5 Best Places to See Gorillas in Africa

5 Best Places to See Gorillas in Africa, Your Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in the Wild

Published by Ejas Africa Adventures | Africa Safari Specialists

Coming face to face with a wild mountain gorilla is widely regarded as one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth. These gentle giants — sharing 98.3% of their DNA with humans — live in small, remote pockets of equatorial African forest, and seeing them in their natural habitat requires careful planning, a special permit, and the guidance of experienced local trackers.

With fewer than 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild, gorilla trekking is not just a bucket-list adventure — it is also a powerful act of conservation. A significant portion of permit fees goes directly to protecting gorillas and supporting local communities.

In this guide, the team at Ejas Africa Adventures breaks down the 5 best places to see gorillas in Africa, covering permit costs, what to expect, and everything you need to plan your gorilla safari.

Quick Comparison: Best Places for Gorilla Trekking

1. Volcanoes National Park — Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is Africa’s most iconic gorilla trekking destination, made famous by primatologist Dian Fossey, whose life’s work is immortalised in the film Gorillas in the Mist. Nestled in the dramatic Virunga Mountains of northwest Rwanda, the park is home to 12 fully habituated gorilla families available for trekking, with a population of around 604 mountain gorillas in the broader Virunga Massif.

Why Choose Rwanda?

• Most accessible gorilla trekking destination — just 3 hours from Kigali International Airport
• 12 habituated gorilla families across terrain ranging from easy to challenging
• World-class luxury lodges including Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda
• Pair with golden monkey trekking, Dian Fossey’s grave hike, or Mt. Bisoke crater lake
• Combine with Big 5 safari in Akagera National Park or chimp trekking in Nyungwe

Key Facts

• Permit cost: USD $1,500 per person | Maximum 8 people per group | 1 hour with gorillas
• Minimum trekking age: 15 years
• Best time: June–September and December–February (dry season)
• Book permits 6–12 months in advance; popular dates sell out a year ahead

Best For: Travellers on tight schedules or who want the most organised, luxury gorilla trekking experience in Africa.

2. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park — Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is Uganda’s crown jewel and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population — approximately 460 individuals across more than 25 habituated family groups. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi’s ancient forest stretches across rugged, mist-covered hills in southwestern Uganda, creating a truly wild and immersive experience.

Why Choose Uganda / Bwindi?

• Lower permit costs make it the best value destination for gorilla trekking in Africa
• The largest selection of habituated gorilla groups — more permit availability year-round
• Uganda’s only Gorilla Habituation Experience: spend 4 hours (not just 1) with a gorilla group
• Combine with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
• Add a big game safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park (lion, elephant, hippo, buffalo)
• Wide range of accommodation from budget campsites to luxury Gorilla Forest Camp

Key Facts

• Permit cost: USD $800 per person | Maximum 8 people per group | 1 hour with gorillas
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: USD $1,500 per person for a 4-hour encounter
• Best time: June–September and December–February
• Trekking can be strenuous — some groups require long hikes through steep terrain

Best For: Budget-savvy travellers, adventurers who want an extended gorilla experience, and those combining gorillas with a broader Uganda wildlife itinerary.

3. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — Uganda

Often overshadowed by its famous neighbour Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a hidden gem in southwestern Uganda. Straddling the border with Rwanda and the DRC in the Virunga Mountains, Mgahinga is compact — just 33.7 square kilometres — but remarkably rich. It has one habituated gorilla family available for trekking, which means a more intimate and less crowded experience.

Why Choose Mgahinga?

• Far fewer tourists than Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park — a more exclusive experience
• Set against the stunning backdrop of three volcanoes: Mt. Muhabura, Mt. Gahinga, and Mt. Sabyinyo
• Also home to the endangered golden monkey — possible to do both in the same visit
• Cultural experiences with the Batwa people, the forest’s original inhabitants
• The same permit cost as Bwindi but with smaller group sizes

Key Facts

• Permit cost: USD $800 per person | One habituated gorilla family
• Best time: June–September and December–February
• Accessible from Kisoro town, close to the Rwanda border

Best For: Travellers who want a quieter, more exclusive gorilla encounter away from the main tourist trail.

4. Virunga National Park — Democratic Republic of Congo

Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is Africa’s oldest national park and, for the truly adventurous traveller, one of its most extraordinary gorilla trekking destinations. The DRC portion of the Virunga Mountains shares the same mountain gorilla population as Rwanda and Uganda, but with a fraction of the visitors — and notably lower permit costs.

Why Choose Virunga, DRC?

• The most affordable mountain gorilla permit in Africa is at USD $400 per person
• Very few tourists — arguably the most exclusive gorilla trekking experience available
• Home to the active Nyiragongo Volcano — possible to spend a night at its crater rim
• Only 3 hours from Kigali, Rwanda, by road, making it a short extension to a Rwanda trip
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park (also in DRC) offers Grauer’s eastern lowland gorilla trekking

Important Safety Note

The US and many Western governments advise travellers to exercise increased caution in parts of the DRC due to ongoing instability in some regions. Virunga National Park has significantly improved its security in recent years, but prospective visitors should check their government’s current travel advisory before planning a trip and consult with a specialist Africa safari operator.

