See Mountain Gorillas in the Wild

See Mountain Gorillas in the wild, where in Africa?

Seeing Mountain Gorillas in the wild is globally rated an incredible and unforgettable wildlife experience. Watching Mountain Gorillas in the wild is done naturally in what is termed as Gorilla trekking. To see Mountain Gorillas in the wild, there are four prime locations in three African countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Tracking Mountain Gorillas involves going on guided hikes through dense rain forests to have time with a group of them. You will bear witness that sitting with a wild Mountain Gorilla family feels more profound than just watching wildlife from the back of a safari truck. For this, Mountain Gorillas are increasingly becoming the most-sought-after wildlife species for an African Safari.

Where to see Mountain Gorillas in the wild

Mountain gorillas are found in the cloud forests of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In these countries, conservation efforts have helped maintain healthy populations of Mountain Gorillas much as they are still listed as endangered by the IUCN. All of these parks require permits for Gorilla trekking, which helps fund conservation efforts. The trekking experience is guided and can be physically demanding due to the hilly terrain, but it’s a rewarding adventure.

Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda is one of the top destinations in the world for Mountain Gorilla Safaris, particularly due to its famous Volcanoes National Park. Located in the northwest of Rwanda, this park is one of the most popular destinations to see Mountain Gorillas in the wild. The Park is home to several habituated gorilla families This Park is home to roughly a third of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas. A Gorilla Safari in Rwanda offers the incredible opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Uganda is the best place to see Mountain Gorillas in the wild as over half of them are protected with in its two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Together Mgahinga and Bwindi have more than 20 habituated Gorilla families available for a Gorilla safari in five sectors. Whereas Mgahinga has one family, Bwindi is home to more than 20 groups in its four sectors. This gives Bwindi an edge over the other 3 Gorilla Parks in Africa.

Additionally, Bwindi is known for its steep terrain and dense forest, and it hosts the highest number of Mountain Gorillas. If a variety of Gorilla groups is what you are looking at, Bwindi is the best place to see Gorillas in the wild. See the 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari.

Mgahinga, located in the Virunga mountains, shares territory with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park. On top of the Gorillas, the park is home to endangered Golden monkeys and the 3 Virunga Volcanoes of Gahinga, Sabinyo and Muhabura. This makes extending your Gorilla tour with volcano hiking and Golden monkey trekking possible.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Virunga National Park

Virunga is one of the oldest and most biologically diverse national parks in Africa. Virunga Park is a less-visited option but offers incredible Gorilla trekking experiences, often with a more rugged, off-the-beaten-path feel. However, keep in mind that safety conditions can vary. Always contact us for updates before making a decision of visiting Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park.

How (plan) to see mountain gorillas in the wild

Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild requires some planning and preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to go about it.

Choose a country and a particular national park

In Rwanda, a Gorilla safari is possible in Volcanoes National Park while in DR Congo, it’s Virunga Park. When it comes to a variety of tracking locations, Uganda beats the other two countries. Gorilla trekking is offered in Bwindi Impenetrable Park and Mgahinga Gorillas Park. Bwindi is always preferred due to the high number of Gorilla families and the experience of tracking Gorillas in an almost impenetrable jungle. Which one sounds like it might be your dream gorilla trek?

Get a Gorilla Trekking Permit

Gorilla trekking is a highly regulated activity. To watch the gorillas, you must obtain a trekking permit, which allows you to visit the gorillas for a limited time (usually one hour). If you want an extended time with the Gorillas, go for Gorilla habituation. These permits often sell out, especially during peak seasons, so book well in advance. The cost for each Gorilla permit varies with the country. See the price for each Gorilla family for Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.

COUNTRY	PRICE FOR EACH GORILLA PERMIT
UGANDA	$800
RWANDA	$1,500
DR CONGO	$400

Book your desired Gorilla Tour/Safari

To see Gorillas, it is advisable to book a guided tour through a local tour company that specializes in Gorilla trekking. We shall guide you to the right location for your chosen Gorilla safari, the accommodation and other necessities. Don’t book a normal Gorilla trek if interested in Gorilla habituation. Check the different Gorilla Safaris below:

Physical Fitness: Gorilla treks can be physically demanding, as you’ll be hiking through thick forest and sometimes steep, muddy terrain for a few hours to locate the Gorillas.

Clothing and Gear: Wear sturdy hiking boots, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect against scratches and insects. Bring a rain jacket, gloves, and binoculars if you have them. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent!

Camera: You’ll want to capture the moment, but be mindful of the park’s rules regarding photography (e.g., no flash photography).

The Gorilla Trekking Day

On the day of your trek, you’ll set off early in the morning with your guide and a group of trekkers. The trackers always locate the Gorilla families first and guide you to them. The trek can take anywhere from one hour to several hours, depending on where the Gorillas are located.

Once you reach the gorillas, you’ll spend about one hour with them. It’s a magical time where you can observe their behaviour, see the interactions within the group, and even get close to them. The Gorillas are not dangerous as long as you follow the guide’s instructions, like keeping a safe distance and staying quiet.

Other things to consider are; respecting the Gorillas at all times. At least stay 7 meters away from them. Hiring porters helps during the difficult trek while at the same time supports local communities and conservation efforts. Leave the lodge with packed lunch and enough drinking water.

After the trek, you may be able to spend time reflecting on the experience, with options for staying in nearby lodges or camps. There are additional optional experiences like hiking to waterfalls in the forest, volcano hiking, community visits, birding, among others.

Best Time to Trek Mountain Gorillas in the wild

Safaris to see Mountain Gorillas in the wild are offered year-round. However, certain times of the year offer better conditions for trekking. The dry season is the best for visiting Gorillas in the forests and they make the trek more enjoyable. There is minimal rain fall, making the trails easier to navigate. The ground is less slippery and the trails are more accessible with the reduced physical challenges of trekking. Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo experience two dry seasons in a year, that is June through September and December through February. The wet months are March to May and October to November.

If you’re planning a trip, it’s always a good idea to book permits and accommodations in advance, especially if you’re going during peak seasons. Contact us for more information about the specific parks or how to plan your trip!

Which country is best to see Mountain Gorillas in the wild?

All three countries, Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), offer incredible opportunities to see Mountain Gorillas in the wild, but each has its own unique advantages. Also, see Rwanda Vs Uganda for Gorilla trekking.

Best for accessibility, luxury, and ease: Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park). It offers a smooth and organized experience, with the added benefit of being easy to access from the capital city. It is however, the most expensive of the three.
Best for adventure and a larger gorilla population: Uganda (Bwindi and Mgahinga). It’s perfect for trekkers who want to experience more challenging terrain and don’t mind a bit more of a remote feel. It is the second cheapest option after DR Congo.
Best for budget and off-the-beaten-path adventure: DRC (Virunga). If you’re looking for an affordable and less crowded gorilla trekking experience, Virunga offers great opportunities. Just be sure to check the safety situation beforehand.

How much does it cost to see Mountain Gorillas in the wild?

The cost to see mountain gorillas in the wild varies with the country and the specific park you visit. Gorilla trekking permits are generally the biggest expense, but there are also additional costs for transport, accommodations, hiring porters and other services. When you book a Gorilla trekking safari with Jungle Escape Africa, everything will be catered for by our experts. Contact us for the price of a Gorilla Safari. Check for example, the price of the 3-day Uganda Gorilla Safari in the table below:

Number of people	2	4	6
Price per person	$1,495	$1,315	$1,225

See Mountain Gorillas in the Wild