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Africa is a preferred destination to see the big 5 game in the wild. From Southern to Eastern Africa, tourists never miss encountering the big game (elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes) freely roaming in the savannas.

The most popular big game safari destinations in East Africa include Maasai Mara National Reserve located in Southwestern Kenya.

Masai Mara is an extensive savanna-dominated game reserve in Kenya, and it is the country’s most visited destination. It is a preferred spot to find both wildebeests and the big five game in a single habitat.

Other big game destinations in Kenya include Tsavo Parks, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli National Park, Nairobi National Park, and others.

Tanzania is one of the amazing wildlife or big game destinations in East Africa. It is also most visited for wildebeest migration and its most popular parks to visit for game viewing include Lake Manyara National Park (this is found along the Great Rift Valley, also home to the tree-climbing lions).

Other parks are Serengeti National Park (Tanzania’s extensive protected area with a land area of 14763sq.km), and this is where the big five and wildebeest share the same habitat, Tarangire National Park, Nyerere (Selous) National Park, Ruaha National Park, Katavi National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and others.

Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Africa is the only continent in the world where one can trek the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo at their respective national parks adjacent to each other.

About Mountain Gorillas in Africa

Mountain gorillas are an endangered species of primates endemic to Africa. They are close human relatives, sharing 96% of their DNA with humans. They live in groups dominated by a male silverback that dictates group activities like foraging and sleeping. He’s also the only male that mates with the group’s females.

Female mountain gorillas undergo a gestation period of 8 and a half months and have only 1 to 2 fertile days in a month. Once a gorilla gives birth, it takes about 4 to 5 years to produce another infant. A mother raises the infant by breastfeeding, carrying it on her back or stomach, and sleeping with her baby in one nest until they reach about 4 years old when babies move to another nest close to the mother.

Gorillas mainly feed on vegetation, although they sometimes supplement their diet with insects, ants, and termites. They spend most of their day foraging until around noon when they rest, and they begin foraging again in the afternoon until after 7 pm when they build new nests. Gorillas build new nests every day.

About Lowland Gorillas in Africa

Lowland gorillas belong to the western gorilla sub-species endemic to central and West Africa. Lowland gorillas are subdivided into eastern lowland gorillas and western lowland gorillas.

The western lowland gorillas are the only gorilla species found in zoos and are the smallest of all gorilla species. They live in thick tropical rainforests, similar to other mountain gorilla families. Although the western lowland gorillas are more numerous compared to other gorilla species, they are greatly threatened by habitat invasion.

Eastern lowland gorillas are critically endangered gorilla species endemic to Maiko National Park and Kauzi Beiga National Park, along with their adjacent forests. They are the largest of all gorilla sub-species and also live in groups dominated by one silverback that dictates all gorilla activities in the group.

Where to See Gorillas in Africa

Gorillas are divided into two species: eastern gorilla and western gorilla, further subdivided into cross river gorilla, mountain gorilla, western lowland gorilla, and eastern lowland gorilla. In Africa, the most visited sub-species are mountain gorillas, only found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Other species are distributed within East Central Africa and West Central Africa.

Why visit gorillas in Africa

• Natural habitat. One of the reasons you have to see gorillas in Africa is that mountain gorillas can’t survive for long in the zoo. The gorillas you have probably seen at the zoo are lowland gorillas; therefore, you have to come to Africa and trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
• Endemic to Africa. Another reason you should visit mountain gorillas in Africa is that they can only be found in three countries in Africa and nowhere else in the world. So, if you want to see mountain gorillas, you have to travel to Africa.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Uganda has about half of the world’s endangered mountain gorilla population. Trekking gorillas in Uganda can be done in two places with several habituated groups in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in the southwestern part of the country.

There are several habituated mountain gorilla families in different sectors of Bwindi National Park, so make sure you book accommodation in the sector you acquired a permit from. Both national parks are also far away from the main international airport; therefore, you need to be in the park the day before because gorilla trekking starts very early in the morning.

Gorilla trekking in Congo

Gorilla trekking in Congo is done at Virunga National Park. Congo offers the cheapest mountain gorilla trekking permits compared to other gorilla trekking national parks in Uganda and Rwanda, favoring budget travelers.

The best way to get to Virunga National Park for gorilla trekking is by flying into Rwanda and then taking a 3-hour drive to the border of Rwanda and Congo.

The drive from the border to the park is one hour. Alternatively, you can fly into Goma from Kigali International Airport and then drive to the park within an hour.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is the only place for trekking mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The country is the most expensive gorilla trekking destination. There are over 12 habituated mountain gorilla families for tourists to visit on a daily basis.

Best gorilla trekking parks in Africa

The best gorilla trekking national parks in Africa are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

Trekking with gorillas in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers the best mountain gorilla trekking experience. It boasts the highest population and number of habituated mountain gorilla families compared to other national parks.

You can obtain your trekking permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted travel company in Uganda.

