Seeing gorillas in Africa is the most iconic wildlife experience any traveler would not want to miss on an African safari. These unique creatures share 98% of their DNA with humans and live in a few remote areas on this continent. Seeing gorillas is in two ways trekking and habituation experiences. This allows tourists to witness their daily lives and contribute to conservation efforts. Gorillas are mainly divided into two points and these are mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas.
Mountain gorillas are the most common but critically endangered of all the gorillas. They live in dense highlands of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Seeing mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity since about 1000 gorillas are remaining.
Lowland gorillas are divided into two categories, eastern Lowland gorillas and western lowland gorillas. The eastern Lowland gorillas are more elusive and can be located in the Democratic Republic of Congo whereas the western lowland gorillas are more numerous and widespread.
The best places to see gorillas in Africa are.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most iconic mountain gorilla destination in Africa located in southwestern Uganda. This park harbors almost half of the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas with about 24 habituated gorilla families. The park has four sectors designated for seeing these magnificent creatures. These include the Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma gorilla sectors.
In this park, the gorilla habituation experience is another way to spend 4 hours in the presence of gorillas compared to gorilla trekking where only an hour is spent in the presence of these gentle giants capturing memories. The different sectors offer a great opportunity for travelers to choose the best sector to trek in hence flexibility.
Apart from gorillas, this park is home to unique plants, beautiful sceneries, butterflies, and more.
Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga Mountains and it’s located in Rwanda offering one of the famous gorilla trekking experiences. The gorillas here in this park are connected with the famous researcher and primatologist Dian Fossey who saved several gorillas here through her research.
This park can easily be accessed from Kigali the capital city of Rwanda taking about 3 hours’ drive. This park has 12 habituated gorilla families open for trekking. Gorilla permits for Volcanoes National Park are the most highly priced costing USD 1500 for foreign non-residents.
Virunga National Park is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo and it’s the oldest national park in Africa hence a UNESCO world heritage site. The park has 8 habituated gorilla families and neighbors in Uganda and Rwanda. The mountain gorilla permits here in this park are the lowest priced at USD 400 for foreigners. Travelers interested in trekking gorillas also take part in trekking Mt Nyiragongo an active Volcano or taking a tour in Goma town.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park in DR Congo is the best place to visit the eastern Lowland gorillas. These gorillas are the most giant among other gorillas and are less studied. As the name suggests, these gorillas can be found in lowland areas hence easy to trek down compared to Mountain gorillas in highland areas.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda. It has only one habituated gorilla family and harbors the rare golden monkeys. The park also houses the Virunga mountain ranges of Mount Mgahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura. Since this park has few gorilla families it offers a chance to trek in a less crowded environment hence enhancing your trekking experience.
Visiting gorillas is an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, wildlife and conservation. We plan the best gorilla safari in East Africa with wildlife and culture. Book an East African safari with us now and we take you on a gorilla tour like no other.
