20 | Yes |
| Virunga Massif | Uganda, Rwanda, DRC | ~604+ | ~30+ | Yes (in each country) |
| Mgahinga Gorilla NP | Uganda | ~1 (shared) | 1 (Nyakagezi, may cross borders) | Yes (when in Uganda) |
| TOTAL | ~1,063+ | ~50+ |
The Virunga Massif – Three Countries, One Population
| Country | Portion of Virunga Population | Permit Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda (Mgahinga) | ~1 family (crosses borders) | $800 |
| Rwanda (Volcanoes NP) | ~60% of families | $1,500 |
| DRC (Virunga NP) | ~30% of families | $400 |
Note: The gorillas do not recognize borders. Families cross between Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC. This requires cross-border cooperation for conservation.
How the Population Has Grown
| Year | Bwindi | Virunga | Total | Growth Rate (annual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | ~300 | ~380 | ~680 | — |
| 2010 | ~340 | ~400 | ~740 | +4.4% |
| 2015 | ~400 | ~480 | ~880 | +3.5% |
| 2018 | ~440 | ~564 | ~1,004 | +4.5% |
| 2026 | ~459 | ~604+ | ~1,063+ | +0.8% (slowing as carrying capacity nears) |
The Honest Population Truth (Charles Lubega): “The growth rate has slowed in recent years—not because conservation is failing, but because the parks are nearing their carrying capacity. There are only so many gorillas Bwindi can support. That is actually good news. It means the population has recovered to near-natural levels.”
[IMAGE PLACEMENT 4: Map showing Bwindi and Virunga Massif with population numbers. Caption: “1,063 mountain gorillas. Two locations. One incredible comeback.”]
Why Mountain Gorillas Are Still Endangered (The Work Is Not Done)
Let me be honest: Endangered is not safe. It is better than Critically Endangered. But the gorillas are not out of danger.
Remaining Threats
| Threat | Current Status | Why It Still Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Poaching (snaring) | Reduced by 90%, but still happens | Snares set for antelope can catch gorillas |
| Habitat loss | Parks protected, but pressure remains | Growing population needs more land |
| Disease transmission | Tourism protocols in place | Human illnesses (flu, COVID) could devastate population |
| Civil unrest (DRC) | Virunga park affected | Armed conflict disrupts conservation |
| Climate change | Unknown long-term impacts | Habitat shifting, food sources changing |
| Habituation (new families) | Difficult, dangerous | Expanding tourism requires new families |
The Snare Threat – Still Real
Charles Lubega explains: “We find snares every week. Most are set for antelope or bush pigs. Sometimes a gorilla steps in one. When that happens, the Gorilla Doctors rush in. Most survive now—thanks to veterinary intervention. But every snare wound is a reminder that the threat is not gone.”
Disease – The Invisible Threat
| Disease | Risk Level | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory infections (flu, colds) | High (gorillas have no immunity) | Masks, distance rules (7m), no trekking if sick |
| COVID-19 | Unknown (gorillas susceptible) | Strict protocols during outbreaks |
| Ebola | Low (no outbreaks near parks) | Monitoring |
What Would It Take for Mountain Gorillas to Be “Safe”?
| Status | Criteria | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Endangered (current) | Population increasing but still under threat | ✓ |
| Vulnerable | Population stable with low threat | Not yet (too few gorillas, ongoing threats) |
| Least Concern | Population large and stable | Far future (would require thousands of gorillas) |
The Honest Truth: “Mountain gorillas will likely always be Endangered or Vulnerable in our lifetimes. There are simply too few of them. But Endangered is not extinction. Endangered means we must keep working. And we will.”
[IMAGE PLACEMENT 5: Threat infographic – Remaining dangers with prevention measures. Caption: “Endangered is not safe. But it is not hopeless. The work continues.”]
How Your Gorilla Trekking Permit Saves Gorillas
Your $800 permit is not a fee. It is a conservation donation that happens to include an hour with gorillas.