Key Facts

• Permit cost: USD $400 per person
• Gorilla trekking is year-round (rainfall does not stop operations)
• Accessible from Goma, or via crossing from Kisoro, Uganda

Best For: Experienced African travellers with a spirit of adventure and a desire for exclusivity at a lower permit cost.

5. Odzala-Kokoua National Park — Republic of Congo

For travellers who have already experienced mountain gorilla trekking — or who want something truly off the map — Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo (not to be confused with the DRC) offers an entirely different and equally magical gorilla encounter. This vast, remote national park spans 13,500 square kilometres of undisturbed equatorial rainforest and is home to western lowland gorillas — a different subspecies from the mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda.

Why Choose Odzala-Kokoua?

• One of the most exclusive wildlife destinations in Africa, with very few visitors
• See western lowland gorillas, a subspecies not available anywhere else on this list
• Flat terrain and lower altitude make trekking physically easier than mountain gorilla destinations
• You can trek for up to three consecutive days with different gorilla families
• Extraordinary additional wildlife: forest elephants, forest buffalo, bongo, sitatunga, 400+ bird species
• Immersive activities: boat trips, kayaking, river wading, and game drives on savannah clearings (bais)

Key Facts

• Accommodation: Luxury tented camps run by specialist operators; all-inclusive pricing
• Best time: June–September and December–February (dry seasons; better road access)
• Access is by charter flight from Brazzaville; this is a remote, expedition-style destination

Best For: Seasoned wildlife travellers looking for an ultra-exclusive, off-the-beaten-path gorilla experience unlike anything else in Africa.

Essential Tips for Gorilla Trekking in Africa

• Book permits as early as possible — Rwanda permits in particular sell out 12+ months ahead during peak season
• Trek fitness: gorilla trekking involves hiking through steep, often muddy forest terrain. Basic fitness is recommended; hikes can range from 30 minutes to 6+ hours
• What to wear: long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves (for grabbing vegetation), and a lightweight rain jacket
• What to bring: water (at least 1.5 litres), snacks, camera (no flash), sunscreen, and insect repellent
• Follow all guidelines: keep a minimum distance of 5–7 metres from gorillas, do not eat near them, no flash photography, and keep your voice low
• Health requirements: do not trek if you have a cold, flu, or any infectious illness — gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases
• Minimum age: 15 years in Rwanda and Uganda

Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Which country is best for gorilla trekking — Rwanda or Uganda?

Both are excellent. Rwanda is better for those with limited time, a preference for luxury, and maximum convenience. Uganda is the better choice for budget-conscious travellers, those wanting more time with gorillas (Habituation Experience), or travellers combining gorillas with a broader wildlife safari. Your choice ultimately comes down to budget, travel style, and itinerary.

What is the best time of year for gorilla trekking?

The dry seasons — June to September and December to February — offer the best trekking conditions, with drier trails and clearer skies. However, gorilla trekking is a year-round activity, and the wet season has its advantages: fewer tourists, lush green forests, and lower accommodation prices.

How much does gorilla trekking cost?

Permit costs range from USD $400 (Virunga, DRC) to USD $800 (Uganda) and USD $1,500 (Rwanda). On top of permits, you will need to budget for accommodation, transfers, guides, and porters. A full gorilla trekking trip typically costs USD $2,000–$8,000+ per person, depending on destination, accommodation level, and duration.

Is gorilla trekking safe?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is very safe and well-organised. All treks are led by TANAPA-equivalent licensed rangers and trackers. The DRC requires more careful research of current conditions. Gorillas that are habituated to humans are generally calm and non-threatening when guidelines are followed.

Can I combine gorilla trekking with a Tanzania safari?

Absolutely — and this is one of the most popular itineraries among our guests at Ejas Africa Adventures. Many travellers fly into Nairobi or Kigali, trek gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda, then fly down to Arusha for a Tanzania safari, taking in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Zanzibar. Contact us to design your perfect combined itinerary.

Plan Your Africa Gorilla Trekking Safari with Ejas Africa Adventures

At Ejas Africa Adventures, we are passionate Africa travel specialists based in Arusha, Tanzania. While our expertise centres on Tanzania safaris and Kilimanjaro climbing, we work with trusted partners across East and Central Africa to craft seamlessly combined itineraries — including gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda paired with the best of Tanzania.

Whether you dream of watching a silverback lead his family through Bwindi’s mist, or want to combine gorillas with the Great Migration in the Serengeti, we will build your perfect Africa adventure from start to finish.

• Browse Tanzania Safari Packages: https://www.ejasadventures.com/tanzania-safari/
• Plan a Tailor-Made Africa Itinerary: https://www.ejasadventures.com/tailor-made-safari/
• Contact Our Safari Team: https://www.ejasadventures.com/contact-us/