Many of the people who think of gorilla trekking mostly think of Uganda and Rwanda, however, there are many different places where these endangered mountain gorillas can be trekked. Below are some of the 10 famous places for gorilla trekking in Africa.
Gorillas are only native to Africa and there are two main species – The western gorilla and the Eastern gorillas. Western gorillas are further dived into two sub-species, the Cross-river gorilla and the western lowland gorilla. Eastern gorillas are divided into Mountain gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorilla). The western lowland gorilla is the most common with an overall population of over 250,000.
Where do gorillas live in Africa?
Wild gorillas live in the forests of east and central Africa – Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda. Although most tourists head to Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla tracking, the countries in West Africa offer even more amazing adventures for primate lovers. If you can tolerate the discomfort, unpredictability and long traveling distance in some of the countries in West Africa, you will be rewarded with amazing biodiversity. We will now discuss the different countries where gorillas are found. You can read a separate article about the best places for wildlife viewing in Africa.
The countries where gorillas are found in Africa
Most people want to track mountain gorillas and there’s much debate as to which country offers the best mountain gorilla safari. They’re found in only three countries: Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Thankfully, their numbers are increasing – the latest census confirmed there are now over 1,000 compared to 250 when conservation efforts first started some 50 years ago.
Uganda
The best mountain gorilla safaris in Uganda are in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, with 13 groups and around 400 gorillas. Mgahinga National Park, while just as beautiful, lies within the Virunga Massif neighboring DRC and Rwanda, and has only one habituated group which sometimes wanders over the borders.
It’s a very smooth operation, with excellent rangers and trackers, and local communities benefitting from fees. The hiking can be tough – there’s a reason it’s called impenetrable – but some groups are easier to reach than others. The gorilla permits cost 800USD for the foreign non-resident, 700USD for the foreign resident, 500USD for the rest of Africa residents and 300,000Ugx for the East African Residents.
Bwindi also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience where you spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated group. They’re less predictable and not as docile as habituated groups, and it’s a fascinating, intimate glimpse into how gorillas gradually get used to humans. At 1500USD, it’s the same price as one hour with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a legendary destination for gorilla trekking in Africa, steeped in history as the site where renowned primatologist Dian Fossey dedicated her life to studying and protecting these magnificent African gorillas. Nestled amidst the Virunga Mountains, the park offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and remarkable wildlife encounters, making it one of the best places to see gorillas in Africa. The gorilla permits in Rwanda cost 1,500USD per permit.
Volcanoes National Park is easily accessible, just a 3-hour drive from Kigali International Airport on well-maintained roads. This convenience, combined with its proximity to luxurious lodges and hotels boasting top-notch amenities, makes it a preferred choice for those seeking a high-end gorilla trekking Africa experience.
The Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo is also home to 3 of the 4 mountain gorilla subspecies. Beginning in the 1970s, habituated group gorilla trips were offered. Gorillas can be spotted in the Congo at the Kahuzi Biega National Park, Virunga National Park, and Madiakoko Mountains.
The eastern lowland gorillas have a stronghold in Kahuzi Biega National Park, which offers one of the best opportunities for gorilla watching. Although Bakavu is also the closest town and has some nice hotels, you should examine the security arrangements if you plan to enter the DRC from Rwanda.
Safaris with mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park are amazing. Each gorilla permit costs 400USD here, making gorilla trekking in Africa a budget-friendly option. Virunga offers gorilla safaris as well as hikes up Mount Nyiragongo. Uganda excursions with gorilla trekking.
The Republic of Congo
The Republic of Congo lies between Cameroon, Gabon, Central Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Republic of Congo is a peaceful place offering the best gorilla safaris with western lowland gorillas. The best place to see gorillas in Congo is Odzala kodoua national park, and you will find two habitual gorillas here. The climate here is generally hot and muggy. There are several untouched areas also. Apart from gorilla viewing, you can explore rain forest trails, kayaking, boating, and game driving across savannahs to boating, etc. June is the dry month in the Republic of Congo, and it is the best time to visit for a gorilla trek.
Central African Republic
Central African Republic trekking adventures are not for timid as searching for the wildlife is quite daring as here the jungle is quite wildest and most rewarding on the continent. It is home to the world’s highest number of western lowland gorillas and forest elephants. Here they are mostly concentrated in Dzanga Sangha special reserve which lies within the UNESCO world heritage site of Sangha Trinational reserve and its tropical rainforest ecosystem also spans protected in Congo and Cameroon.
Tourists can encounter two of the three habituated western lowland gorillas. The local Ba’Aka tribe helps in the net hunt in the dense jungle with encounters of forest elephants, bongos and mangabey monkeys hence making the trek not for the faint hearted. Sangha lodge is the best accommodation available. If you can endure the hardship of travel in Central African Republic, the trip is highly rewarding, otherwise check with up-to-date travel advisories as the country is a troubled one.
Cameroon
Western gorillas and cross-river gorillas are primarily seen in Cameroon. The cross-river gorillas are critically endangered species mostly visible in Nigeria. But in Cameroon, there is no habitual group. Thus, visitors can’t see cross-river gorillas from here. Mefou National Park is the best option for seeing rescued orphaned gorillas in Cameroon. The best times to visit are January, February, June, and September, the best months for visiting the Gorillas in Cameroon. There is more than one option in Cameroon for gorilla trekking such as Ndzanga Sangha National Park safari, Lobeke National Park Safari, and North Cameroon Safari.
Nigeria
If you want a unique experience in Gorilla seeing with some wildness, consider cross-river gorillas in Nigeria. They are different from mountain gorillas because of their aggressive nature. They are not friendly and don’t blend with humans like other types. The cross-river gorillas in Nigeria are scattered across the country in 2900 square kilometers, including the regions of Mbe mountains, Afi mountains, and Cross River National Park.
Their number is relatively low compared to other types of gorillas. January, February, June, and early September are Africa’s best months for gorilla trekking. Places you can see gorilla in Nigeria include Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mbe Mountains, and the Okwangwo Division of Cross River National Park.
Gabon
The native Gabon gorillas are the western lowland gorilla population, which is native to Gabon, thriving, and Loango National Park is home to the main habituated troop. But gorilla trekking has yet to be developed in Gabon. The uniqueness of Gabon is the large number of primates it has. Western lowland gorillas thrive at Loango National Park, a great environment. Loango National Park stretches to the Atlantic Ocean with a rich biodiversity. Visitors can witness dolphins, whales, and hippos along the ocean shoreline or venture into the forest to observe chimpanzees, forest elephants, and gorillas.
Equatorial Guinea
You can spot western lowland gorillas in Monte alen national park in Equatorial Guinea. Even though gorilla trekking and related tourism are a little developed, you can go Gorilla trekking with the help of locals. They are regarded as severely endangered because there are fewer than 316,0OO gorillas left in the world. During the dry season, that is, December to February is the
Angola
In Angola, we can find western lowland gorillas in the northern part of the country. Mainly in Cabinda enclave near the River Congo. This is the only place you will find gorillas in Angola. The gorilla safari is not so developed in Angola, and the chances of seeing a gorilla are also low. The best time to visit Angola for gorilla trekking is June to October.