These three national parks offer some of the best gorilla watching opportunities, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda. Odzala Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo. Rwanda is the most popular destination for gorilla trekking.
This is the most accessible of all the destinations that host the mountain gorillas. The country jealously protects its mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The best places in the world to see gorillas are Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Congo. More than 100,000 western lowland gorillas live in the lush rainforests of West and Central Africa.
Classified as critically endangered, fewer groups are accustomed to persecution due to their inaccessible homelands. Choosing the best gorilla safari for you depends on your budget and sense of adventure. Here are my suggestions for the best places to see gorillas in Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo is another destination where gorilla trekking safaris can be carried out in Africa.
In all three countries, the gorilla trekking permits are sold at the headquarters of government agencies that regulate tourism in the country, except in Rwanda, where the permits can be purchased online. There are strict regulations — such as the requirements of the Ugandan gorilla trekking permit — to ensure the health and safety of these animals. Although gorilla trekking in Rwanda is considered a year-round activity, the country’s dry seasons offer by far the easiest hiking conditions and the lowest risk of malaria. Experience shows that a significant number of tourists prefer gorilla trekking during the dry months compared to the wet months.
Trekking for gorillas in Congo is easier during the rainy season from June to September and the “light rain season” from December to February. This is different from other gorilla trekking destinations such as Rwanda and Uganda, where you must first take a road transfer to the national park and then hike into the mountains for about two to five hours. If you’re ready to experience them for yourself, you can learn more about the best gorilla trekking companies on this page. Trekking for gorillas in the emerald rainforests of Africa and observing the daily interactions of these endangered primates is arguably one of life’s greatest privileges.
The long dry season then begins in June and lasts until around mid-September — this is generally the preferred time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. At least 10% of tourism revenues go towards community projects around the park, which reinforces the positive effects of gorilla trekking in Rwanda and makes the protection of these great apes useful for rural communities in a very practical way. And thanks to Uganda’s low cost of trekking permits, it’s a great choice for travelers looking for budget options to see gorillas in Africa. December is peak season for gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and visitors are asked to book their permits in advance.
