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Gorilla trekking in Africa or gorilla tours in Africa in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo. Are you looking for amazing Gorilla safaris in Africa? We have taken the time and compiled for you a list of the most popular Uganda gorilla tours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda gorilla tours to Volcanoes National Park and gorilla trekking in Congo tours to Virunga National Park & Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Unforgettable Gorilla tours in Africa/gorilla trekking in Africa safaris offer you a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the endangered Mountain gorillas in Africa in their natural environment. It’s truly a memorable adventure!
The endangered Mountain gorillas are the biggest apes on Earth. These wonderful gentle giants have stocky bodies with broad chests, and shoulders as well as amazing large humanlike hands plus wonderful brown eyes set into the hairless face.
Africa Gorilla safaris are only possible in East Africa in countries; Uganda Rwanda as well as Congo. Parks for Mountain gorilla tours include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes, Mgahinga Park, Virunga National Park, as well as Kahuzi Biega National Park.
For a notable gorilla tour in Africa, we advise you to supplement wildlife safaris on your gorilla expeditions.
This offers you an opportunity to encounter other incredible wildlife of Africa. Among these include the Big Five (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Cape Buffalos, & Rhinos), among others. Don’t miss visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, the home of the tree climbing Lions, and Murchison Falls National Park, as well as Masa Mara to experience the great Wildebeest Migration event, etc.
More still on your gorilla trekking tour, you can enjoy chimpanzee trekking (chimpanzee tracking), golden monkey trekking, bird watching, cultural encounters, as well as other thrilling adventurous activities.
All year round, you can trek Mountain gorillas in Uganda Rwanda, and Congo. Luxury gorilla safari tours as well as budget gorilla trips are possible!
Feel free to email us for any inquiries about your gorilla African safari trip!
Below, let’s learn more about gorilla trekking trips in Africa
Although gorilla trekking is a memorable African safari adventure, it’s only possible in a few countries- all found in East Africa!
For a rewarding experience, normally travelers supplement gorilla tours on top of their wildlife tours in parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park, among others.
The following are the sites for gorilla safaris in Africa:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best place for gorilla trekking trips in Africa.
This spectacular Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park holds 459 Mountain gorillas which is almost 50% of the endangered Mountain gorillas on Earth. This fascinating population of Mountain gorillas makes Bwindi Impenetrable Forest an ideal site for gorilla trekking trips in Uganda as well as East Africa.
It’s home to over 19 habituated gorilla groups open for gorilla safaris. Thus, it holds more gorilla tracking permits compared to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park which is home to 12 gorilla groups only.
Usually, Uganda gorilla trekking safari trips in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park take place in the Buhoma region. Gorilla treks in Buhoma are easier to take! This region holds 4 gorilla groups including, the Mubare gorilla family, Habinyanja gorilla group, Rushegura gorilla group, and Katwe gorilla family (gorilla group).
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the only place to enjoy gorilla habituation experience in Africa. It’s done on the Bikingi gorilla group in the Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Uganda wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, as well as Lake Mburo National Park can be supplemented on your Uganda gorilla trekking trips to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Don’t also, miss a visit to the spectacular Lake Bunyonyi.
Situated in Rwanda- the Country of a Thousand Hills, Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is another incredible site for gorilla trekking expeditions in Africa. It’s the only site to spot Rwanda gorillas!
Home to over 12 habituated gorilla families, Volcanoes NP holds the highest number of Mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area. This conservation area spans other gorilla parks like Virunga National Park Congo as well as Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
On top of your Rwanda gorilla safaris in Volcanoes park, you can also enjoy golden monkey tracking! A visit to Rwanda’s only savannah park- Akagera National Park for wildlife tour expeditions is also possible.
There’s no gorilla habituation experience in Volcanoes NP! This amazing adventure with the endangered gorillas is only possible in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda on the Bikingi gorilla family.
On your Uganda safari tour, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another great site for gorilla tracking tours!
This stunning park, Mgahinga National Park holds one incredible habituated gorilla family- the Nyakagezi gorilla group. It’s renowned for its many mighty Silverbacks happily living together!
Apart from Mountain gorillas, Mgahinga National Park is also famous for its striking volcanoes as well as the colorful Golden Monkeys, estimated to be about 3000-4,000 individuals.
