Where To See Gorillas in Africa in 2025, Best Gorilla Watching Holidays

Best Places to See gorillas in Africa in 2025, How To See Gorillas In the Wild

Are There gorillas in Africa? The answer is yes! We present to you all the destinations where you can see the gorillas in Africa. Find great gorilla watching holidays for you and your loved ones.

Many of the people who think of gorilla trekking mostly think of Uganda and Rwanda, however, there are many different places where these endangered mountain gorillas can be trekked. Below are some of the 10 famous places for gorilla trekking in Africa.

 

There are only a handful of places in Africa where you can go on a gorilla trekking safari. The prime destinations to see gorillas in the wild are Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville). Uganda and Rwanda are most famous for mountain gorilla trekking and have well-developed, safe tourism infrastructure. DRC offers both mountain and eastern lowland gorilla treks, but travel there comes with security concerns. The Republic of Congo (not to be confused with DRC) is the best place to see western lowland gorillas. Below we delve into each country’s gorilla parks, what makes each destination unique, and important information for visitors. We will also include comparative insights – for example, Rwanda vs Uganda for gorilla safaris – to help you choose the right trip.

 

Seeing the Gorillas in Uganda

Uganda is often considered one of the top choices for gorilla trekking tours, home to roughly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The country offers two mountain gorilla habitats: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda’s gorilla parks are in the southwest, part of the larger Virunga ecosystem and adjacent to Rwanda and DRC. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is well-organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, with skilled guides and strict protocols to ensure both visitor safety and gorilla protection. A big advantage of Uganda is cost: gorilla permits here are significantly cheaper than in neighboring Rwanda (we will detail prices later). Uganda also allows longer stays – there are many other wildlife and cultural attractions in the country, making it easy to combine gorilla tracking with a broader safari. From savannah safaris to chimpanzee trekking, Uganda safaris can be quite diverse in addition to the gorilla trek.

From the capital Kampala (or Entebbe Airport), reaching the gorilla parks is an adventure in itself. It’s about a 9-10 hour drive on scenic roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, or one can take a small plane to airstrips near the park. Many travelers also reach Uganda’s gorillas via Rwanda (a road transfer from Kigali to Bwindi is ~4 hours, popular for shortening travel time). Uganda offers a range of accommodations around Bwindi, from budget campsites to mid-range lodges and a few luxury options, which means gorilla tours here can fit different budget tiers. The atmosphere tends to be a bit more rustic and intimate than Rwanda’s upscale scene, and group sizes in lodges are often smaller. English is widely spoken, and local communities warmly welcome tourists, often performing traditional dances or offering village walks that provide cultural insights. Overall, Uganda is an excellent destination to see gorillas in the wild, balancing affordability, experience, and conservation impact.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is renowned as a premier gorilla trekking location. This UNESCO World Heritage Site spans a mist-covered mountainous rainforest that truly lives up to the name “Impenetrable” – the terrain is steep and the vegetation dense. Bwindi is home to an estimated 459 mountain gorillas as of the latest census, roughly half of all mountain gorillas on Earth. Over 25 gorilla family groups in Bwindi have been habituated for tourism, which means Uganda issues up to about 152 gorilla permits per day in this park (with a maximum of 8 tourists allowed per gorilla family group). Treks in Bwindi can be challenging: hikers often push through thick vines and climb muddy slopes. However, some gorilla families stay in areas accessible with a moderate hike, so the difficulty varies – park authorities assign groups based on fitness levels when possible. The reward of encountering a gorilla troop in Bwindi’s wild jungle is extraordinary. You might watch a giant silverback calmly munching leaves, mothers cuddling infants, and juveniles swinging from vines. Visitors get to spend one hour observing the gorillas once found.

