Where is the Best Place to See Mountain Gorillas in Africa?

Where is the Best Place to See Mountain Gorillas in Africa? A Comprehensive Guide

Where is the Best Place to See Mountain Gorillas in Africa?  : Encountering gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the most thrilling experiences in life. Watching these magnificent creatures in the wild, from mothers nurturing their young to silverbacks leading their families, is truly unforgettable. Gorillas share about 98.3% of the human genetic code, displaying emotions similar to our own, such as sadness and joy. This unique experience connects us closely to our distant relatives and raises an important question for travelers: “What is the best place to see mountain gorillas in Africa?”

The top destinations for mountain gorilla encounters are Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Each offers distinct experiences in mountain gorilla trekking, with over 1,000 mountain gorillas currently inhabiting these areas, showing promising growth in numbers. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to see these fascinating creatures, helping you decide where to embark on your unforgettable adventure.

1. Uganda: The Gorilla Trekking Capital

Uganda is considered the top destination for mountain gorilla trekking, home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The two main national parks for gorilla trekking in Uganda are:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its dense forest and incredible biodiversity. It is home to 21 habituated gorilla groups, making it one of the best places to see mountain gorillas in Africa. Trekking through Bwindi can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours to locate a gorilla family, after which visitors are allowed to spend one hour with them.

Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Each offers a unique gorilla trekking experience, but the most popular is Buhoma, known for its relatively easy trek and four habituated gorilla groups.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, Bwindi also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows visitors to spend four hours with semi-habituated gorillas. This experience is available for $1,500 per permit, the same as the cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permit: $800 per person per trek for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents, and $100 for East African citizens.

Recommended Lodges in Bwindi:

• • Buhoma Sector: Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Lodge, Ride 4 a Woman Lodge, Buhoma Lodge.
  • Ruhija Sector: Gift of Nature Lodge, Broadbill Tented Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Agandi Eco Lodge.
  • Nkuringo Sector: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort.
  • Rushaga Sector: Four Gorillas Lodge, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Karungi Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the Virunga Mountains and is home to one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group. This family sometimes moves across the border into Rwanda, making its location less predictable. However, Mgahinga offers the added advantage of trekking in a less crowded environment compared to Bwindi.

• Recommended Lodges in Mgahinga:
  • Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
  • Lake Chahafi Resort
  • Gahinga Lodge

2. Rwanda: Luxury Gorilla Trekking at Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda is another popular destination for gorilla trekking, with the Virunga Mountains spanning across Uganda, DRC, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The park is home to 12 habituated gorilla families that are ready for tourism.

Rwanda offers a luxury gorilla trekking experience, with well-developed infrastructure and shorter treks compared to Uganda. The journey from Kigali, the capital city, to Volcanoes National Park takes just two hours, making it more accessible for visitors looking for a quick adventure.

• Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permit: $1,500 per person per trek.
• Recommended Lodges in Volcanoes National Park:
  • Sabinyo Silverback Lodge: A luxurious lodge providing stunning views of the Virunga Mountains.
  • Virunga Lodge: Offers a luxurious and comfortable stay with panoramic views.
  • Five Volcanoes Lodge: A mid-range option that offers comfortable rooms and great service.
  • Mountain Gorilla Lodge: A great option for those looking for comfort without breaking the bank.
  • Gorilla Nest Lodge: A three-star, mid-range lodge for budget-conscious travelers.

3. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Adventure in Virunga National Park

The Democratic Republic of Congo is an ideal destination for those seeking a more adventurous and off-the-beaten-path experience. Virunga National Park, one of the oldest national parks in Africa, is home to five habituated gorilla families.

For those interested in seeing both mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas, the DRC is a great option. The Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to more than 100,000 lowland gorillas, providing a different type of gorilla trekking experience.

• Recommended Lodges in DRC:
  • Bukima Tented Camp: A simple yet comfortable camp surrounded by beautiful scenery, including views of Nyiragongo and Mount Mikeno.

4. Congo Brazzaville: Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Congo Brazzaville, the neighbor of the DRC, offers a more peaceful environment for gorilla trekking. It is home to the western lowland gorillas, found primarily in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Trekking here is more challenging but highly rewarding, as it provides an intimate experience with fewer tourists.

5. Central African Republic (CAR): Unique Experience at Dzanga-Sangha

The Central African Republic offers a unique opportunity to see habituated western lowland gorillas at Dzanga-Sangha, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sangha Trinational Reserve. This location also hosts the largest concentration of forest elephants and is known for its remote, wild nature. The Dzanga Bai is a prime location to view these animals, and Sangha Lodge is the best place to stay during your visit.

 

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Destination for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

When it comes to choosing the best destination to see mountain gorillas in Africa, it ultimately depends on your preferences and budget:

Uganda: Offers the most affordable gorilla trekking experience with the highest number of gorillas and two parks to choose from. Bwindi is perfect for those who want a challenging trek in a dense forest, while Mgahinga offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

Rwanda: Known for luxury and accessibility, Rwanda is ideal for those who prefer a comfortable and short trek with high-end lodges and well-developed infrastructure.

DRC: Perfect for the more adventurous traveler seeking a raw experience. Virunga National Park is rich in wildlife and offers a unique opportunity to see both mountain and lowland gorillas.

Congo Brazzaville and Central African Republic: Both are great options for seeing western lowland gorillas, offering a more secluded experience. These locations are recommended for seasoned travelers looking for a remote and wild adventure.

• No matter which destination you choose, gorilla trekking in Africa is an experience that will leave a lasting impression. To book your unforgettable adventure or inquire about more information, reach out to our reservation team at gorillaugandasafaribookings@gmail.com.