Other amazing adventures worth undertaking on your Uganda gorilla trekking adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include golden monkey tracking as well as volcano hiking.
For travelers on African safaris interested in undertaking gorilla safari tours in Congo (central Africa), Virunga National Park awaits you!
Virunga National Park is also part of the great Virunga Conservation Area which covers Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park as well as Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. These national parks cover most of the Virunga ranges including the active Nyiragongo volcano.
For rewarding gorilla safaris, travelers who undertake Mountain gorilla trekking trips in Virunga National Park should also visit the Kahuzi Biega National Park- home of the Eastern lowland gorillas. This allows you to find the difference between the Mountain gorillas and the Lowland gorillas.
Also, there’s no gorilla habituation experience in this park.
If interested in visiting the divine Eastern lowland gorillas on your gorilla tours/ gorilla safaris in Africa, Kahuzi Biega National Park in central Africa- Congo is the best place for you.
This park boasts about 250 Eastern lowland gorillas and out of these, 3 gorilla groups open for gorilla safaris in Africa.
Furthermore, during your gorilla treks in this park, expect to encounter several amazing wildlife including some species of central Africa.
As you plan to undertake gorilla safaris in Africa, note that each country sells differently its gorilla permits for non-residents. This is due to the difference in demand and the need to conserve endangered gorillas.
Below is the cost for gorilla permits:
Inquire now about gorilla trekking permit costs for East African citizens as well as Foreign Residents.
In all gorilla national parks including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes NP, the gorilla treks in search of the gorilla family take about 2-8 hours. However, note that this duration depends on the movement of the endangered gorillas in their natural environment.
It’s possible to spot a gorilla group in just a 30-minute walk.
As you plan to enjoy gorilla safaris in Africa, be aware that there are guidelines to follow! These rules help to protect the endangered Mountain gorillas as well as the lives of travelers who visit them in their charming environment.
Below are the gorilla trekking rules and regulations to follow in Uganda Rwanda as well as Congo:
While coming for your gorilla safaris in Africa in parks like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda or Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park, these items are crucial.
During your gorilla safaris in Africa, it’s ideal you put on eco-friendly outfits as you trek gorillas. As experts in arranging gorilla tracking tours, we suggest Khaki, grey as well as brown.
Long socks will help you tuck in your long pants. This safeguards you from safari aunts normally common on the gorilla trek.
Please note that:
Gorilla trekking trips in Africa are possible all year round however, dry months June to September and December to February offer the best experience.
Normally, in dry months, the trails for gorilla treks are drier but, keep in mind that the weather in tropical rainforests is unpredictable, it can drizzle from time to time. Move with a rain jacket!
Dry months June to September and December to February are the best months to trek gorillas in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. In these months, little rains are received in gorilla national parks thus, gorilla treks are easier- mud-free!
March to May as well as October to November are wet months and during this time, trails can be muddy!
Gorilla tours are possible in all seasons of the year! However note that in dry months, there is minimal rainfall in gorilla national parks and this makes trails for gorilla tracking drier, and easy to hike.
In wet months, gorilla trekking is a blessing in disguise! Mountain gorillas hardly move in higher altitudes looking for food as food is plenty in the forest. Therefore, gorilla tracking normally takes a shorter time! You just have to get ready for the fairly muddy trail!
Also, note that budget gorilla safaris are ideal in wet months. Since it’s always a low season, most lodges give discounts to their guests. If lucky, you can also get a discounted gorilla permit.
While undertaking gorilla trekking trips in Africa, don’t get worried about where to stay! There are several lodges in all sites for gorilla trekking tours ranging from budget to mid-range, and luxury accommodation.
Below are the:
Ideal Luxury Gorilla Safari Lodges
Best Midrange Gorilla Safari Lodges
Top Budget Lodges To Use On Your Gorilla Tours
All sites for gorilla tours in Africa including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park have various accommodation facilities around them.
On your gorilla safaris in any gorilla tracking destination, you should use accommodation near the park. This is intended to keep time as Mountain gorilla trekking starts early morning with a briefing at 8 am. After, visitors will be allocated a gorilla group to trek.
Gorilla tours of Africa Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are possible in 4 sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga). Therefore, you should use accommodation facilities in that sector you’re to track gorillas from.