One advantage of Bwindi is that it has four different trailhead sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo), each with a set of habituated gorilla groups. This spreads tourism across the park and allows travelers to choose a sector based on accessibility and lodging preference. The Buhoma sector in the north is the oldest and most popular, with many lodges and a community hospital founded by gorilla tourism revenue. The southern sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo) are closer to Rwanda’s border. Bwindi offers a special experience called the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where a limited number of visitors can join researchers for a four-hour encounter with a semi-habituated gorilla group. This permit is more expensive (US$1,500, same as Rwanda’s price for one hour), but it offers a deeper insight into gorilla behavior and the habituation process. Aside from gorillas, Bwindi’s forest is rich in biodiversity – lucky visitors might spot forest elephants, many species of monkeys, or colorful birds like turacos and hornbills. Visiting local Batwa pygmy communities around Bwindi is another highlight; the Batwa were the forest’s indigenous people, and tours with them showcase their traditional hunter-gatherer culture and how they are adapting post-eviction from the park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smaller gorilla habitat, contiguous with Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP and DRC’s Virunga NP in the Virunga Mountains range. Mgahinga covers the slopes of three extinct volcanoes and offers a beautiful backdrop of alpine vegetation and bamboo forests. It is home to only one habituated gorilla family (the Nyakagezi group) which typically ranges within Uganda. In the past, this group sometimes wandered across borders, but in recent years it has settled in Mgahinga full-time. Because there is just one group, only 8 permits are available per day for Mgahinga, making them high in demand. Trekking here is generally a bit easier than Bwindi in terms of terrain – the forest is less dense – but “easier” is relative since you’re still hiking at altitude. Mgahinga’s gorillas often hang out on the slopes with stunning views of the volcanic peaks. A unique aspect of Mgahinga is that it’s the only park in Uganda where you can see golden monkeys, an endangered primate that lives in the same forests. Many visitors do a golden monkey tracking as an add-on activity to gorilla trekking.

Mgahinga Gorilla NP has cultural significance as well. It’s part of the ancestral territory of the Batwa people, and tourists can take the Batwa Heritage Trail, led by Batwa guides, to learn about their traditional forest life – including demonstrations of making fire, hunting techniques, and medicinal plant use. In terms of accommodation, Mgahinga has fewer nearby lodges (since many travelers stay in Kisoro town or even in Bwindi/Rwanda and drive over for the day). This park, while less visited than Bwindi, offers an intimate gorilla trekking experience due to the low visitor numbers. Mgahinga’s slogan is “Where Gold Meets Silver” – referring to golden monkeys and silverback gorillas – highlighting that you can see both in one place. For those interested in mountain climbing, Mgahinga also offers day hikes up the volcanic peaks (Mount Sabyinyo, for instance) where you can have one foot in Uganda, one in Rwanda, and one in DRC at the tri-point summit. Overall, Mgahinga is a gem for gorilla tours, especially for repeat visitors or those looking for a quieter trek.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda has garnered a reputation as the luxury destination for gorilla trekking. Known as “the Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is a small country with excellent roads, making access to gorillas quick and easy. The centerpiece of Rwanda’s gorilla tourism is Volcanoes National Park in the northwest. Rwanda’s gorilla trekking infrastructure is highly developed – from the efficient permit system to the high-end lodges dotting the park’s outskirts. Security is superb, and the park is well-protected. The experience comes at a premium price (gorilla permits here are the most expensive in Africa), but many find it worth it for the level of service and the iconic status of the location where Dian Fossey conducted her research. Importantly, Rwanda also heavily reinvests gorilla tourism revenue into conservation and community development, ensuring locals see benefits from gorilla tours. Many travelers visit Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park as a standalone trip or as a short add-on (e.g., 2-3 day gorilla trek extension) to a larger East Africa safari in Kenya or Tanzania.

Reaching Volcanoes National Park from Kigali (Rwanda’s capital) is very convenient – it’s only about a 2 to 3-hour drive on good roads. This proximity allows even short trips like flying in, trekking gorillas the next day, and flying out, which appeals to time-limited travelers. Culturally, Rwanda offers enriching experiences alongside gorilla tracking: you can tour local villages, see traditional Intore dance performances, or participate in community projects. The country also has a famous annual ceremony called Kwita Izina, a baby gorilla naming ceremony each September that attracts global attention and celebrates Rwanda’s conservation success. For those interested in broader wildlife safaris, Rwanda has other attractions too (such as Akagera National Park for savannah wildlife and Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzees), making it possible to do a complete Rwanda safari circuit.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s crown jewel and arguably Africa’s most renowned gorilla trekking destination. The park covers the Rwandan side of the Virunga Volcanoes range and was made famous by primatologist Dian Fossey and the film “Gorillas in the Mist.” It boasts lush montane forests and bamboo thickets on the steep slopes of volcanoes like Karisimbi and Bisoke. There are currently 12 habituated mountain gorilla families available for trekking in Volcanoes NP. Each group can be visited by at most 8 tourists per day, so about 96 permits are available daily in Rwanda. Treks start from the park headquarters in Kinigi each morning, where visitors are assigned to a gorilla group and a team of guides and trackers. The hike can range from a short 1-hour walk to a strenuous few hours climb, depending on where the gorillas nested the previous night. Fortunately, the park staff in Rwanda are adept at communication via radio – trackers go ahead at first light to locate the gorillas and guide the tourist groups accordingly. This often makes tracking efficient, though the mountainous terrain means you should be prepared for a workout.

