8 Best Places In Africa To See Gorillas In The Wild

Africa’s top gorilla trekking destinations include Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park (home to the Susa group), Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (with 36+ gorilla families), DRC’s Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega (for eastern lowland gorillas), Uganda’s Mgahinga (combining gorillas and golden monkeys), Mount Bisoke, Nkuringo Sector, and Rushaga Region (with the highest concentration of habituated families). Each location offers unique experiences, from volcano views to less-crowded encounters, with permits typically ranging from $400-700.

Key Points

• Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda features diverse ecosystems supporting over 600 mountain gorillas with well-habituated families for viewing.
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda hosts 19 habituated gorilla families, representing more than half of the world’s remaining population.
• Virunga National Park in DRC offers gorilla trekking on dormant volcano slopes with complex social groups led by silverbacks.
• The Rushaga region in Uganda contains the highest concentration of habituated gorilla families in Africa with 8 different groups.
• Mgahinga National Park provides opportunities to see both endangered mountain gorillas and rare golden monkeys amid volcanic landscapes.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: Home of the Famous Susa Group

Nestled within the majestic Virunga volcanic region, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda stands as one of only three remaining mountain gorilla habitats on Earth. You’ll find diverse ecosystems here, from evergreen rainforests to bamboo groves, creating the perfect environment for over 600 mountain gorillas.

The park’s famous Susa group offers one of your best chances to observe these critically endangered primates up close. Conservation efforts have been remarkably successful, with gorilla numbers steadily increasing since 1978.

When trekking, you’ll experience the park’s unique microclimate—cool temperatures and fertile volcanic soil that supports the abundant vegetation gorillas depend on. The park encompasses five magnificent volcanoes including Mount Karisimbi at 4,507 meters, offering spectacular views during gorilla expeditions.

The park’s recent 27-hectare expansion further guarantees these magnificent creatures have sufficient habitat to thrive for generations to come.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda: The Land of 23 Gorilla Families

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda offers you another exceptional gorilla encounter. Covering 321 square kilometers along the Great Rift Valley, this park hosts over 36 mountain gorilla families, with 19 habituated for tourism.

You’ll need to secure a trekking permit in advance, as Bwindi harbors more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The park is divided into different sectors, each offering unique trekking experiences through varied terrain.

While physically demanding, the trek with experienced rangers is worth every effort.

Your visit directly supports conservation efforts for these endangered primates and boosts the local economy. The most famous habituated family is the Mubare group, which was first habituated in 1991 and continues to thrive under the leadership of a silverback. The involvement of surrounding communities in conservation initiatives has created a sustainable model that balances tourism with environmental protection.

Virunga National Park, DRC: Wild and Untamed Gorilla Territory

Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park, awaits you with over 350 mountain gorillas living in its wild, untamed landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The montane forests create the perfect habitat for these magnificent creatures that live in complex social groups led by dominant silverbacks.

You’ll need a $400 permit to trek through challenging high-altitude terrain with experienced guides who guarantee both your safety and minimal impact on the gorillas.

While visiting, don’t miss the Senkwekwe Orphanage for rescued gorillas and consider staying at nearby Mikeno Lodge.

Despite conservation challenges including poaching, habitat loss, and regional instability, international cooperation has strengthened protection efforts. Over one-third of the global mountain gorilla population resides on the slopes of dormant volcanoes in Virunga.

Beyond gorillas, you’ll discover abundant biodiversity and cultural significance that make Virunga a truly unique destination.

Mgahinga National Park, Uganda: Where Gorillas Meet Golden Monkeys

As Uganda’s smallest national park, Mgahinga offers you a unique double wildlife experience with both endangered mountain gorillas and rare golden monkeys against a dramatic backdrop of three extinct volcanoes. The park forms part of the Virunga massif where Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC meet.

At 33.8 square kilometers, you’ll find:

• Less dense forests than Bwindi, making wildlife spotting more accessible
• Three majestic volcanoes reaching up to 4,127m above sea level
• Cool tropical highlands with a refreshing mountain climate
• Opportunities to visit the local Batwa pygmy communities

While gorilla families occasionally cross borders, the golden monkey tracking offers a reliable alternative wildlife experience. The park’s rich biodiversity includes over 76 mammal species ranging from elephants to leopards.

