Gorillas are among the most famous and endangered animals in the world, and watching them in their natural surroundings is something that people are dreaming of. There are only two known types of gorillas in Africa and these include; the mountain gorillas and the eastern lowland gorillas. These gorillas have only been known to inhabit a limited areas in the entire continent. If you are a wildlife photographer, a conservationist or a traveler who wants to watch gorillas in the natural habitat, then, these are best places to see gorillas in Africa.
Explore the best places to see gorillas in Africa, from Rwanda and Uganda to the Congo. Discover the best national parks, guided tours, and tips for unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures.
Some of the great gorilla viewing destinations include; Rwanda with its misty mountains, Uganda with the damp forests and jungles of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here, the focus will be on the 5 best places to see gorillas in Africa.
1. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park is situated in the northwestern part of Rwanda and is, without any doubt, one of the most popular destinations for gorilla tracking in Africa. This park is famous for housing the world’s endangered one and only mountain gorillas and offers a significant contribution to conservation of this magnificent species. The park continues to be part of the largest mountain range called Virunga Massif that covers Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and is one of the best places to see gorillas in Africa.
Why Visit?
- The attractions in Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes National Park remains probably the most comprehensible yet official destination for gorilla trekking. Treks are conducted by professional guides and the visitors are given a maximum of one hour to spend with the gorillas when they are found. I can still recall the feeling of watching such stately animals in their element.
- Mountain Gorilla Population: Rwanda has about one third the world’s total mountain gorillas and there are several gorilla groups in this park that have been eased into habituation which means that any visitor to the park will be assured of seeing these wonderful creatures.
- Scenic Beauty: There are breathtaking scenic views of high elevated surrounding mountains with pictured by mist complemented by tropical green bamboo forests.
- Rwanda’s Conservation Efforts: Rwanda has come to be appreciated for its effective conservation methods in wildlife, particularly in the protection of the gorillas. Today, the government has ensured they protect their natural setting, and the royalty collected from tourists intending to trek in the park will be used towards conservation.
Best Time to Visit: For a gorilla tracking experience, it is recommended that one opt for during the dry season, which falls between June and September and December to February. Nonetheless, it is open all year-round; the best time to visit is during the rainy seasons of March to May and October up to November when the park is less crowded.
2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Sitting in southwestern Uganda, arguably, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the best places to see gorillas in Africa. This is one of the most important sites on the UNESCO’s list of heritage sites because it hosts nearly half of the total mountain gorillas on the face of the earth. Bwindi imitates one of the oldest and diverse forests in the world, and the experience of tracking gorillas here is fascinating.
Why Visit?
- Gorilla habituation in Bwindi: Unlike other tours that allow a limited amount of time with the gorillas, this experience gives one the chance to be with the gorillas for a longer time and learn about the progress in the habituation process. Unlike the common endeavors for gorilla tracking that only take up to a maximum of one hour, this experience lets people spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas.
- Diverse Gorilla Groups: Bwindi contains many habituated gorilla groups and trekkers are split into different groups according to the level of physical fitness in order to ensure that all people have the opportunity to view gorillas in their natural environment.
- Rich Biodiversity: Getting back to the park a bit, alongside gorillas, the park is home to a host of other primates, birds, trees as well as other vegetation. You may also find other animals such as the forest elephants, buffaloes and duikers here.
- Culture: Bwindi is in the middle of the habitat area of the Batwa, a pre-agricultural people who historically resided in the forest. Hiking also allows for the discovery of cultural experiences and lifestyle of the people of Uganda.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the dry season which is from June to August and December to February. However, like said above, gorilla trekking is a year-round activity though it is most popular in the drier season.
3. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
Located in the far south western region of Uganda, Mgahinga gorilla national park is yet another place where mountain gorillas can be observed. Although it is not as large as Bwindi, Mgahinga gorilla park is just as fascinating. It belongs to the Virunga Massif and its gorillas are a cross border with those in the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. It is a less populated area and therefore offers a more isolatedtrip for people who are interested in Gorilla trekking.
Why Visit?
