The Best Places to See Mountain Gorillas in Africa

After a journey through the primary and secondary rainforests, sometimes on narrow trails and sometimes in wide-open spaces. With knowledgeable gorilla guides who slice through the thick undergrowth or clear a path through towering bamboo forests. As the cicadas sing you along, suddenly, your guide lets out a loud Mountain Gorillas call. It’s painful, your calves burn, and perhaps the stinging nettle causes your legs to sting just a little, but it’s worth it.

Sweat beads on your forehead. The Mountain Gorillas are close by, say the trackers who left early in the morning to hike through the dense forest. As you approach, the guide stops you in your tracks, instructs you to don your face mask, and tells you to only bring what you need, which is your camera and an open mind. “The Mountain Gorillas are in this area. Your guide tells you to speak more quietly and that you should meet them.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Africa

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience

One must travel to where these rare Mountain Gorillas live in the misty rainforests of central Africa. To come face-to-face with our not-so-distant relatives to comprehend their behavior and human-like nature they share 98 percent of our DNA. They close second in similarity to humans after chimpanzees, who share 99 percent of our DNA. As you observe their family-like solo and group behaviors, the hour you get to spend in Africa with the charismatic, enchanted forest creatures will undoubtedly change your life.

Based on our personal gorilla trekking experiences, we believe that the national parks of Rwanda’s Volcanoes, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla, the Republic of Congo’s Odzala-Kokoua, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga (to which we are currently postponing travel due to unrest) all support safe and sustainable gorilla observation. Any interaction with Mountain Gorillas at the aforementioned national parks is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as they struggle to survive in the modern world. Mountain Gorillas can be classified into four different subspecies: Mountain Gorillas, Grauer’s Mountain Gorillas, western lowland Mountain Gorillas, and cross-river Mountain Gorillas (which are only found in Nigeria and Cameroon).

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Africa

Where is Mountain Gorillas Found in Africa?

We’re all about extraordinary moments, and especially distinctive wildlife encounters over here at Extraordinary Journeys, and there’s truly nothing quite like that moment when you first lock eyes with a mountain gorilla in their natural habitat. The Congo Basin, the second-largest remaining tropical rainforest on earth, is home to the majority of Mountain Gorillas, which are restricted to the forests of Central Africa.

The Albertine Rift is located east of the basin and is home to Mountain Gorillas, who are an exception. The subtropical forests of Sub-Saharan Africa, in Rwanda, Uganda, the Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are where they make their high mountain forest homes.

Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Africa

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda.

Half of the Mountain Gorillas left in the world are found in Rwanda. Rwanda offers the widest range of options for treks of various lengths and levels of difficulty, making it the most accessible place to go on a gorilla safari. It’s important to note that Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda are typically much easier to encounter than those in Uganda. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is also only a three-hour drive from Kigali for those who are pressed for time. We can also arrange for a private helicopter to fly you from Kigali if you’re pressed for time.

As a two- or three-day add-on, Rwanda can also be easily added to a safari in Kenya or Tanzania. The drive to the rainforest only takes two and a half hours, and there are daily flights from Nairobi and some areas of the Serengeti.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays

Gorilla Trekking Tours in Africa

Where in Rwanda one can find Mountain Gorillas?

The well-known Volcanoes National Park is situated in Musanze, a small town in the northwest of the nation. With 178 of these lovely primates forming 10 habituated gorilla groups of different sizes, ranging from 11 to 33 family members, it is the oldest national park in Africa and has one of the highest populations of these lovely primates.

History buffs will appreciate that you can continue in the footsteps of American primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey, who famously studied the Mountain Gorillas in the mist (the title of her book and film) here and raised awareness of the significance of their conservation on a global scale.

The Best Time to Visit Gorillas in Uganda

Hike to Dian Fossey Tomb

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s brand-new campus on Ellen DeGeneres is a must-see. The Volcanoes National Park’s neighboring multi-acre eco-friendly facility has three main structures the Sandy and Harold Price Research Center, the Rob and Melani Walton Education Center, and the Cindy Broder Conservation Gallery as well as accommodations for visiting students and researchers. The Ellen Campus now acts as a point of entry into conservation for the numerous stakeholders with whom we collaborate, assisting in the development of the next generation of conservationists.

