Top Gorilla Trekking Destinations in Africa

Gorillas are the world’s largest living primates and share more than 98% of our genetic code, making them one of our closest relatives. They live in troops with complex social structures and exhibit behavior recognizable in our own families. Nevertheless, all African gorillas are endangered or critically endangered. Threatened by habitat destruction, poaching, and disease, witnessing them in their natural habitat is a privilege that future generations might lose.

This article presents recommendations for successful gorilla trekking tours rather than an exhaustive list of all countries where gorillas can be found.

Different Types of Gorillas

Two main species of gorilla exist: eastern gorillas and western gorillas. Each species is further divided into subspecies, including the western lowland gorilla, the eastern lowland or Grauer’s gorilla, and the mountain gorilla. The western lowland gorilla is the smallest, most numerous, and widely distributed subspecies, residing in the lowland forests and swamps of Central Africa, such as Cameroon, Gabon, the Central African Republic, and the Republic of the Congo—approximately 100,000 western lowland gorillas remain in the wild.

The Grauer’s gorilla, the largest subspecies, is only found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with fewer than 4,000 individuals surviving in the eastern mountainous forests. Furthermore, mountain gorillas number just over 1,000 individuals and are divided into two populations: one in the Virunga Mountains (accessible from Rwanda, Uganda, or the DRC) and another confined to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking

When embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure, it is important to understand the challenges involved in locating the troops, as sightings cannot be guaranteed. All gorilla species avoid humans, and finding them often requires several hours of hiking through dense vegetation. Be prepared for waiting, stinging insects, and extreme heat. However, habituated troops, accustomed to human visitors, allow for close encounters that make the effort worthwhile.

Rules & Regulations for Gorilla Trekking

Due to their vulnerable status, human interactions with gorillas are strictly regulated to minimize impact. A gorilla trekking permit is necessary (your tour operator will assist you in obtaining this, with costs ranging from $400 in the DRC to $1,500 in Rwanda). Daily permits are limited for each location, so planning in advance is advisable. Regulations may vary by country but generally align with the following guidelines from the Rwanda Development Board:

• Maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas to reduce disease transmission.
• Viewing time is limited to one hour.
• Group maximum is 8 visitors.
• Spitting in the park is prohibited.
• If coughing, cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
• Keep your voice low while with the gorillas.
• Avoid rapid movements that could alarm the gorillas.
• If a gorilla charges, remain calm, look away, and follow your guide’s instructions.
• Do not litter.
• Flash photography is prohibited.
• Tracking is permitted for individuals aged 16 and above.

Best Places to See Mountain Gorillas

Uganda

In Uganda, there are two main gorilla trekking locations. The first is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO-recognized reserve encompassing 321 square kilometers of dense rainforest, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, including nine habituated troops.

Recommended Tour: Gorilla Trek Africa 3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Tour

Another option is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, situated in the extreme southwest of Uganda, known for its scenic Virunga Mountain slopes, which is home to one habituated gorilla troop.

Rwanda

Rwanda offers gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, where the forest is more accessible, and visitors can track 10 habituated gorilla troops.

Best Places to See Grauer’s Gorillas

Democratic Republic of Congo

While Rwanda and Uganda are safer bets for encountering mountain gorillas, the DRC is your best option for seeking out Grauer’s gorillas, typically found in primary tropical forests. Notable locations include Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Maiko National Park.

Best Places to See Western Lowland Gorillas

Republic of Congo

North of the Republic of Congo lies Odzala-Kokoua National Park, a historically rich habitat for over 22,000 western lowland gorillas. Although the population drastically decreased due to an Ebola outbreak in the early 2000s, it has since made a recovery, making it a prime destination for spotting this species.

Gabon

Gabon hosts lowland gorilla populations across many of its national parks, with Moukalaba-Doudou National Park being the first to attempt habituation of a gorilla troop, allowing tourists to track them. Other parks with lowland gorillas include Ivindo and coastal Loango National Park.