Where Your Permit Money Goes
| Allocation | Percentage | Real-World Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 80% to conservation | $640 | Anti-poaching patrols, ranger salaries, Gorilla Doctors, habitat protection |
| 10% to communities | $80 | Schools, clinics, clean water, road maintenance near parks |
| 10% to operations | $80 | Park management, administration, infrastructure |
What Your Permit Pays For (Specific Examples)
| Item | Cost | How Many Permits Fund It |
|---|---|---|
| Ranger salary (annual) | $3,600 | 4.5 permits |
| Anti-poaching patrol (monthly) | $5,000 | 6.25 permits |
| Gorilla Doctor intervention (average) | $8,000 | 10 permits |
| School in community (construction) | $50,000 | 62.5 permits |
| Clean water system (village) | $30,000 | 37.5 permits |
The Economic Impact of Gorilla Tourism
| Country | Annual Permit Revenue | Jobs Supported |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | ~24million(30,000permits×800) | 5,000+ |
| Rwanda | ~75million(50,000permits×1,500) | 10,000+ |
| DRC | ~2million(5,000permits×400) | 1,000+ |
Charles Lubega’s honest economics: “Without tourism, the mountain gorilla would likely be extinct. That is not opinion. That is fact. The $800 permit is what pays rangers to protect them. It is what pays communities to care about them. Your visit is not a disruption. It is the reason they are still alive.”
What Happens When Tourism Stops (A Warning)
Lesson from COVID-19 (2020-2021):
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Tourism stopped for months
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Conservation funding collapsed
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Poaching increased in some areas
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Rangers worked without pay
Conclusion: Tourism is not optional. It is essential to gorilla survival.
[IMAGE PLACEMENT 6: Permit allocation pie chart – 80% conservation, 10% community, 10% operations. Caption: “Your $800 permit is a conservation donation that includes gorillas.”]
What the Comeback Means for Your Gorilla Trekking Experience
More gorillas means more trekking opportunities. But it also means new challenges.
How the Comeback Has Changed Trekking
| Aspect | Before (2008) | Now (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of habituated families | ~8 | ~20+ |
| Daily permits available | ~60 | ~100+ |
| Success rate | 95% | 98%+ |
| Trekking difficulty | More variable | Still challenging (same terrain) |
| Gorilla behavior | More skittish | More relaxed (calmer around humans) |
More Gorillas = More Trekking Options
| Region (Bwindi) | Families | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buhoma | 4 | Moderate | First-timers |
| Ruhija | 4 | Moderate-challenging | Bird watchers |
| Rushaga | 6 | Challenging | Budget options, most families |
| Nkuringo | 2 | Very challenging | Experienced trekkers, views |
What Has Not Changed
| Constant | Why |
|---|---|
| Trekking difficulty | The terrain is still steep, muddy, challenging |
| One-hour limit | Still strictly enforced |
| 7-meter distance rule | Still required (though gorillas may approach) |
| No flash photography | Still the rule |
| Permit cost ($800 Uganda) | Still fixed |
Charles Lubega’s Trekking Insight
“The gorillas are calmer now. They do not run from humans the way they once did. That is good for you—you will see them more easily. But it is also a sign of their safety. They have learned that the people who come are protectors, not threats. That change took 30 years of conservation. It is the quietest evidence of success.”
[IMAGE PLACEMENT 7: Then vs now comparison – Gorilla behavior then (hiding) vs now (calm). Caption: “The gorillas are calmer now. They have learned that humans are protectors, not threats.”]
Conservation Success Stories You Should Know About
Numbers tell part of the story. But individual gorillas tell the rest.