If you’re looking for a place to stay while on a gorilla safari in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, there are some incredible options available, including homes that are situated directly in the forest, have views of the twin lakes, and more. Here on the blog, you can see some of our favorite moments.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays

The Best Time to Visit Gorillas in Uganda

When to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity, but like any rainforest, it is simpler to go during the dry seasons, which are mid-December to early February and June to September. If you don’t mind getting your boots dirty, opportunities are still available when it rains. Just pack your most waterproof clothing (pants, jacket, warm hat, and you’ll be comfortable). Mountain Gorillas frequently hang out on the lower slopes of the mountain during the wet season because the air is so clear, providing great views of the volcanoes.

How much does a Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Cost?

The Rwanda Development Board only offers 80 gorilla permits per day for $1,500 per trek, with a maximum of eight people permitted per group, to support conservation efforts. A ranger will assign a gorilla family to each trekking group on the day of their trek based on the size of the group and their level of fitness. A park ranger will locate the gorilla group and you will have an hour-long encounter with them thanks to the permit.

Although the price may seem high, you’ll be living in one of the continents’ cleanest, most developed model nations, and the data demonstrates how effective this conservation model is. Only this species of primate is experiencing population growth. Additionally, 10% of your purchase price is donated to the neighborhood. Volcanoes National Park’s gorilla safari is very well-organized, and every morning before your trek, Question Coffee, a renowned coffee shop in Rwanda, provides free coffee.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays

Gorilla Trekking Safaris to Uganda

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.

Large expanses of grassland, lakes, and rivers balance Uganda’s Eden of rainforest and lush vegetation. Most notably, Uganda is one of the few nations where you can see Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat and is home to half of the world’s population. Uganda is home to a dozen different primate species, including Mountain Gorillas. You can also trek to see chimpanzee packs and golden monkey colonies.

Best Places to See Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

There are a few options for gorilla safaris in Uganda. There is only one habituated gorilla family in Uganda’s smallest national park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Nyakagezi group. This tribe is unique in that they are accustomed to people and are open and curious when you approach them, almost letting you into their family.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

located about 30 miles north of Mgahinga, is the larger and more well-known trekking destination. More than 400 Mountain Gorillas, or half of the remaining population, call this safe, verdant home. Through a guided trek, you can visit one of 11 family groups totaling over 160 individuals, including adorable gorilla babies that you simply must see.

Serious explorers looking for a more exclusive experience might want to include the Gorilla Habituation program in their itinerary. This small-scale, four-hour hike in Rushaga (the southern part of Bwindi) offers a truly one-of-a-kind and uncommon encounter; you get to socialize newly habituated Mountain Gorillas with other people.

Check out some of our favorite experiences on the blog here if you’re unsure of where to stay in Uganda while going gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Trekking Safaris to Rwanda

When to visit Uganda to see Mountain Gorillas?

Uganda offers year-round opportunities for gorilla trekking, but the two dry seasons from January to February and June to September are when most tourists travel. The rainy season may be preferable because the apes are still present and there is less competition for one of the 96 gorilla permits available each day.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays

What is the price of a gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Regardless of the time of year, a Ugandan gorilla trekking permit costs $700, and 75% of the proceeds are used to preserve the remaining gorilla population. The local communities near the parks receive 10% while the government keeps 15%. Be aware that the price of the permit includes park entrance fees, an hour of gorilla watching, advance trackers, and ranger fees.

A maximum of four people per group are allowed with the $1500 gorilla habituation permit. Due to elevation gains of up to 7,500 feet in humid and muddy conditions, trekking across these regions is not recommended for those who are weak-willed. We like to incorporate Uganda gorilla trekking into a five-day, or longer, safari to see other parts of the country because the drive from the capital to Bwindi is long (nine to ten hours). There are also daily flights from Entebbe to the Bwindi Impenetrable forest if you can’t spare a few extra days.

gorilla trekking in Uganda

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in DR. Congo

In the Republic of Congo, locations to see Mountain Gorillas. Go west to Odzala-Kokoua National Park, which is home to the sizable Congo rainforest basin. African forest elephants and one of the most diverse populations of primates on the continent can be found in this area of dense trees, bushes, and marshes. Additionally, it is thought to have the greatest concentration of western lowland Mountain Gorillas in Africa. Although the weather is typically warm and muggy, it presents an incredible opportunity for adventurous travelers to explore a stunning, practically unexplored region.

For seasoned African travelers, this is a truly incredible adventure. You’ll be rewarded with incredible wildlife diversity in one of the world’s most remote areas, but you’ll need to be willing to put up with some inconveniences (heat, humidity, and insects).

Best time to See Mountain Gorillas in Congo

The best times to travel are from June to September or from December to February, when it is dry. These times not only increase the likelihood of seeing lowland Mountain Gorillas foraging for food, but they also make it easier to access the parks because the roads are less likely to flood.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes Park

How much Does it Cost to See Mountain Gorillas in Congo?

