Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Uganda, Rwanda & DR Congo
Where to see Mountain gorillas in Africa.
Mountain gorilla tracking in Uganda Rwanda & Dr Congo is probably the greatest primate encounter in Africa.1063 mountain gorillas live in the wild in Africa’s tropical forests; of Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo. 459 of the world’s remaining Mountain gorillas live in the forests of Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla national parks. 604 gorillas live in the Virunga Massif mountains – which combines Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo – one of Africa’s oldest national parks and Uganda’s Mgahinga National park.
Where to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Mountain gorilla trekking is the most sought-after tour experience in Uganda. A trip to Uganda would be considered incomplete if you visited Uganda and did not trek to see these amazing creatures in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla national parks. For her support of large biodiversity including gorillas, Bwindi is a UNESCO designated world heritage site, and one unique park where Chimpanzees live with Mountain Gorillas.
The gorilla trek is a shared activity. You may be split into different groups according to fitness level, and be accompanied by other tourists on your trek. 8 visitors are permitted to view a single gorilla family in a day, plus park ranger guides, porters, and an advanced team of ranger trackers. Viewing time is limited to one hour.
Trekking mountain gorillas in dense forests can sometimes be wet, humid, muddy, and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous walking. Never mind porters are there to assist carry your backpack and give a push and pull helping hand where necessary. Trekking in Uganda is largely considered as fairly priced with different lodging options.
Take a look at our favourite gorilla trekking safaris & tours in Uganda
Where to trek to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda
In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park located northwestern part of the country is Rwanda’s only gorilla trekking destination. This park is famous for hosting the wealthiest trekking to see gorillas while staying in expensive luxurious accommodations.
You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk for hours up and down hills, packing some gardening gloves can be helpful when touching twigs, leaves and scratches from hanging branches .
But the sheer thrill of coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. Take a look at recommended gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda which can be tailor-made to fit your interests and schedule.
Where to gorilla trekking in DR Congo.
Mountain gorilla tracking in Democratic Republic of Congo is conducted in Virunga National Park – one of the world’s most biodiverse treasures and Africa’s oldest National Park.
Of the few remaining places left in the world to see endangered mountain gorillas, Virunga National Park stands as the most unique ecosystem. Living peacefully on the forested slopes of the Park’s volcanoes, an encounter with Virunga’s mountain gorillas is an experience that will leave you awestruck and forever changed.
TIP: At the moment Chigo Tours Africa Does not offer tours to Virunga National park. We’ll share updates as and when Virunga park is declared safe to re-open for tourists.
Visitors can trek to see Eastern Low land Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo. With probably more wildlife than anywhere else in the world. This is one park where visitors have the opportunity to trek to see the endangered Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) in the world.