Famous Gorillas Who Survived and Thrived
| Gorilla | Location | Story |
|---|---|---|
| Kinyonyi | Bwindi | Survived a snare wound that would have been fatal decades ago. Treated by Gorilla Doctors. Still leading his family. |
| Kwitonda | Rwanda | Famous silverback who crossed between Rwanda and Uganda. His family is now one of the largest habituated groups. |
| Nyakagezi | Mgahinga (Uganda) | The only habituated family in Mgahinga. Frequently crosses into Rwanda and DRC. Symbol of cross-border cooperation. |
The Rangers Who Protect Them
Charles Lubega honors them: “The real heroes are not me. They are the rangers who walk into the forest every day, who face poachers, who remove snares, who track gorillas in the rain. They earn $300-500 per month. They are underpaid and overworked. And they are the reason the gorillas are still here. If you meet a ranger, thank them.”
The Gorilla Doctors – Saving Lives One Gorilla at a Time
Impact: Over 300 life-saving interventions. Countless gorillas alive today because of veterinary care.
How you can support: Gorilla Doctors accept donations. Every dollar goes directly to gorilla health.
The Communities Who Changed
Charles Lubega’s story: “I remember when communities near Bwindi saw gorillas as a threat. Children were not in school. Clean water was a dream. Today, those same communities have schools named ‘Gorilla Primary School.’ They have clean water from conservation revenue. They protect the gorillas because the gorillas protect them. That is the real revolution.”
[IMAGE PLACEMENT 8: Photo collage – Ranger patrol, Gorilla Doctor treating gorilla, community school. Caption: “The heroes of conservation: rangers, veterinarians, and communities.”]
How You Can Be Part of the Continued Comeback
The comeback is not over. And you can help write the next chapter.
Ways to Contribute (Beyond Your Permit)
| Action | Impact | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Book a gorilla trek | Directly funds conservation | $800 permit |
| Hire a local porter | Supports community economy | $15-20 |
| Donate to Gorilla Doctors | Funds veterinary care | Any amount |
| Visit community projects | Shows value of tourism to locals | Varies |
| Share this story | Spreads awareness, inspires others | Free |
| Travel responsibly | Follows rules, minimizes impact | Free |
Responsible Tourism – What You Can Do
| Rule | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Stay 7m from gorillas | Protects from disease transmission |
| Don’t trek if sick | Gorillas have no immunity to human illnesses |
| Wear a mask (if required) | COVID-19 protocols protect gorillas |
| No flash photography | Disturbs gorillas |
| Whisper, don’t talk loudly | Keeps gorillas calm |
| Pack in, pack out | Leave no trash |
Spread the Word
Why it matters: Many people still believe mountain gorillas are on the verge of extinction. The story of their comeback is not widely known. You can change that.
What to share:
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The population growth (680 → 1,063+)
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The downlisting from Critically Endangered to Endangered
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The fact that mountain gorillas are the only great ape increasing in population
Charles Lubega’s call to action: “Tell your friends. Tell your family. Post on social media. The more people who know that conservation works, the more support we will have. The gorillas need your voice.”
[IMAGE PLACEMENT 9: Call-to-action graphic – How you can help (book trek, hire porter, donate, share). Caption: “Your visit saves gorillas. Your voice inspires others.”]
Frequently Asked Questions – Mountain Gorilla Conservation
These are the questions I answer most often from travelers who care about conservation.
General Conservation Questions
Are mountain gorillas still endangered?
Yes. They were downlisted from Critically Endangered to Endangered in 2018. This is an improvement but not safety.
How many mountain gorillas are left in 2026?
Approximately 1,063+ in the wild (Uganda, Rwanda, DRC).
Are mountain gorillas increasing or decreasing?
Increasing! They are the only great ape species with a growing population.
What is the biggest threat to mountain gorillas today?
Habitat loss and disease transmission remain the biggest threats. Poaching is reduced but not eliminated.
Will mountain gorillas go extinct?
Not if current conservation efforts continue. Their population is stable and growing.
Trekking & Conservation Questions
Does gorilla trekking hurt conservation?
No. It funds conservation. Without tourism, mountain gorillas would likely be extinct.
Is my permit money actually used for conservation?
Yes. In Uganda, 80% of permit revenue goes directly to conservation (anti-poaching, veterinary, habitat protection).