Although gorilla permits cost $400 per person here, visiting Odzala is about more than just seeing Mountain gorillas. We advise staying at all three camps for at least a week to fully experience the trip and see some of the rarest African wildlife, including the forest elephant, forest buffalo, bongo, sitatunga, and numerous monkey species that are unique to Africa.

Due to crime and unrest, the US government currently advises travelers to think twice before visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The risk is higher in some places. The Democratic Republic of Congo is still recovering from a war conflict that ended in 2003, and civil unrest is still a problem in some areas of the nation.

Where to See Mountain Gorillas in Congo?

The “Virunga,” or volcanoes, are the rainforest-covered volcanoes that lie on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo and are home to numerous mountain gorilla habitats. Consequently, this country’s central-eastern region is home to the park bearing its name, Virunga National Park. The oldest national park in Africa, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to more than 100 Mountain Gorillas.

Within our eight easily accessible gorilla groups, the largest of which includes 26 members of the Bageni clan. Dueling silverbacks could alter group dynamics, though, as these highly sociable animals frequently engage in family drama. Don’t worry; it doesn’t seem like there is much drama between the Mountain Gorillas and the tourists.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays

Gorilla Trekking Adventures in Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking Frequently Asked Questions.

Where are the most Mountain Gorillas found in Africa?

The Virunga Mountain Range, which crosses three nations Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the majority of Mountain Gorillas in Africa.

What is the Best Place to See Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda?

You can see Mountain Gorillas in both great locations. The park that is most easily reached in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda, home to 13 habituated groups and about 400 Mountain Gorillas, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home to just one habituated group, are the two places to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.

You can spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated group of Mountain Gorillas through Bwindi’s Gorilla Habituation Experience. It’s a fascinating, up-close look at how Mountain Gorillas gradually become accustomed to humans because they are less predictable and less at ease around people than habituated groups. The cost of an hour with the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda is $1500.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays

Mountain Hiking Tours

What should I anticipate on Gorilla Safari in Africa?

There is nothing quite like meeting a gorilla up close. One of the most incredible wildlife encounters on earth, they seem to be staring deep into your soul. It is so special and unusual to get a one-hour window into their way of life in the forest. It goes without saying that since you’re trekking in the wilderness, there will be heat, humidity, and insects.

Are Mountain Gorillas Friendly?

Mountain Gorillas are reputed to be very reticent, endearing, and tranquil creatures. Depending on the Mountain Gorillas’ mood, what has happened in the family, and whether or not they have eaten, each gorilla group has a unique dynamic, and every trek will be a different experience. On a serious day, they occasionally come across you and remain stationary while gazing deeply into your soul.

Other times, you’ll see them in a very playful mood, romping around, swinging from tree to tree, and carrying a lot of babies. It’s possible to go on a gorilla trek 100 times, and each time will be different and special. For this reason, we advise taking at least two different families on the trek, ideally on separate occasions.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safaris

What to Do When you see Mountain Gorillas?

The Mountain Gorillas will probably want to get close to you more often than not. The younger Mountain Gorillas may come right up to you and even reach for you or your belongings because they are naturally curious. The guides are there to keep a safe distance between you and the Mountain Gorillas because of this. The guides will place themselves between you and the Mountain Gorillas if they playfully charge at you so that both your safety and theirs are guaranteed. Sometimes they might walk right past you.

Putting on a mask is crucial. Mountain Gorillas have 98 percent of our DNA and are prone to human illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu.

Do Mountain Gorillas Bite?

Mountain Gorillas are typically very timid animals. They will only engage in combat if they feel threatened or if a human has broken one of the ground rules from the briefing. When they get close, never flee, and always move slowly. A male silverback can retaliate with horrifying roaring and bluff charges in response to an unexpected movement.

However, unlike other carnivores like lions and crocodiles, Mountain Gorillas have enormous canines that can deliver crushing bites. A gorilla’s bite has a weight per square inch of about 1,300 pounds, which is much higher than the 650 pounds per square inch of predatory lions.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays

Mountain Gorilla Trekking to Uganda

Proposed Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays to Uganda and Rwanda

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda Holiday.

3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari Uganda & Wildlife Adventure Tour.

8 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Rwanda Wildlife Tour.

4 Days Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Trekking Tour and Akagera Wildlife Safari.

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd is a Uganda-based safaris tour operator. We operate with a high passion for taking you through the beautiful nation of Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. A destination that offers you the best jungle adventures in Africa. We will help you experience East Africa at large with insight from a local tour guide.