- Virunga Massif: Located in the Virunga Massif, Mgahinga offers similar trekking experiences to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park since it also hosts the treks to the gorilla groups. This means that the visitor can experience more in a park where few people go as compared to a park that is frequented by many people.
- Diverse Trekking Options: Mgahinga has many trekking trails, whereby apart from having the chance to hike up the slopes of the volcano, the level of difficultly can vary according to the fitness level of the hiker.
- Scenery: The parks impressive landscapes include; three volcanos; Muhavura, Gahinga and sabinyo. This makes it among the most beautiful destinations to spot gorillas in Africa.
- Wildlife and culture: Other than mountain gorillas, other wild attractions present are Golden monkeys, birds, and even elephants. Tourists will also go around the house for them to communicate with the host community and experience the richness of the culture.
Attractions: The best time to visit Mgahinga for gorilla tracking is during the drier months of June to September and December to February because the trails are more accessible and there is less likelihood of a shower stopping you.
4. Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
The Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the oldest and one of the most biodiverse parks in Africa and severs as one of the best places to see gorillas in Africa. A famous park well endowed with massive mountains, tropical forests, and incredible wildlife including the endangered gorillas and is called Virunga. The park is particularly famous for its mountain gorilla tracking and tourists have a chance to visit one of the most isolated and severed areas of Africa.
Why Visit?
- Older or less busy: Gorilla trekking in Virunga is more challenging, remote and rather less commercial compared to other areas in Africa. It consists of steep gorges and thick forests that make it a bit difficult but if you are an ardently patient adventurer looking forward to exploring the wilderness, then it is a perfect place for you to visit.
- Conservation: Much has been done in Virunga in regard to the conservation of gorillas with constant efforts being made to protect these species and curb on hunting. Taking a tour of Virunga supports such important conservation efforts.
- Tours and Ends: Apart from gorillas, there are other wildlife creatures to enjoy in Virunga such as elephants, buffalos, and chimpanzees. The geography structure of the park with many active volcanoes and forested regions enhances the interest of the hiking activity.
- Off the Beaten Path: Despite the instability in DRC, for the adventurous, Virunga has few visitors and contains a unique and pristine gorilla trekking experience that is unlike other parts of Africa.
Season: The best season to visit Virunga is in the dry season which is between June and September. However, the political and security situation in the DRC might change from time to time; therefore, travelers are advised to check on the travel advisories before planning for the trip.
5. Kahuzi-Biéga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
Kahuzi-Biéga National Park is in the eastern part of DR Congo and is home to lowland gorillas as well as other wildlife. Unlike other parks that favor mountain gorillas, Kahuzi-Biéga is a lowland gorilla gorilla beringei, which is almost as rare and elusive as its mountain relative. This park provides such an opportunity for visitors to view these few remaining gorillas in their natural environment.
Why Visit?
- Eastern Lowland Gorillas: Kahuzi-Biéga is one of the only destinations on the planet where visitors can view the eastern lowland gorilla, or the Græuers. These are much bigger than mountain gorillas and they mainly in the lowland forests mainly in the DRC region.
- Unique Experience: A visit to Kahuzi-Biéga provides a unique opportunity to see a different type of gorilla that many people don’t get the chance to observe.
- More bio-diversity; Other animals that can also be found in Kahuzi-Biéga include; forest elephants, chimpanzees, and birds. That is why the atmosphere of the park with its rain forests and beautiful views can be so attractive.
- Conservation Efforts: As a result, Kahuzi-Biéga is an important conservation area and has the responsibility of helping to preserve the eastern lowland gorilla from extinction.
Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit Kahuzi-Biéga park for gorilla trekking is during the dry season which is from June to September. However, it is necessary to always assess the security situation in the region of the intended visit.
Conclusion
For those seeking an extraordinary wildlife experience, places to see gorillas in Africa are some of the finest in the world. From the tropical mist of the Rwandan forest to the steep slopes of the DRC, the geographical locations and gorilla numbers guarantee that there is always a place for every traveler out there. Regardless of the difficulty level of the hike either on the virunga volcanoes or in the bwindi impenetrable forest these experiences with the gorillas will remain etched in your memory forever.