The gorilla encounter in Volcanoes NP is usually described as magical: meeting a giant silverback eye-to-eye in the bamboo, or watching juveniles tumble and play, is an emotional experience. Many gorilla behavior findings come from this park, and visitors today might even visit the gravesite of Dian Fossey and her beloved gorillas during a separate hike (the Karisoke Research Center site). Rwanda’s management of gorilla tourism prioritizes conservation – for example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the park imposed strict health measures (mandatory masks, testing, etc.) to protect gorillas from human illness, given our genetic closeness. Volcanoes National Park also offers additional activities: golden monkey tracking is a popular half-day trek to see these lively primates that are endemic to the Virungas. Hiking to the summit of Mt. Bisoke (which has a beautiful crater lake) is another option, as is visiting the twin lakes (Burera and Ruhondo) nearby for scenic relaxation. Tourists in Rwanda can also engage in cultural visits such as Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions. With the variety of luxury eco-lodges around Volcanoes NP – some of which have stunning views of the volcanoes – Rwanda caters especially to upscale travelers. It’s common for high-end safari goers to pop over to Rwanda for a gorilla trek as an add-on, despite the high permit cost of $1,500, because the experience is truly one-of-a-kind.

Beyond Gorillas: Other Attractions in Rwanda’s Gorilla Region

While mountain gorillas are the main draw of Volcanoes National Park, it’s worth noting a few other attractions in the area for travelers planning a visit. As mentioned, the park is one of the last habitats of the golden monkey, an endangered species of primate with a bright golden-orange coat. Trekking to see golden monkeys is relatively easier and cheaper than gorilla trekking, and it offers a fun contrast – these monkeys leap among bamboo branches and are quite photogenic. History and conservation enthusiasts might take a hike to the former Karisoke Research Camp site, where Dian Fossey conducted her studies. Fossey’s grave and those of several gorillas (including her favorite, Digit) are located here, and it’s a poignant hike that underscores the sacrifices made to protect these animals. Each year, Rwanda holds the Kwita Izina ceremony at Kinigi, near the park: it’s essentially a gorilla “baby naming” ceremony and a community celebration. If you happen to visit during this event, you’ll see a festival atmosphere with music, cultural dances, and global ambassadors for conservation joining the local communities to name each newborn gorilla of the past year.

Outside the park, the town of Musanze (Ruhengeri) serves as the base for many visitors. Musanze has attractions like caves to explore (the Musanze caves), a gorilla conservation exhibit center, and local markets. After trekking, some travelers enjoy relaxing at Lake Kivu (around a 2-hour drive from Volcanoes NP), one of Africa’s great lakes, offering beachside relaxation, boating, and beautiful sunsets over the water. Finally, as part of Rwanda’s holistic approach to tourism, community-based experiences are encouraged. Visitors can take village walks to see daily life, visit cooperatives like basket-weaving or banana-beer making, or even spend a day volunteering on community projects. These interactions not only enrich the tourist experience but also ensure that those living around Volcanoes National Park benefit directly from tourism – which in turn reinforces the protection of the gorillas’ habitat.

Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

The Democratic Republic of Congo offers gorilla experiences in a truly wild setting, including the unique opportunity to see both mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas. The two key parks are Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for eastern lowland gorillas). DRC’s gorilla tourism is far less developed than Uganda’s or Rwanda’s – it is an option for the more adventurous traveler. Political instability and security concerns have frequently affected tourism in DRC, and as of recent years, Virunga National Park has been intermittently closed due to militia activity and park ranger safety issues. That said, during stable periods the DRC can offer incredible experiences: it is the least expensive place to see mountain gorillas (with permits about half the price of Uganda’s, and a quarter of Rwanda’s), and its forests are pristine. It’s crucial to go with a reputable tour operator and stay updated on travel advisories if considering DRC. Often, travelers access DRC’s gorilla parks via Rwanda – for Virunga, one would cross the border at Goma, and for Kahuzi-Biega, cross at Bukavu near Lake Kivu.

Beyond gorillas, DRC’s Virunga region is famous for Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano with the world’s largest lava lake – an overnight trek to Nyiragongo used to be a popular add-on to gorilla treks until security issues paused tourism. The DRC parks employ armed ranger escorts to accompany tourists for safety. Culturally, visiting DRC can be eye-opening; for example, seeing the communities around Goma or Bukavu, which have been through conflict and recovery. The park authorities (ICCN) and partners like Virunga Alliance have made conservation a tool for regional development, employing many locals in tourism and protection jobs. Gorilla tourism in the DRC, when operational, directly supports these efforts in a country that arguably needs it the most. We will detail each park and the considerations for safety in the sections below.

Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorillas in DRC)

Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassing a vast swath of wilderness in eastern DRC. It includes not only gorilla habitat on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes but also savannas, swamps, and the Rwenzori Mountains. Virunga’s mountain gorillas live in the southern sector, contiguous with Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP and Uganda’s Mgahinga. There were approximately eight habituated gorilla groups in Virunga available for tourism historically, with names like Rugendo and Mapuwa groups. Trekking here is similar to Rwanda/Uganda in practice – small groups hike with guides to spend an hour with a gorilla family. The permit cost in DRC has been around US$400 for foreigners, the lowest price anywhere to see mountain gorillas. However, Virunga has faced repeated closures; notably, it was shut to tourists in 2018 for a time after security incidents, reopened, and then closed again from 2020 onward due to the pandemic and renewed conflict. As of the latest information, Virunga National Park remains closed to tourism indefinitely (in 2024–2025) for security reasons.

In periods when Virunga was open, adventurous travelers were rewarded with a less crowded gorilla experience. The park also offered package tours including gorillas, the Nyiragongo volcano trek, and stays at the historic Mikeno Lodge. Visitor numbers were low compared to Uganda/Rwanda, so encounters often felt very exclusive. The environment is also slightly different – Virunga’s gorillas sometimes range at lower altitudes within thick forests on the volcano flanks. There is a poignant human element in Virunga: the rangers here operate under extremely dangerous conditions to guard the park’s wildlife. Dozens of rangers have been killed in the line of duty by armed groups over the past decades. This reality underscores the cost of protecting gorillas in DRC. Tourists who visited Virunga often commented on the extraordinary dedication of these rangers. If stability returns, Virunga could again offer one of the most extraordinary, off-the-beaten-path gorilla trekking adventures. Until then, anyone intent on a DRC gorilla trek must stay informed and heed travel advisories closely. For now, the safer alternative within DRC is Kahuzi-Biega for eastern lowland gorillas, since that area has been relatively calmer.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Eastern Lowland Gorillas)

Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the D.R. Congo is the sole location where tourists can track the Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas). Situated west of the city of Bukavu near the Rwandan border, this park is named after two extinct volcanoes, Mt. Kahuzi and Mt. Biega. It consists of both lowland and highland terrain, but the gorilla trekking takes place in the lower altitude forests. Kahuzi-Biega is home to an estimated 250 eastern lowland gorillas, although only a few family groups are habituated for visitation. Trekking Eastern lowland gorillas is somewhat different from mountain gorilla trekking. These gorillas range over larger distances, and their groups can be a bit larger in size. They often spend time on the ground as well as in fruiting trees (one might witness a massive silverback climbing a tree to get fruit, which is a rarer sight with mountain gorillas).

Typically, two gorilla groups in Kahuzi-Biega have been habituated. The treks start from the Tshivanga visitor center, with park rangers leading the way. The terrain here is less steep than Virunga Mountains, but can be very swampy and muddy. One bonus is that at times, the vegetation is not as dense, allowing for more open viewing (this can depend on season and location). The experience of seeing a big Grauer’s gorilla silverback (which can be larger than a mountain gorilla silverback) is awe-inspiring. Kahuzi-Biega’s permit is about US$400, similar to Virunga’s pricing.  Compared to the mountain gorilla parks, very few tourists come to Kahuzi-Biega – you might be one of only a couple of people trekking on a given day, especially in recent years. The park has basic tourist facilities, and many visitors stay in Bukavu town which has a few hotels and old Belgian colonial-era houses converted to guesthouses. Bukavu can be reached via overland route from Rwanda or by domestic flight from Congo’s interior. As for safety, Kahuzi-Biega has had periods of instability but generally fared better than Virunga. Still, it is crucial to travel with guides and avoid independent travel in this region. If the security situation permits, an eastern lowland gorilla trek is a rare and highly rewarding experience for primate enthusiasts, offering a chance to see a different gorilla species and support conservation in a war-torn region.

Safety and Security in DRC for Gorilla Tours

Safety in the DRC is a significant concern and must be carefully evaluated when planning a gorilla trek there. Both Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega are in provinces that have experienced conflict. Armed rebel groups and poachers have been active in and around these parks. Virunga’s management itself has acknowledged that the park “looks unlikely to reopen in the foreseeable future” due to security issues. Travelers who do decide to go gorilla trekking in DRC are strongly advised to do so through trusted tour operators. These operators coordinate with park authorities for armed ranger escorts, secure transport, and up-to-date intelligence on ground conditions. The DRC military and park rangers provide security in the main tourist routes, but there is always an inherent risk. It’s wise to monitor your government’s travel advisories for eastern DRC. For example, parts of North and South Kivu (where Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega are located) are often under “Do Not Travel” advisories.