Though this a common question from our clients intending to undertake gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda as well Congo, you should get to know that there’s no constant price for gorilla safari tours! The price for gorilla permits is constant at $700 in Uganda, $1500 in Rwanda, and $400 in Congo.
The factors that affect the price of a gorilla safari include:
The cost of gorilla safaris in Uganda varies from one tour operator to another! But not that on average, a 3 day gorilla safari in Uganda costs over $1300 on budget. A 3 day luxury gorilla safari in Uganda costs about $3900 per person.
The above rate includes a gorilla permit, accommodation, transportation as well and a driver guide.
The price of Rwanda gorilla safaris starts from over $1700 per person inclusive of the gorilla permit, accommodation, transportation, and a driver guide! Note that, a 1 day gorilla safari trip is possible in Rwanda unlike in Uganda.
From Kigali airport, it’s just a 2-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. In Uganda, the 1st day is to drive (about 8-9 hours drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest), 2nd day you track gorillas, and drive back on the 3rd day.
Ideally, gorilla trips/gorilla trekking in Uganda Rwanda, and Congo are worth the money! Imagine the thrill of a face-to-face encounter with the cool gentle giants (Mountain gorillas) in their natural habitat.
Most of the revenue collected from gorilla tours/gorilla safaris is channeled back to conserve the threatened natural habitats of these apes. Also, this revenue is used to pay pack rangers as well as getting invested in community development programs.
With great experience in organizing gorilla trips/gorilla tours in Africa, we have brought to you different ways to undertake affordable gorilla tours.
Here is how you can undertake budget gorilla tours in Africa:
Moving in a group during your gorilla safaris in Africa allows you to share costs such as accommodation and transportation.
If interested in budget gorilla tours, you should consider using affordable lodges. These lodges have relatively lower rates and this helps you to save a lot.
The gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700 while the Rwanda gorilla permit is at $1500. Therefore, if you’re looking for budget gorilla tours in Africa consider visiting Uganda as it allows you to save over $800 just on a gorilla permit.
Undertaking gorilla safaris in low season yields savings on accommodation! Most lodges normally offer discounts to guests. Also, if lucky, you can have discounted gorilla permits.
Travelers looking for budget gorilla tours shouldn’t think of using chartered flights. This raises your gorilla trip cost!
Both Uganda and Rwanda are great sites for gorilla safaris in Africa but, the question is which is better for gorilla tours!
The gorilla trek in Rwanda is ideal for every traveler with a reasonable level of fitness! On your Rwanda gorilla tours, the only fairly challenging thing is the tricky terrain! During the gorilla trek, park guides will always use machetes to create a way through the thick jungle as you walk.
As experienced tour operators in organizing gorilla safaris in Africa, we advise you to do some physical body exercise before your gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
While planning to undertake a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda Rwanda, here are some of the crucial information for you to know before your trip for a memorable adventure.
All gorilla tours/gorilla safaris in Africa are safe! For instance, every year hundreds and thousands of travelers undertake gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda Rwanda, and Congo, and 99% of the travelers end their adventures successfully.
Gorilla safaris are done on fully habituated gorilla groups that are familiar to people. Also, during your gorilla trek, you’ll be in the company of armed park rangers who ensure your security.
It’s wise to use reliable gorilla trekking safari companies while booking your gorilla safaris in Africa. An honest tour company will make sure that you truly enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime adventure- gorilla trekking.
Here are the best gorilla tour companies in Africa to travel with:
Normally, most gorilla tours/gorilla safaris in Uganda Rwanda, or Congo feature wildlife safaris, golden monkey trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and cultural encounters, among others.
For instance, while gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda, you can have a wildlife tour in Queen Elizabeth National Park home of the rare tree climbing Lions, Murchison Falls National Park as well as Akagera National Park. Chimpanzee tracking adventures are best done in Kibale Forest National Park.
The following are the popular gorilla safaris in Africa:
During your gorilla tracking trip in Africa, expect to enjoy a thrilling encounter with Mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This adventure is indeed remarkable!
You’ll enjoy Mountain gorillas as they undertake their amazing daily activities, for instance, feeding, grooming, youngsters playing swinging in trees, and cuddling on the backs of their elders.
