Where to see gorillas in Africa Uganda, Rwanda & DRC

These are the top destinations in Africa where you can see gorillas in their natural habitat. Consider adding these to your bucket list if you have an interest to witness gorillas in africa. There is a significant amount of discussion on which country provides the most exceptional gorilla trekking safari experience for an unforgettable trip in the most isolated regions of Africa. Rwanda and Uganda have implemented impressive conservation and sustainable initiatives centered around gorilla trekking expeditions and excellent infrastructure. Fortunately, the population of gorillas in their natural habitat is on the rise. The most recent census indicates that the current population exceeds 1000, but it was just 250 when conservation efforts were initially initiated some 25 years ago.

Do gorillas only live in Africa?

Do gorillas exclusively live in Africa? Affirmatively, gorillas are only unique to Africa. They originate from the equatorial forests of central and eastern Africa. Gorillas are classified into two distinct species: the western gorilla and the eastern gorilla, each inhabiting separate parts of Africa. The distribution of the western gorilla mostly encompasses Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, and Gabon, whereas the eastern gorilla is predominantly found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There are precisely two gorilla species that inhabit Equatorial Africa. The Eastern gorilla may be found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, while the Western gorilla is located in Nigeria, Cameroon, Angola, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The selection of the optimal gorilla safari trekking experience is contingent upon your financial resources and inclination for excitement. In addition, scientists have acclimated certain groups of undocumented gorilla families that wander across Africa’s tropical forests for the purpose of tourism. This allows tourists to visit these gorillas in their natural habitat without any concerns of danger.

Best Place to see gorillas in Africa

Uganda: Best Place  to see gorillas in Africa  

Uganda is renowned as a premier destination for observing gorillas in Africa. Uganda, known as the gem of Africa, consistently lives up to its reputation. From our perspective, it is definitely one of the premier destinations in Africa for viewing gorillas. The most exceptional mountain gorilla trekking safaris can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which diligently protects nearly half of the gorilla population, consisting of over 13 groups and approximately 400 gorillas. Additionally, Mgahinga National Park, located in the Virunga mountain range adjacent to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, offers one habituated gorilla group that occasionally roams across the borders.

The operation runs seamlessly, and the local community benefits from the fees. Hiking in the impenetrable terrain might be challenging due to its difficult nature. Certain groups are more accessible than others. The two gorilla habitats are located along the southwestern border of Uganda, approximately 500km from the capital city of Kampala. The road leading to these habitats is well-paved, with 90% of it in good condition. The reservation can be reached by either a 10-hour drive or a 1-hour tiny local airplane.

Rwanda: best place to see gorillas in Africa

Rwanda ranks as the second most optimal destination to go gorilla trekking in Africa. It safeguards the world’s most valuable primates on the magnificent slopes of the Virunga mountains. The Volcanoes National Park is the prime location in Africa to observe gorillas, as it provides habitat to about half of the global gorilla population. Virunga is located in the border region shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Volcanoes National Park offers 12 habituated groups that are open to visitors. To reach the habitat, go in the northwest direction for around two hours from the city of Kigali on a well-maintained road. Direct flights from Tanzania to Rwanda have a duration of 2 hours and 48 minutes. Alternatively, traveling by bus from Tanzania to Kigali takes approximately 40 hours on the road.

While the gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Rwanda are comparable, Rwanda imposes a fee of $1500 for their permits, making it accessible only to those with financial means. One of the 11 groups that can be monitored is the susa group, which resides at a high altitude on mt. Karisimbi and was researched by the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey. Additional groups traverse the lower regions of the slopes and are more readily traceable. Every September, the kwita izina ritual, which is held annually to name infant gorillas, draws a large number of visitors to Musanze, the primary hub for gorilla safaris in Volcanoes National Park. In addition, Musanze offers quite extravagant lodging options, and travel operators organize excursions to this destination. To ensure promptness, please be at the park headquarters by 8am for a briefing, after which experienced trackers will guide small groups of approximately 6 tourists into the dense woods to locate a habituated gorilla troop.

Congo: best place to see gorillas in Africa

Due to the persistent civil battles in the DRC, few travel agents would advise trekking there. However, it is worth noting that the DRC is the sole country that offers both lowland and mountain gorilla sightings, unlike Rwanda and Uganda.The border point between Congo and Rwanda is located in Gisenyi.