Practically, most tourists enter the DRC for gorilla tours via Rwanda, which has a stable infrastructure. You would typically overnight in Goma (for Virunga) or Bukavu (for Kahuzi-Biega) rather than roaming the countryside. In recent history, Virunga National Park had implemented a secure “tourist corridor” with armed convoys from Goma to the park HQ at Rumangabo when it was open. Kahuzi-Biega has been somewhat safer because it’s near Bukavu, a city with a strong UN peacekeeper presence and not as much rebel activity recently. Nevertheless, events can change quickly. Another safety aspect to consider is health: DRC requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination, and malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Also, since medical facilities are limited, evacuation insurance is essential for travelers. To summarize, while DRC offers remarkable gorilla trekking opportunities, ensuring one’s safety requires vigilance, flexibility in plans, and acceptance of the risks involved. Many tour operators currently do not offer DRC gorilla safaris unless the situation improves. Uganda and Rwanda remain the safest places to see mountain gorillas in Africa, and Congo (Brazzaville) for western lowland gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking in the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)

The Republic of the Congo (often called Congo-Brazzaville to distinguish from DRC) is an emerging destination for more intrepid travelers aiming to see gorillas – specifically, the Western Lowland Gorilla. While this country doesn’t have mountain gorillas, it offers something unique: tracking habituated western lowland gorilla families deep in the Congo Basin rainforest. The flagship location is Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the northwest of the country. Unlike the relatively small montane parks of Uganda/Rwanda, Odzala is a massive tract of primary rainforest, swamps, and savannah covering over 13,500 km² (5,200 sq mi). Gorilla tourism in Congo-Brazzaville is managed in partnership with conservation organizations (like African Parks) and a couple of specialized safari companies. It is a low-volume, high-cost operation that provides a truly immersive jungle experience. Travelers should be prepared for remote wilderness: reaching Odzala involves a charter flight from the capital Brazzaville or a long overland journey. Once there, however, you are in one of the most pristine ecosystems in Africa, with opportunities not just to see gorillas but also forest elephants, bongo antelopes, and an incredible array of birds and primates.

The western lowland gorilla treks in Odzala are centered around two habituated gorilla groups in the park’s southern sector. Typically, visitors stay at Ngaga Camp, which is a research and tourism camp in the heart of the forest, and go out on foot with skilled trackers to find the gorillas. Tracking here can be physically demanding: the terrain is fairly flat but very thick with vegetation, high humidity, and plenty of insects (yes, you’ll want those gaiters and perhaps even face nets at times). Treks may take a few hours as the gorillas move quickly through fruiting trees and thickets. However, once you find them, you get to spend an hour observing as usual. Western lowland gorillas are a bit more wary of humans than mountain gorillas; even habituated groups might keep a slight distance. But you can still get excellent views – perhaps a female with a baby clinging to her, or juveniles curiously peeking at the visitors. One interesting behavior of lowland gorillas is that they often visit forest clearings or “bais” to eat mineral-rich soil and herbs, so sometimes researchers can observe them from hides near these clearings.

Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Odzala-Kokoua National Park is currently the premier place for western lowland gorilla safaris. The two habituated groups near Ngaga Camp were part of a long-term gorilla habituation and research program. Given the elusive nature of lowland gorillas, having any habituated groups is a remarkable achievement. Tourist groups are kept small (usually 4 guests per trek) to minimize disturbance. In addition to gorilla tracking, Odzala offers guided walks to saline clearings (bais) where you might see gatherings of wildlife including gorillas, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous monkey species – a wildlife spectacle unique to the Congo Basin. Accommodations in Odzala are in a few upscale camps that are all-inclusive (meals, guided activities, etc.). The cost of visiting is high – an Odzala gorilla package of 7 nights can run into several thousands of dollars – due to the charter flights and lodge costs. This is partly why the visitor numbers are low, making it an exclusive experience.

From a safety and logistics perspective, Congo-Brazzaville is politically stable and safe for travel, especially in the Odzala region which is far from any conflict zones. Brazzaville, the capital, is easily reachable via direct flights from Europe and other African countries. The park itself is managed with support from African Parks, an NGO known for its effective protected area management. Thus, tourist safety within Odzala is well handled, with professional guides and emergency protocols in place (though one is indeed very remote in case of serious medical emergencies). The guides and trackers are often local Congolese who have an intimate knowledge of the forest – spending time with them is an education in itself about rainforest ecology. While in the Republic of Congo, an optional extension is to visit Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park or the Dzanga-Sangha area (across the border in Central African Republic) where there are also western lowland gorilla habituation projects and the famous Dzanga Bai (known for its concentration of forest elephants). However, Odzala remains the most established for tourism. In sum, if seeing western lowland gorillas in the wild is on your bucket list, Congo-Brazzaville’s Odzala is the place to go, offering a safe yet adventurous safari deep in the African rainforest.

