# Mountain gorilla conservation and tourism in Africa > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mountain-gorilla-conservation-and-tourism-in-africa > Updated: 2026-08-31T05:00:08.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Mountain gorilla populations in the Virunga Massif, spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have shown sustained recovery due to conservation, research, and community involvement. Census data indicated a rise from 480 individuals in 2010 to 604 in 2016, contributing to a global wild population exceeding 1,000. This ecological recovery has coincided with the growth of sustainable tourism in the region. Developments such as the Wilderness Bisate Reserve have utilized sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact. In a recent Wildlife Experience Index released by Bailey Robinson, mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda was ranked as the top global nature encounter, receiving a perfect 10/10 for encounter potential. To manage human impact, Rwanda maintains a limit of 96 daily permits, while Uganda restricts visits to eight people per habituated gorilla family each day. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: Wildlife Experience Index ranks top global nature encounters The Bailey Robinson Wildlife Experience Index ranks the world's top 30 nature encounters, placing mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda at number one. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wildlife-experience-index-ranks-top-global-animal-encounters ### 2026-08-24: Rwanda sees mountain gorilla recovery and sustainable tourism growth Rwanda's mountain gorilla populations are recovering through conservation efforts in the Virunga Massif, while new sustainable luxury developments like Wilderness Bisate Reserve promote eco-friendly tourism. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rwanda-sees-mountain-gorilla-recovery-and-sustainable-tourism-growth --- Cite as: Mountain gorilla conservation and tourism in Africa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mountain-gorilla-conservation-and-tourism-in-africa