The Best Place To See Gorillas in the Wild?
Gorilla trekking is, without a doubt, one of the world’s unique attractions and wildlife experiences. But, where is the best place to see gorillas in the wild? There are 4 sub-species of gorillas in Africa making it a desired gorilla safari destination. The 4 (four species of gorillas: the Cross-river gorilla, Western lowland gorilla, Eastern lowland gorilla ad Mountain gorillas.
The rare mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas are the most sought-after gorilla sub-species on every African safari. The top destinations in the world to see gorillas: are Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo. The 3 countries all exist in Africa, the most popular for enjoying gorilla trekking to see gorillas in the wild – one of the life-changing experiences.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Rwanda
Rwanda – The Land of a Thousand Hills is a popular luxury gorilla trekking destination in Africa. Located in East-Central Africa, Rwanda is one of the best places in Africa to see mountain gorillas in the wild. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is a popular area to see the massive mountain gorillas in their natural environment. This park is found in Northwestern Rwanda -Ruhengeri region about 2-3 hours’ drive from the heart of Kigali city.
12 habituated gorilla families roam within Volcanoes National Park, a 160sq.kms protected area. Each gorilla family varies in size, comprising of about 10 to 33 members or more. When it comes to gorilla conservation in Rwanda, Africa, Dian Fossey and Gorillas in the Mist movie is what strikes the minds of many. To visit mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, valid gorilla permits are essential and each permit costs USD1500 per person.
Uganda
Uganda located in East Africa is remarkably one of the best places to see gorillas in the wild. Two parks in Uganda all have mountain gorillas: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Half of the currently 1063 mountain gorilla population all dwells in these 2 parks making Uganda an extraordinary gorilla trekking destination.
5 regions in Uganda are all open for gorilla trekking and each allows you to visit mountain gorillas in the wild. They include 4 regions in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga National Park- Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo (Bwindi National Park), Ntebeko in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Unlike Rwanda, Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits cost USD700 (foreign non-residents), and USD 700 for foreign residents and shs. 250,000 (Ugandans and citizens in East Africa).
D.R. Congo
D.R. Congo is another valuable gorilla trekking destination in Africa. This is found in Central Africa and it protects unique gorilla species -mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas. Mountain gorillas in Congo are sheltered within Virunga National Park and lowland gorillas live in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Tracking any of these two great apes is possible when you have valid gorilla permits, each costing USD400 per person.
Gorilla lying down, Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
Best time to travel for gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda can be carried out at any time of the year or month of the year. However, the drier months are the most favorable months to enjoy excellent mountain gorilla or lowland gorilla encounters. The dry season (the long & short dry seasons): June to September or December to February.
Packing for your gorilla trekking adventure -Africa
The key items to include on your packing list for gorilla tracking: waterproof hiking boots, a good camera that doesn’t have a flashlight, a long-sleeved shirt, trousers, raincoat or jacket, daypack, gardening gloves, sunscreen, first aid kit, valid passports, visas, gorilla permits (Uganda, Rwanda, Congo), hiking stick (given at park offices/lodge in your respective gorilla trekking destination), safari hat, insect repellent, toiletries, sweater, long pants to mention but a few.