Other Western Lowland Gorilla Sites

Besides Odzala-Kokoua in the Republic of Congo, there are a couple of other noteworthy places related to western lowland gorilla tourism, albeit on a smaller scale. One is the Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve in the Central African Republic. Dzanga-Sangha, part of the Sangha Trinational World Heritage Site, has a western lowland gorilla habituation program near Bai Hokou. Here, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and local trackers habituated at least two gorilla groups for research and tourism. Intrepid travelers who venture to Dzanga-Sangha (which is remote but currently relatively stable in that southwestern corner of CAR) can track gorillas and also spend time at Dzanga Bai, an immense mineral lick where dozens of forest elephants, bongos, and other animals gather – one of the most unique wildlife experiences in Africa. Another site is Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in northern Republic of Congo, where the Mondika research site straddling the CAR border has a habituated gorilla group that a very limited number of tourists can visit with advance permission. Gabon, another country of the Congo Basin, does not yet have habituated gorilla trekking, but it is working on habituation in places like Loango National Park. So, as of now, Odzala and Dzanga-Sangha are the primary western lowland gorilla tourism spots.

These western lowland gorilla experiences tend to be run in partnership with conservation bodies and emphasize low impact. Group sizes are small, sometimes even smaller than the usual 8 people limit for mountain gorilla treks. Visitors often need to be willing to contribute to conservation funds as part of the cost. In return, they get unparalleled access to observe gorillas that would otherwise be nearly impossible to see in dense jungle. It’s worth noting that sightings can be a bit more challenging – on some days the gorillas might be more concealed in vegetation or move off sooner, given their behavior. Nonetheless, when a large silverback decides to sit in a clearing and accept your presence, the privilege one feels is immense. The habituators’ work is evident in those moments; these gorillas have gradually been accustomed to humans, a process that can take years, and it allows their protection via tourism revenue. By visiting these sites, tourists play a direct role in sustaining the protection of critical rainforest and species like the gorilla.

 

Cross River National Park – Nigeria Cross River Gorillas

Besides Cross River National Park in Nigeria, you can visit Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and Mbe Mountains.

The cross River gorillas are also found in the cross River state, and here the government has invested heavily with in the tourism infrastructure like the fantastic cable car up the Obudu cattle Ranch Hotel.

Though the chances of viewing these mountain gorillas are so low and their total population consists of over 200 individuals and these are spread over an area of over 12,000km and these include; Afi mountain, the Okwangwo division and Mbe Mountain of the cross river National park.

For this reason, the scientists are so vigilant about habituating them.  Visiting their habitat will help to conserve it as well as the two remaining primate sanctuaries and the restoration projects, the pandrillus for the  tool monkeys and the chimpanzees as well as the cercopan for the many monkey species that are based in Calabar.

The Equatorial Guinea – Western Lowland Gorillas

Western Lowland Gorillas (gorilla gorilla) are found in Monte Alen National Park in Central Rio Muni. With the number just over 316, ooo gorillas, they are considered to be critically endangered.

Monte Alen National Park

Monte Alen National park is a beautiful forested park and its rough terrain helps in protecting it from the commercial classification.

As per our knowledge, there are no wild Lowland gorillas. The tourism organization is so low and in the early stages of development and the locals that are trained have just started conducting guided day treks. For now its possible to see gorillas in this park.

 Gabon Gorilla Tours

Gabon as a country has made a courageous bid in order to expand its economy by generating 13 national parks in 2002 and most of these have got gorilla habitats.

These WLG habituation programme at the Mikongo conservation centre in the Lope National park that was ended in 2010. Even though the visitors are not taken on the gorilla spotting treks, the guests can view them as they are looking at the wildlife.

Loango National Park

Loango National park also offers the erratic combination of Atlantic beach as well as the rainforest, where the hippos can be seen surfing, the whales as well as dolphins shallow off shores and the forests are the homes to the gorillas, chimpanzees as well as the forest elephants.

The Moukalaba Doudon National Park has also got a high density of gorillas as well as an eco- tourism project that started with the help from the Gorilla Organization.

Angola – Western Lowland Gorillas

The wild lowland gorillas can only be found in the Cabinda enclave which is part of Angola north of the mouth of river Congo.