The park’s relatively compact size makes it perfect for combining primate encounters with volcanic hikes in a single destination, even on a limited schedule.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DRC: Eastern Lowland Gorilla Haven

Tucked away in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kahuzi-Biega National Park stands as the premier destination to observe eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. This UNESCO World Heritage site spans an impressive 600,000 hectares of dense rainforest, providing sanctuary to the endangered Grauer’s gorillas.

With approximately 6,800 eastern lowland gorillas remaining in the wild, your visit here offers a rare wildlife encounter. Despite recent surveys showing that Kahuzi-Biega has experienced sharp declines in gorilla populations, the park’s volcanic landscapes and biodiversity create a stunning backdrop for gorilla trekking adventures.

Though tourism remains challenging due to regional security concerns, guided tours are essential and available through companies like Africa Adventure Vacations.

While more remote than other gorilla destinations, Kahuzi-Biega rewards intrepid travelers with less crowded, more authentic experiences and the chance to support crucial conservation efforts.

Mount Bisoke, Rwanda: Gorilla Trekking With Crater Lake Views

Soaring 3,711 meters above Rwanda’s lush landscape, Mount Bisoke offers one of Africa’s most rewarding gorilla trekking experiences. You’ll trek through dense bamboo forests where endangered mountain gorillas roam freely in their natural habitat.

Majestic Mount Bisoke beckons adventurers to witness rare mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s pristine bamboo forests.

The journey begins at Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi, where guides brief you before the adventure starts. This physically demanding but worthwhile experience combines wildlife viewing with stunning scenery. The entire hiking adventure typically takes about 6 hours to reach the summit, with additional time needed for the descent.

• Watch mountain gorilla families interact just meters away from you
• Reach the summit to glimpse the magnificent crater lake
• Follow trails once explored by renowned primatologist Dian Fossey
• Connect with local communities through cultural tours at Ibyi’wacu

Combine your gorilla trek with golden monkey spotting for a complete wildlife experience. Your tourism dollars directly support conservation efforts and local communities.

Nkuringo Sector, Bwindi: Off-the-Beaten-Path Gorilla Encounters

Hidden in the southern reaches of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Nkuringo Sector rewards adventurous travelers with some of Africa’s most authentic gorilla encounters.

You’ll trek through challenging terrain to visit four habituated gorilla families: Nkuringo, Christmas, Bushaho, and Posho. The Nkuringo family, first habituated in 2004, now includes 19 members with two silverbacks.

While physically demanding, these treks offer a less crowded alternative to Bwindi’s busier sectors.

Only eight visitors per gorilla family are permitted daily, ensuring an intimate one-hour observation while minimizing impact on these critically endangered primates. This visitor limitation is part of Uganda’s careful conservation efforts that have helped protect the mountain gorilla population since the park was established in 1991.

Expect treks exceeding four hours across rugged landscapes, requiring good fitness.

The sector’s 9-10 hour drive from major towns keeps it off the typical tourist path, making your encounter with these magnificent creatures even more special.

Rushaga Region, Uganda: The Most Gorilla Families in One Area

The Rushaga Region of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is prominent as the area with the highest concentration of habituated gorilla families in Africa. With eight different gorilla families to track, including the popular Kahungye and Busingye families, you’ll have excellent chances of meaningful encounters.

This southern sector offers unique advantages for wildlife enthusiasts:

• Daily trekking options with experienced guides who guarantee safety
• The only location offering gorilla habituation experiences
• Accessible via roads from Kabale and Kisoro districts
• Home to approximately 459 mountain gorillas in diverse family structures

The Nshongi family, which was once Uganda’s largest family with 18 members, is among the notable gorilla groups visitors can trek in this region. Though trekking conditions can be challenging due to dense forest terrain, Rushaga’s conservation efforts and infrastructure make it an ideal destination for witnessing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat year-round.

The Sum Up

You’ve now discovered Africa’s gorilla sanctuaries, where these gentle giants await your visit. Don’t worry—they’re only slightly more expensive than your monthly rent! The irony isn’t lost on us that you’ll spend thousands to squat in mud for an hour with creatures who share 98% of your DNA. Still, it’s worth every penny. Pack light, bring cash, and prepare for a humbling encounter your Instagram followers will simultaneously envy and ignore.