Best Destinations for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla trekking is widely considered one of the most profound and humbling wildlife experiences in Africa, offering a rare opportunity to observe endangered gorillas in their natural rainforest habitats. This incredible activity is concentrated in specific regions, primarily focusing on two distinct gorilla species: the Mountain Gorilla and the Eastern Lowland Gorilla.

Here are the best destinations for gorilla trekking in Africa:

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Mountain gorillas are found in only three countries, all within the Virunga Massif volcanic range and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

  1. Uganda: The “Pearl of Africa”

    Uganda is often lauded as the top destination for mountain gorilla trekking, boasting over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. It offers two distinct trekking locations:

    • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi is a dense, ancient rainforest known for its incredible biodiversity. It hosts the largest number of habituated gorilla families, spread across four main sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo). Treks here can be quite challenging due to the thick undergrowth and hilly terrain, truly living up to its “impenetrable” name, but the reward is immense. Bwindi also uniquely offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience, allowing visitors up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family (though permits are more expensive).
    • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Part of the Virunga Massif, Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest national park. It offers a more intimate trekking experience, often with less strenuous hikes due to the gorillas’ preferred higher-altitude bamboo forests. Mgahinga is unique in that it’s the only place in Uganda where you can also track the endangered golden monkeys, making for a fantastic primate-focused itinerary.

    Permit Cost (as of June 2025): USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. Uganda is generally considered the more affordable option for gorilla trekking compared to Rwanda.

  2. Rwanda: The “Land of a Thousand Hills”

    Rwanda offers a more luxury and convenient gorilla trekking experience, easily accessible from Kigali International Airport.

    • Volcanoes National Park: This park, nestled among the mist-shrouded Virunga Volcanoes, is famous as the setting for Dian Fossey’s pioneering research. It offers a more structured trekking experience, with generally shorter and less arduous hikes compared to Bwindi, making it popular for those with limited time or fitness concerns. The stunning volcanic scenery adds to the dramatic appeal.

    Permit Cost (as of June 2025): USD 1,500 per person for foreign non-residents. This higher price point contributes significantly to gorilla conservation and community development initiatives.

  3. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): The Adventurous Frontier

    While politically less stable and generally more challenging to access, the DRC offers the most budget-friendly mountain gorilla permits and a truly raw, adventurous experience.

    • Virunga National Park: Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Virunga is home to a significant mountain gorilla population. Treks here offer incredible encounters amidst stunning volcanic landscapes. However, due to ongoing security concerns in certain regions, it’s crucial to check the latest travel advisories and park security updates before planning a visit. The park also features the active Nyiragongo volcano, offering a unique multi-day adventure combined with gorilla trekking.

    Permit Cost: Historically around USD 400 per person, making it the most affordable for mountain gorillas.

Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Grauer’s Gorilla) Trekking

Eastern Lowland Gorillas are a distinct subspecies, larger than mountain gorillas, and found exclusively in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

  • Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC):

    • Kahuzi-Biega National Park: Located in eastern DRC near Bukavu, this park is the primary destination for trekking Eastern Lowland Gorillas. These gorillas inhabit dense lowland rainforests and higher montane forests. Trekking here offers a different jungle experience and a chance to see the largest gorilla subspecies. Similar to Virunga, security conditions should be thoroughly checked before visiting.

    Permit Cost: Around USD 400 per person.

Western Lowland Gorilla Trekking

Western Lowland Gorillas are the most numerous and widespread gorilla subspecies, found across several countries in Central and West Africa. Trekking to see them is generally more challenging and less predictable than mountain gorilla trekking, often involving deeper jungle expeditions.

  • Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville):
    • Odzala-Kokoua National Park: This remote park offers a unique and immersive experience for tracking Western Lowland Gorillas. Treks here often involve navigating through swampy forest and are suited for more intrepid travelers. The park is renowned for its bai (forest clearings) where gorillas and other forest animals gather.
  • Central African Republic (CAR):
    • Dzanga-Ndoki National Park (specifically Dzanga Bai): This area is famous for its unique “bai” (forest clearings) where large numbers of Western Lowland Gorillas and forest elephants congregate to feed on mineral-rich soils. Viewing is often done from elevated platforms rather than traditional “trekking.”
  • Gabon:
    • Loango National Park: Offers coastal forest and savannah environments where Western Lowland Gorillas can be found. Sightings here are less guaranteed than in East Africa.

Choosing Your Destination:

  • Cost: Uganda offers the most affordable mountain gorilla permits, followed by DRC. Rwanda is the most expensive.
  • Convenience: Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) is the most easily accessible, with a short drive from Kigali.
  • Physicality: Bwindi (Uganda) can be the most physically demanding, while Rwanda and Mgahinga might offer easier treks.
  • Overall Experience: Rwanda offers a more luxurious and polished experience. Uganda offers a more rustic and diverse safari package. DRC is for the truly adventurous seeking a raw, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Regardless of the chosen destination, gorilla trekking is an emotionally powerful and unforgettable journey, providing a direct link to the wild and critically contributing to the conservation of these magnificent primates.