Best places to see gorillas in the wild
Gorillas are impressive animals. When you see them up close, you quickly realize how closely related we are. That is what makes gorilla trekking so special. You would not be the first to shed a tear. So, where are the best places to see gorillas in the wild? That depends on your budget and sense of adventure.
Most people visit mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda. Both countries are safe and have excellent tourism infrastructure. There are also a few remote destinations where adventurous travelers can track eastern and western lowland gorillas. One thing is certain. Wherever you track gorillas, it will be one of the most thrilling and moving wildlife experiences of your life.
1. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of the most celebrated gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. The park is closely linked to Dian Fossey and the story of Gorillas in the Mist.
The park protects the Rwandan section of the Virunga Mountains. This is a chain of stunning volcanoes. Steep green slopes. Thick rainforest. Tall bamboo forests. There are 12 gorilla families available for tracking here. The most famous is the Susa group. It lives high on Mount Karisimbi.
This is the same group studied by Dian Fossey when she lived in the area. Other groups move lower down the slopes. They are often easier to track, but still fully wild and always on the move.
The downside of Rwanda is the cost. Gorilla permits in Rwanda are very expensive at USD 1,500 for a foreign non-resident. This is why Rwanda is often called the “Botswana of gorilla trekking.”
The experience is exceptional. But it comes at a high price. The country has also developed a wide range of super luxury accommodation near the park. Because of this, many travelers visit Rwanda as a short gorilla trekking add-on to luxury safaris in Kenya or Tanzania.
Once you reach Volcanoes National Park, there is more to enjoy than gorillas alone. You can go golden monkey trekking. You can hike through forest to Dian Fossey’s grave at the old Karisoke Research Center. You can also climb Mt Bisoke and see its crater lake at the top.
If you visit in September, you may witness Kwita Izina. This is Rwanda’s annual gorilla naming ceremony. Thousands of people gather in Kinigi for this event. It is a rare and emotional celebration of new baby gorillas.
2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the main hub for gorilla trekking in Uganda. It is home to around 500 mountain gorillas, nearly half of the world’s remaining population. They live in more than 25 habituated families that can be visited by travelers.
Like in Rwanda, Gorilla trekking here is well organized. You go out with experienced rangers and trackers. Local communities also benefit directly from tourism fees. It is a strong conservation success story. The hiking in Bwindi can be more challenging than in Volcanoes National Park. The name “Impenetrable” is not an exaggeration. The forest is thick, steep, and wild. But some gorilla families are easier to reach than others, depending on where they are on the day.
One of the biggest advantages of Uganda is the price. A gorilla permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents. And it is reduced to USD 600 in the low season months of April, May and November. It is cheaper than Rwanda.
There are also lower rates for residents and East African citizens. Other big pluses of Uganda over Rwanda are that there’s a greater choice of affordable accommodations and enough other attractions. You can easily spend two full weeks exploring the country.
Bwindi also offers a special gorilla habituation experience. Here you spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated group. These gorillas are less used to humans, so encounters feel rawer and more unpredictable. It is a rare and intimate experience. The permit costs USD 1,500, the same as a gorilla trek in Rwanda, but with much more time in the forest.
3. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda
Like Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits high in the volcanic Virunga Mountains. It lies on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The setting is dramatic. Volcano peaks. Green slopes. And thick green forest all around.
There is only one habituated gorilla group here. So, permits are limited and in high demand. But if you get one, the experience is truly special. The hiking is generally less demanding than in Bwindi. “Relatively” is the key word. It is still a mountain trek. But the terrain is more open in some areas, with beautiful volcanic views along the way.
The resident gorilla group is also unique. It includes three huge male silverbacks living together in the same family. This makes it one of the most interesting groups to watch.
Permit prices are the same as in Bwindi. But visitor numbers are lower. This gives Mgahinga a quieter, more relaxed feel compared to other gorilla parks.
There is more to do here as well. You can track golden monkeys. You can walk birding trails. And you can take challenging hikes up the volcanic peaks.
4. Kahuzi Biega National Park in DR Congo
The only country where you can see both mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Several mountain gorilla families live in Virunga National Park. But the park has been closed to tourists since March 2020. First because of COVID-19. Later because of security concerns. At the moment, it does not look likely to reopen soon.
For now, the better option is Kahuzi-Biega National Park. This is the only place on Earth where you can track eastern lowland gorillas in the wild. Around 250 live in the park. They are bigger than mountain gorillas and live in thick lowland rainforest. Seeing them feels wild, raw, and very different. The park lies close to Bukavu, a pretty lakeside town on Lake Kivu. Some old colonial mansions have been turned into charming hotels.
Compared to Uganda and Rwanda, this is a much more adventurous experience. Fewer tourists come here. It feels remote and untouched. Permits are also cheaper at around USD 400. Still, the DRC remains unpredictable at times. It is important to follow the security situation closely. Gorilla trekking here should always be done through a trusted and organized tour operator.
5. Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Republic of Congo
Do not confuse the Republic of the Congo with the more unstable Democratic Republic of the Congo. Congo Brazzaville, as it is often called, is generally much calmer and more peaceful. It is also one of the best places in Africa to see western lowland gorillas.
In Odzala-Kokoua National Park, you can track habituated western lowland gorillas deep inside tropical rainforest. The forest here feels ancient. Dense jungle. Huge trees. And almost no crowds.
Because the park is so remote, getting here is not cheap. But that is also part of the experience. Tourism is very exclusive. Groups are small. The lodges are stylish but still feel wild and connected to nature. The trekking can be tough at times. Trails are muddy and humid. But the reward is unforgettable. Seeing western lowland gorillas in such a remote rainforest feels raw, intimate, and truly special.
Do you want to tour Africa and visit the gorillas, among other things? Call, text, or email us. We are eager to arrange everything for you. From your activities and accommodation to your tour guide and permits.
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