In 2022 January, Angola joined the Gorilla Agreement a great step to agree on the convervation of the gorillas and also their habitat. They are working closely with the Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP)

Congo Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo

Due to the loss of the habituated lossi gorillas to Ebola in 2002, the Odzala National park that is nearby shows and of the best options for viewing the wild lowland gorillas.

This park is also currently home to the two habituated family groups that can also be viewed by the guests. These can also be seen from the hides as they visit the bias or the open clearing of the forest.

The most known bai is the Mbeli Bai in the Nouabale Ndoki national park, where you can view over 100 gorillas that have been monitored by Wildlife Conservation society for many years;the gorilla groups can be viewed paddling into the marsh to forage for the water plants near the forest elephants, antelope like the sitatung as well as the buffalos.

The Wild Lowland gorillas are also being reformed back into the forest in the Lefini reserve where the guests can view the silverback on the forested island from the boat.

Central African Republic – Lowland Gorillas

This is one of the best places to track the mountain gorillas which are the wild lowland gorillas and is Bai Hokou with in Dzanga Ndoki National park.

The WWF project has also succeeded in habituating of the group. You can also expect to have a calm contact though the dense forest and the low light under the canopy that make photographing more challenging.

Cameroon

About 11 gorilla families are found in Cameroon’s rain forests and lowland montane forests. The Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary was established early 2000 to conserve the endangered apes. About 300 gorillas are believed to be in the wild.

Prominent Destinations in Africa Without Gorillas

There are no gorillas in Kenya, Tanzania, No gorillas in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia,  Zimbabwe. Visit Uganda and Rwanda for the ultimate gorilla adventure tours in Africa. Most African safari companies combine wildlife safaris with gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

1. Masai Mara & Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.
2. Serengeti Tanzania Safari & Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
3. Botswana Safari & Gorilla Tours in Rwanda
4. Tanzania Safari & Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda & Bwindi

Types of Gorillas To See  In Africa

Africa is home to two species of gorillas – the Eastern Gorilla and the Western Gorilla – each with two subspecies. Understanding the types of gorillas will enrich your trekking experience. The Eastern Gorilla includes the famous Mountain Gorilla and the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, while the Western Gorilla includes the Western Lowland Gorilla and the Cross River Gorilla. All gorilla subspecies are endangered or critically endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease. Thanks to conservation efforts and eco-tourism, some gorilla populations have stabilized or even grown in recent years. Below, we discuss each subspecies, their habitats, and their conservation status.

 

Mountain Gorillas (Eastern Gorilla beringei beringei)

 

Mountain gorillas are the most iconic gorillas, known from wildlife documentaries and conservation stories. They live in the high-altitude rainforests of the Virunga Mountain Range (straddling Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) and in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Mountain gorillas have thicker, longer fur than other gorillas, an adaptation to the colder mountainous climate . As of 2024, there are about 1,063 mountain gorillas in the wild, up from around 1,004 in 2018 . This growth is a significant conservation success, considering that in 1981 only ~254 individuals were estimated to remain. Mountain gorillas are classified as Endangered (they were moved from Critically Endangered in 2018 after population increases) (Current Status of Mountain Gorilla Population 2024). They live in stable family groups led by a dominant male silverback and are primarily herbivorous, eating leaves, stems, fruit and occasionally insects . Because mountain gorillas do not survive in captivity, the only way to see them is by trekking in their natural habitat. Tourists can track mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga parks, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and DRC’s Virunga National Park.

 

Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Grauer’s Gorilla)

 

The Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri), also known as Grauer’s gorilla, is a subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla found only in the lowland and mid-altitude forests of eastern D.R. Congo. It is the largest of all gorillas by body size, with males weighing up to 210 kg (460 lbs) . Eastern lowland gorillas have shorter fur and a stockier build than mountain gorillas. Unfortunately, this subspecies has faced drastic declines due to decades of civil conflict in its range. In the mid-1990s, there were an estimated 17,000 Eastern lowland gorillas, but their population has since plummeted by more than 50% . Current estimates suggest fewer than 6,000 remain in the wild, making them Critically Endangered. The stronghold for Eastern lowland gorillas is Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the D.R. Congo, which protects the largest remaining population . Trekking Eastern lowland gorillas is possible in Kahuzi-Biega for adventurous travelers, as we will discuss, but ongoing unrest in the region has made conservation work and tourism challenging.