Should I still visit if gorillas are endangered?
Yes. Your visit funds their protection. Ethical tourism is essential to their survival.
Can I do more than just buy a permit?
Yes. Hire local porters, donate to Gorilla Doctors, visit community projects, share the story.
The Future Questions
How many gorillas can Bwindi support?
Estimated carrying capacity is 500-600 gorillas. Current population is approximately 459.
Will mountain gorillas ever be “safe”?
They will likely always be Endangered or Vulnerable due to small population size. But they are no longer Critically Endangered.
What is the biggest risk to the comeback?
Political instability (especially in DRC) and disease outbreaks (like COVID-19) are the biggest potential setbacks.
The Final Conservation FAQ Truth (Charles Lubega)
“The mountain gorilla comeback is the greatest conservation success story of our lifetime. It proves that extinction is not inevitable. It proves that tourism can save species. It proves that hope is not foolish. You can be part of this story. Book the trek. Hire the porter. Share the news. The gorillas need you. And you need the hope they represent.”
Your Conservation Checklist – Be Part of the Comeback
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I have learned the real story (not the tragic one, the hopeful one)
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I understand how my permit saves gorillas (80% to conservation)
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I know the remaining threats (habitat loss, disease, snares)
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I will follow responsible tourism rules (7m distance, no trekking if sick)
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I will hire a local porter (supports community economy)
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I will consider donating to Gorilla Doctors (every dollar helps)
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I will share this story (tell others that conservation works)
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I will visit the gorillas (my presence is their protection)
I am ready to be part of the mountain gorilla comeback story.
The Peak – What 15 Years and 500 Treks Has Taught Charles Lubega About Hope
Here is what 15 years and over 500 treks through Bwindi has taught me about hope, conservation, and the mountain gorilla comeback:
I used to be afraid.
Every trek, I wondered: Will this be the last time? Will the gorillas still be here in 10 years? Will my children ever see what I am seeing?
I carried that fear with me every time I entered the forest.
I do not carry it anymore.
Not because the threats are gone. They are not. Not because the work is done. It is not.
But because I have watched the gorillas return. I have watched the population climb from 680 to over 1,063. I have watched communities transform from enemies to guardians. I have watched rangers risk their lives and win.
I have watched a miracle.
And I have learned something:
Extinction is not inevitable.
When we work together—rangers, vets, communities, tourists, governments—we can save species. We can reverse decline. We can bring animals back from the brink.
The mountain gorillas are proof.
In a world that gives us too many reasons to despair, they give us one reason to hope.
Now it is your turn.
Come see them. Your visit funds their protection. Your presence proves their value. Your story spreads their hope.
The gorillas are waiting. They have come back from the brink. And you can help keep them here.
See you in the forest.
Your Next Step
You have read the story now. The dark days. The comeback. The heroes. The hope. You know how your permit saves gorillas and how you can be part of the next chapter.
But reading is not the same as acting. And acting is the only thing that keeps the comeback going.
At Travel Giants Uganda, Charles Lubega has witnessed this miracle firsthand for 15 years. He can take you to the gorillas that prove conservation works. He can show you the forest that came back from the brink.
Ready to be part of the mountain gorilla comeback?
Email Charles Lubega directly at bookings@travelgiantsuganda.com with:
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Your travel dates (and if you are flexible)
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Your group size
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What you want to know about conservation
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Whether you want to visit community projects or donate to Gorilla Doctors
Charles will help you plan a trek that is not just a vacation but a contribution to the greatest conservation success story of our lifetime.
The gorillas came back. And you can help keep them here.
Let Charles take you to the miracle.
[IMAGE PLACEMENT 10: Author bio – Charles Lubega with gorilla in background (blurred, respectful distance). Caption: “Charles Lubega has witnessed the gorilla comeback for 15 years. He will take you to the proof that conservation works.”]
Published for 2026 conservation travel planning. Last updated: May 2026.