The Virunga mountains and homelands offer the most audacious and economical, yet least frequented, experience. The cost of DRC permits is $400. There are four distinct groups that inhabit the Virunga park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the sole country in the world that is home to western lowland gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas, and mountain gorillas. When exploring statistical data, the likelihood of encountering mountain gorillas is 98%, whereas the chances decrease to 60% for eastern lowland gorillas and 20% for western lowland gorillas. A population of western lowland gorillas can be found in the far western region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically in the Mayumbe area of Bas Congo. These gorillas frequently move between the DRC and Cabinda, which is located in Angola. The most optimal location to observe the eastern lowland gorilla is Kahuzi Beiga, as it serves as the primary habitat for more than 250 Grauer’s gorillas, making it the biggest known population of this species.Kahuzi Beiga National park may be reached from Bukavu town, which is just a short distance south of the Rwanda border. There are charming lakeside accommodations available in colonial homes. Prior to traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it is advisable to review security and safety guidelines. Additionally, you have the option to reach Virunga via traveling from Kisoro in Uganda or by taking a flight to Goma town, located on the Northern side of Lake Kivu.

Congo Brazzaville : best place to see gorillas in Africa

The Democratic Republic of the Congo Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, offers some of the finest locations to see gorillas in Africa 
The Republic of Congo, distinct from its unpredictable neighbor, the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a serene and tranquil country situated between Gabon, Cameroon, the DRC, and the Central African Republic. It is widely regarded as one of the finest destinations in Africa for observing gorillas, particularly the western lowland gorilla.

Congo_Brazzaville Odzala Kokoua National Park, which reopened in 2012 following the ebola outbreak, is the optimal location for monitoring the western lowland gorilla. In the tropical jungles, there exist two habituated groups. The experience is extraordinary, as it only allows groups of four individuals and involves challenging tracking activities. Neptune, a highly charming silverback, is indeed a sight to behold when observing his group. The optimal accommodation choices in the vicinity of Odzala Kokoua are limited to Sangha lodge. Additional sightings of gorillas can be observed in Nouabale Ndoki National Park, specifically around Mondika camp and Mbeli Bai. At Mbeli Bai, there is a camp located on a forested island that is frequently visited by a resident silverback gorilla, which can be accessed by boat. It is better suited for adventurous travelers. Tourists can also observe the process of rehabilitating western lowland gorilla orphans back into their natural habitat in the Lefini Reserve.

Central African Republic: best place to see gorillas in Africa

Central African Republic: Top Destinations for Gorilla Sightings in Africa
Gorillas are found in the Central African Republic. Trekking activities in the Central African Republic are not suitable for the faint-hearted, since the search for wildlife in this region is highly daring. The jungle here is exceptionally untamed and offers some of the most fulfilling experiences on the continent. The region is inhabited by the largest population of western lowland gorillas and forest elephants in the world. The majority of them are primarily found in the Dzanga Sangha special reserve, which is located inside the UNESCO world heritage site of Sangha Trinational reserve. This reserve encompasses a tropical rainforest ecosystem that is also protected in Congo and Cameroon. Tourists get the opportunity to come across two out of the three habituated western lowland gorillas. The indigenous Ba’Aka tribe actively participates in the challenging net hunt within the dense rainforest, where they often come across forest elephants, bongos, and mangabey monkeys. As a result, embarking on this expedition requires courage and resilience. The Sangha lodge is the most exceptional lodging option accessible. If you are able to tolerate the difficulties of traveling in the Central African Republic, the journey can be really fulfilling. Otherwise, it is advisable to consult current travel advisories, as the country is experiencing significant problems.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest NP

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Uganda, namely on the edge of the Rift Valley. The mist-covered hillsides in Uganda are protected by an ancient and highly diverse rainforest that has existed for over 25,000 years. This rainforest is home to over 400 different plant species. Significantly, this “impenetrable forest” also safeguards an estimated population of 320 mountain gorillas.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla NP

Gorilla Trekking in Maghinga allows you to see Uganda’s most compact yet visually appealing national parks. Mgahinga National Park spans 33 square kilometers and is situated at an elevation of 4,127 meters. The park is located in the Kisoro district, situated in the southwestern region of Uganda, adjacent to the borders of Congo and Rwanda. The park was established in 1991 with the purpose of safeguarding the imperiled mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

The activity of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the predominant and much sought-after tourism offering in Rwanda. This pastime entails trekking over rugged terrain and dense woodlands in pursuit of a creature that bears a resemblance to and exhibits human-like behavior. Mountain gorillas are unique among the several sub-species of gorillas due to their precarious condition as an endangered species. There are currently only 1000 individuals remaining on earth,

where to see gorillas in Africa

Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park is a prominent activity undertaken to gain deeper insights into the lowland gorilla species in Congo. Gorilla Trekking Safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo offer an extraordinary experience for tourists exploring the Central African country. Trekking gorillas in Congo is not only affordable but also secure for visitors, thanks to enhanced security measures implemented by both the government and park management.

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