Trekking with gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

To trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, you need to obtain a gorilla permit three months before arriving in the park to avoid disappointment.

Gorilla trekking at Volcanoes starts very early in the morning with a briefing from the park headquarters. You will then be allocated to different gorilla families according to age and the ability one has.

For example, energetic people will be allocated to families living on higher elevations that are hard to reach, while older people will be allocated to trek nearby gorilla families.

Trekking with gorillas in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park gorilla trekking is the cheapest of all mountain gorilla trekking national parks.

You can book a permit through a trusted travel agent or through Virunga National Park.

Most of the Virunga habituated mountain gorilla families have stories to be told. You will be given a period of an hour to observe mountain gorillas once you find the family you’re trekking.

Trekking with gorillas in Kauzi-Beiga National Park

Kauzi Beiga National Park is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, located 40 kilometers from Bukavu town. Gorilla trekking at Kauzi Beiga National Park involves trekking eastern lowland gorillas.

Gorilla trekking permits are $400 during the peak season and $200 during the low season. Trekking eastern lowland gorillas starts early in the morning after a briefing from the park rangers.

Cost of gorilla trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking costs vary from country to country, and this can be seen below:

Rwanda offers the most expensive gorilla trekking experience, with permits costing $1500 per person per trek for foreign non-residents.

Although Rwanda offers off-season discounts to tourists, the cost is still high compared to other national parks.

The off-season price is $1,050 per person per trek, only offered to tourists visiting in November and May, and you must have visited other Rwandan national parks to be eligible for off-season rates.

Foreign residents will pay $500, and East African citizens of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Burundi will pay $200.

Congo offers the cheapest mountain gorilla trekking, with permits costing $400 for foreign non-residents per person per trek during the peak season.

They also offer discounts for the low season at $200 per person per trek for foreign non-residents. East African residents pay $200, and Congo citizens pay only $20.

Uganda offers a midrange gorilla trekking experience. Permits cost $800 per person per trek for foreign non-residents.

Budget Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Gorilla trekking is quite an expensive tourist activity. For example, a permit costs $1,500 in Rwanda, and this doesn’t include air tickets, ground transportation, and accommodation, making it hard for budget tourists to afford trekking.

However, you can plan for budget gorilla trekking in the following ways:

• Visit Virunga National Park: Congo’s Virunga National Park offers the most affordable gorilla trekking experience. Budget travelers can fly into Rwanda and then drive to Congo, which is about a 4-hour drive from Kigali International Airport to Virunga National Park. The Democratic Republic of Congo is a very large country, and the park is far from the main airports, so it’s better to fly into Rwanda and drive for a short distance.
• Visit during the low season: Tourists on a budget can also take advantage of low-season rates offered in gorilla trekking destinations. Sometimes, most hotels also offer off-season rates, so you will be able to pay for the gorilla trekking permit as well as accommodation.
• Travel in groups: Traveling in groups can also reduce the cost of gorilla trekking because you can share transport costs and sometimes even share rooms.

Luxury Gorilla Safaris

Luxury gorilla trekking is possible mainly in Rwanda. Rwanda offers the most expensive gorilla trekking permits, costing $1,500 per person per trekking.

You can make your trip more luxurious by booking an upmarket 5-star lodge in the park and also flying into the park from Kigali International Airport.

Luxury gorilla trekking is also possible in Uganda. You can fly into Bwindi from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield and book a very comfortable 5-star hotel for your stay.

Gorilla Habituation

Gorilla habituation is the process by which mountain gorilla families are visited by a group of four researchers and rangers in order to habituate them for tourists to visit safely.

This process takes about three years. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers visitors a chance for a group of only four individuals to join researchers and rangers in the process of gorilla habituation.

It’s luxurious and expensive but worth the money paid because you get to spend four hours in the presence of mountain gorillas, unlike the usual 1 hour during gorilla trekking.

Alternatively, you can do both activities: gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation to get to know gorillas used to human presence and those still being introduced.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – A Highlight not to Miss!

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and boasts many habituated mountain gorilla families found in four sectors: Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga sectors.

Permits for trekking cost $800 per person per trekking. Permits for gorilla trekking in Bwindi must be booked in advance, at least 3 months before arrival.

The allocation of mountain gorilla families will depend on age, health, and fitness. Young, energetic people will be allocated to high elevations for trekking, while the old and weaker ones will be allocated to nearby gorilla families.

When trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi, make sure to book accommodation in the sector you will be trekking from.

Is Gorilla Trekking Worth It?

Gorilla trekking is worth it because you get to see our close relatives in their natural habitat, unlike other animals that can be kept in zoos.

Mountain gorillas are also endangered and rare, only found in three countries in the world, making it a very unique travel experience.

Plus, you trek gorillas on foot and get to embrace nature, unlike other wildlife that you have to see from a car.

Gorilla Permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

Gorilla permits are documents issued to individuals above the age of 15 years old to enable them to trek mountain gorillas in their respective habitats.