 

Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)

 

Western Lowland Gorillas are the smallest subspecies but the most numerous and widespread, inhabiting the dense tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and DRC). Despite being the most common gorilla, they are classified as Critically Endangered because their numbers are dropping rapidly due to poaching and diseases like Ebola. Scientists estimate there are roughly 300,000 Western lowland gorillas in the wild, but they are losing about 2.7% of their population each year Western lowland gorillas are known for inhabiting remote swampy forests and are generally more difficult to see in the wild compared to their mountain cousins. However, there are a few places where habituated groups have been established for tourism, most notably in the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) at Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Western lowland gorillas have a more fruit-rich diet and often travel in smaller family groups. They are highly susceptible to human diseases due to genetic similarity, and outbreaks (like Ebola) have killed tens of thousands in recent decades. We will cover how and where you can track western lowland gorillas in a later section.

 

Cross River Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla diehli)

 

The Cross River Gorilla is the rarest gorilla subspecies, with an estimated population of only about 200–300 individuals remaining in a small region along the Nigeria-Cameroon border. These elusive gorillas live in highly fragmented forest patches in the Cross River region. They are critically endangered, largely due to habitat encroachment and historical hunting. No mainstream tourism exists for Cross River gorillas – unlike other gorillas, they are not habituated to human presence. Conservation organizations work with local communities to protect the remaining Cross River gorilla groups, but sightings are extremely rare and essentially off-limits to travelers. While you cannot go on a gorilla trek to see Cross River gorillas, it’s important to know of their existence as part of Africa’s gorilla heritage. Efforts to conserve them include anti-poaching patrols and habitat corridors. For the scope of this article, the focus will remain on mountain and lowland gorilla trekking destinations, since those are the best places one can reliably see gorillas in the wild.

 

Parks Where Gorillas Are Found in Africa.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda
2. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
3. Virunga National Park Congo
4. Cross River National Park
5. Monte Alen National Park
6. Kahuzi Biega National Park
7. Mgahinga National Park
8. Loango National Park
9. Odzala National Park
10. Dzanga Ndoki National Park
11. Nouabale Ndoki National Park
12. Mefou National Park
13. Lope National Park
14. Campo Maan National Park
15. Limbe Wildlife Centre
16. Moukalaba Doudou National Park

Gorilla Trekking Permits and Regulations

One of the most important logistical aspects of planning a gorilla trek is obtaining the gorilla permit. A gorilla permit is essentially your ticket to spend one hour with a gorilla family on a given day. The permit system is crucial for limiting the number of visitors and generating funds for conservation. Each country sets its own permit prices and regulations, and these can change over time. Generally, permits are not cheap – the high cost reflects both the exclusivity of the experience and the need to fund park protection. In this section, we compare permit costs in Uganda, Rwanda, DRC (and info on Congo), and outline the rules and etiquette that all trekkers must follow. Adhering to regulations is vital for both your safety and the well-being of the gorillas, as they are vulnerable to stress and human diseases.

Gorilla Permit Costs by Country

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit varies significantly by country:

• Rwanda: US$1,500 for international tourists. This flat rate applies to one hour with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. (Rwandan citizens and East African Community residents have lower rates: for example, Rwandans pay roughly $200, and other African nationals $500).
• Uganda: US$800 for foreign non-residents as of 2025. This is the price for one hour with gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga. Uganda raised the price from $700 to $800 to support conservation, but it remains cheaper than Rwanda. They also have discounted rates around $600–700 for foreign residents and $80 for East African citizens .
• DRC (Virunga/Kahuzi-Biega): US$400 for foreign visitors, making it the most affordable. This was a key selling point for DRC before Virunga’s closure. Sometimes DRC even offered promotions (e.g., $200 permits) during low seasons or for packages. Kahuzi-Biega’s permits are also around $400. The low price reflects DRC’s effort to attract tourists despite its challenges.
• Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience: US$1,500 per permit. This special permit in Bwindi allows a 4-hour visit with a gorilla group under habituation , accompanied by researchers.
• Republic of Congo (Odzala): There isn’t a stand-alone “permit” fee like the others. Instead, the cost is usually built into safari packages. However, if broken down, each gorilla trek in Odzala requires a tracking tag (formerly around €350) and park fees. For example, extra gorilla treks beyond a package may be ~$700 each. In Congo’s case, you generally book an all-inclusive tour that covers guiding, lodging, and permit.

Securing permits well in advance is strongly recommended. In Uganda and Rwanda, permits often sell out during high season months. It’s advised to book at least 3-6 months ahead. Rwanda and Uganda allow permits to be booked through their respective wildlife authorities or via licensed tour operators. DRC’s permits are usually arranged through tour operators or Virunga Park’s online system when available. Note that permit fees generally do not include transportation, lodging, or the required park guide (a separate but nominal fee or included with the permit in Rwanda/Uganda). The revenue from permits is a lifeline for gorilla conservation – for instance, a significant portion is used to fund anti-poaching patrols and local community projects, as we will detail in the conservation section.