Best Places for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

The largest primates and most adorable creatures, gorillas are definitely a sight to behold with their stocky bodies, wide chests, and shoulders as well as human-like behavior that makes thousands of travelers drawn to them. Given the fact that these creatures share about 98.2% of their DNA with humans, seeing them in their natural habitat (Tropical rainforests of East, Central, and West Africa) is every visitor’s ultimate wildlife viewing experience. There are two species of gorillas-western gorillas (split into Cross River and western lowland gorillas) and eastern gorillas (split into Eastern lowland and mountain gorillas). The criteria for determining the best place for gorilla trekking largely depends on the sub-species you are longing to see.

Mountain gorillas live in three countries-Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda while the Eastern lowland gorillas only live in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

If it is the western lowland gorillas that you would like to see, visit the lowland and Afro-montane rainforests of Angola, Central African Republic, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo while the Cross River Gorillas are found in only two countries-Cameroon and Nigeria.

Of all the mentioned African countries, three of them are well developed for gorilla trekking adventures and after reading through this provided information, you will determine the best place for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

If you ask any primate enthusiast, you will be informed that Uganda is ranked as the best gorilla trekking destination in the African Continent. First, Uganda boasts of the highest population of mountain gorillas in addition to gorilla safaris being cheaper and more affordable. Interestingly, there are two spectacular National Parks that shelter the endangered mountain gorillas, and they include Bwindi Impenetrable forest as well as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (both situated within the south-western side of the country).

This country shelters almost half the World’s mountain gorilla population with about 400 in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and over 80 in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, with a total of about 21 habituated gorilla groups (20 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga). Bwindi also features four trekking regions/sectors (Ruhija, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Rushaga) with Rushaga having the highest number of gorilla groups but Buhoma being the highly-demanded.

Gorilla permits for Uganda cost about $700 compared to Rwanda’s $1500 per person, hence making the former more affordable for budget gorilla trekkers. However, visitors that have trekked gorillas from all the countries associate Bwindi with rugged terrains and denser vegetation hence requiring physical fitness.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda is another country sheltering the mountain gorillas, and they are found within Volcanoes National Park in the north-western part of the country. This Park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area (which also includes Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda).

When you talk distance, Rwanda is the best place for gorilla trekking because its Gorilla Park is only 2-3 hours’ drive from the Capital City (Kigali) but it is again the most costly with gorilla permits going for $1500 per person per trek. A total of 12 habituated groups are open for trekking in Volcanoes National Park and these include Bwenge, Agashya (Group 13), Umubano, Kwitonda, Amahoro, Karisimbi (Susa B), Sabyinyo, Susa A, Isimbi, Titus, Uganda, and Hirwa. Regardless of the exorbitant price of Rwanda Gorilla Permits, this country is ideal for visitors who are limited by time (2-3 hours’ drive from the City/Airport to the Gorilla Park) hence possible to undertake short gorilla tours (1 or 2 days tours) which is difficult for Uganda.

Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is another fantastic gorilla trekking destination in Africa with two magnificent National Parks to enjoy this adventure. The 7800-square kilometer Virunga National Park is a haven for 8 habituated families of mountain gorillas that include Kabirizi, Lulengo, Bageni, Rugendo, Humba, Mapuwa, Nyakamwe, and Munyaga.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park offers opportunities for trekking Eastern lowland gorillas with 5 habituated groups open for tourism and they include Bonnani, Mpungwe, Nganwa, Chimanuka, and Mugaruka. The Democratic Republic of Congo is avoided because of the continuous conflicts and rebel activities within the Eastern part of the country (where the two Gorilla Parks are found) yet it is the most affordable with gorilla permits going for $400 per person per trek. Gorilla Trekking experiences seem to vary across these three countries but visitors are allowed to spend one hour with the Giant Apes.

Based on the provided information, the choice for the best place to trek gorillas entirely depends on your personal experiences and interests. Whichever place you choose, be sure of having unforgettable experiences.

Best time for trekking gorillas

For all the countries offering gorilla trekking adventures, the best time to see the gorillas is a dry season from December to February and June to August when little or no rains are expected to interrupt trekking adventures as it is always with the rainy season. The months of March to May and October to November are sometimes marked by interruptions from rain as well as trails becoming muddy and slippery. However, rains don’t completely stop gorilla trekking adventures from going on because after the rains, sunshine is experienced and gorilla treks go on.