All mountain gorilla trekking permits should be obtained in advance, at least 3 months before, especially during the peak season, to avoid disappointments.

You can book a mountain gorilla trekking permit through a trusted travel company or Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park reservation office in Congo.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking

Mountain gorillas live at higher elevations of Virunga Conservation Area and Kauzi-Beiga National Park. These elevations are mainly on the Virunga mountain ranges with an equatorial climate experiencing dry and rainy seasons every year.

The best time for trekking mountain gorillas is during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February when the trekking trails are in good condition, not slippery and muddy.

Popular Frequently Asked Questions

Below are 30 frequently asked questions and answers that will help you plan your trip even better:

1. Why is Africa a popular destination for seeing the Big Five? Africa offers vast savanna habitats where tourists can see elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes in their natural environments.
2. Which are the best countries in Africa to see the Big Five? Kenya and Tanzania are top choices in East Africa, with numerous parks offering Big Five sightings.
3. What is the Big Five, and why are they special? The Big Five refers to the five large African mammals: elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes, which were traditionally the most challenging animals to hunt.
4. What makes Masai Mara National Reserve unique for wildlife viewing? Masai Mara is renowned for its vast savannas and large populations of both the Big Five and wildebeests in one area.
5. Where can you see the wildebeest migration in Africa? The Great Migration is best seen in the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania.
6. What are some popular national parks in Kenya for wildlife safaris? Kenya’s top parks include Masai Mara, Tsavo National Parks, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli National Park.
7. What are the main wildlife destinations in Tanzania? Tanzania offers Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Nyerere (Selous) National Park for incredible wildlife experiences.
8. What is gorilla trekking, and where can it be done in Africa? Gorilla trekking involves tracking and observing gorillas in their natural habitat and is possible in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
9. Why is Africa the only place to see mountain gorillas? Mountain gorillas are endemic to Africa and only live in the high-altitude forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
10. How closely related are mountain gorillas to humans? Mountain gorillas share about 96% of their DNA with humans, making them close relatives.
11. Where can I see lowland gorillas in Africa? Lowland gorillas can be seen in central and West Africa, particularly in Maiko and Kauzi Beiga National Parks in Congo.
12. What is the difference between mountain and lowland gorillas? Mountain gorillas live in higher altitudes and are found in East Africa, while lowland gorillas inhabit tropical rainforests in Central and West Africa.
13. Which African countries offer the best gorilla trekking experiences? Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo offer the best gorilla trekking experiences.
14. What is the best time of year to go gorilla trekking? The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, offer ideal trekking conditions.
15. Why are gorilla trekking permits expensive? Gorilla trekking permits fund conservation efforts and support the communities around gorilla habitats, contributing to their high cost.
16. How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda? A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 for foreign non-residents.
17. Why is Rwanda’s gorilla trekking experience considered the most expensive? Rwanda’s permits cost $1,500, as they aim to position themselves as a premium destination for exclusive experiences.
18. Are there budget-friendly options for gorilla trekking? Yes, Congo offers the cheapest permits, and visiting during the low season or in groups can help reduce costs.
19. What is gorilla habituation, and where can it be experienced? Gorilla habituation allows visitors to observe the process of making gorillas accustomed to human presence, and it’s offered in Uganda’s Bwindi National Park.
20. How long do female mountain gorillas care for their infants? Female mountain gorillas care for their infants for around four years, providing close nurturing.
21. What is the most accessible place for gorilla trekking in Rwanda? Volcanoes National Park is the only gorilla trekking location in Rwanda, known for its accessible trekking paths.
22. How far in advance should I book a gorilla trekking permit? It is recommended to book your permit at least three months in advance, especially during peak seasons.
23. Can older adults go gorilla trekking? Yes, older adults are typically assigned gorilla families closer to the trailhead to accommodate their abilities.
24. What makes Bwindi Impenetrable Forest unique for gorilla trekking? Bwindi has the highest population of mountain gorillas and multiple trekking sectors with varied trekking experiences.
25. Is it possible to see both mountain and lowland gorillas in Africa? Yes, mountain gorillas are found in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, while lowland gorillas are seen in central and West Africa.
26. Why is gorilla trekking considered a unique travel experience? Gorilla trekking provides a rare opportunity to encounter one of humanity’s closest relatives in the wild.
27. Where is the best place for luxury gorilla trekking? Rwanda offers luxury trekking options with upscale lodges and convenient air travel to Volcanoes National Park.
28. What should I consider when choosing a gorilla trekking destination? Budget, permit availability, travel logistics, and desired level of comfort should all be considered.
29. Can I trek gorillas in multiple countries on one trip? Yes, it’s possible to trek in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, as they share a border region where gorillas live.
30. What is the significance of the Big Five for African safaris? The Big Five represent iconic African wildlife and are a major draw for tourists seeking to experience Africa’s natural beauty.