You’ll be amazed by the sheer size of these largest apes on Earth! Gorillas are stocky animals having broad chests and shoulders, large human-like hands, as well as and small eyes set into hairless faces.
Normally, travelers taking their gorilla tours in Africa book their gorilla permits through tour operators!
If interested in gorilla trekking in Uganda, there is an option of buying your Mountain gorilla permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority- a government agency responsible for tourism. In Rwanda, you can buy your Rwanda gorilla trekking permit from the Rwanda Tourism Board (RTB).
Also, a Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Congo can be bought from Virunga Park offices in Goma Town.
We recommend you buy a gorilla permit through a tour operator.
All gorilla safaris in Africa are safe! During your gorilla trek or gorilla tour adventure in any gorilla park, you’ll be accompanied by armed park rangers. These trained personnel ensure that you are safe.
More facts showing how safe is gorilla trekking:
This a common question from travelers planning to have gorilla tours in Africa. Globally, their over 1,063 Mountain gorillas, and out of these, almost half of the total is found in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Uganda.
The other Mountain gorilla population dwells in Virunga Conservation Area which holds about 604 Mountain gorillas. This area spans 3 parks; Volcanoes, Virunga Park, and Mgahinga Park.
The highest population of Mountain gorillas in Africa dwells in the Virunga Mountain ranges which span 3 countries of East Africa; Uganda Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It covers Virunga Park, Rwanda Volcanoes, and Mgahinga Gorilla Park of Uganda.
Travelers interested in visiting Eastern lowland gorillas on their gorilla safaris in Africa should consider visiting Central Africa in Kahuzi Biega NP.
Any person with a moderate body fitness level can undertake gorilla tours in Africa. The gorilla trek can take about 2-8 hours while searching for the gentle giants in the lush green tropical rainforest.
You should undertake some body physical exercise before your gorilla trek. Comfortable hiking boots are recommended while gorilla tracking.
This is also another common question from our clients planning to undertake gorilla safaris in Africa.
Please note that gorilla trekking difficulty depends on your fitness level! To some travelers, it’s just a lovely walk in nature! This adventurous hike involves going through thick forests, valleys, slippery points, hillsides, as well as swamps in some areas.
The above shouldn’t stress you! There are always porters to assist you during your gorilla trek. Also, the rangers will always move at the pace of the slowest person during gorilla tracking.
All travelers planning to undertake gorilla tours/gorilla safaris in Africa must not that you can’t be refunded for your gorilla permit. However, the good news is that there is a possibility to reschedule the gorilla permit to another date when you’re in a position to travel.
For rewarding gorilla safaris in Africa, it’s ideal your supplement your gorilla trip/gorilla tour with some notable adventures.
Among others include:
Wildlife safaris allow you to also spot other incredible animals in Africa such as the Big Five, Tree climbing lions, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, Wildebeests, Bushbucks, Waterbucks, Uganda kobs, Elands, Topis, Hartebeests, Cheetahs, Hyenas, etc.
You can enjoy wildlife tours in Akagera National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, (Masai Mara National Reserve), etc.
Chimpanzee tracking is also another rewarding primate safari in Africa worth undertaking on top of your gorilla tours/gorilla trips in Africa. It allows you to visit man’s closest cousins- chimps in their habitat.
Kibale Forest National Park is the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Africa.
For bird lovers undertaking gorilla safaris in Africa, this is a must not miss experience! Key sites for bird watching include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, as well as Akagera National Park, etc.
Among East African countries, golden monkey tracking is only possible in Mgahinga Gorilla Park as well as Volcanoes Park. Normally, it’s done before gorilla tracking.
All gorilla safaris for example, gorilla trekking in Uganda Rwanda as well as Congo offer 99% sightings with Mountain gorillas. It’s very rare to miss encountering the allocated gorilla family as there are trackers in each gorilla park who track the gorilla group you have been allocated to visit.
In summary, gorilla safaris mark the top highlight of most safari trips in Africa. Imagine the thrill of visiting the mighty giants (Mountain gorillas in their natural environment! This adventure offers lifetime memories.
For a notable safari experience in Africa, we advise you to undertake wildlife tours and cultural encounters among others on top of your gorilla tour.
EMAIL US NOW WITH ANY INQUIRIES ABOUT GORILLA SAFARIS!
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