What Is the Best Place to See Mountain Gorillas in Africa? Mountain gorillas are found in Africa, specifically in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These countries make up the Virunga Massif, an area of rain-forested volcanic mountains where mountain gorillas thrive.
Where to See Gorillas in Rwanda
Rwanda is famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” due to its breathtaking landscapes. It is home to approximately 30% of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, all of which are found in Volcanoes National Park.
During the 1960s, the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey established a base in the park to observe the behavior of these magnificent creatures.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is very popular and attracts thousands of tourists annually.
There are currently ten habituated mountain gorilla groups in Rwanda. The country is considered the most convenient place to see mountain gorillas due to its well-developed tourism infrastructure, professional staff, and unbeatable services.
Rwanda offers the most expensive gorilla permits, costing USD 1,500 per person per trek, but the chances of seeing gorillas in Rwanda are over 99%.
Where to See Gorillas in Uganda
Uganda offers some of the best opportunities to view mountain gorillas. About half of the world’s mountain gorilla population can be found in Uganda, mainly in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Mgahinga National Park has only one habituated gorilla group, while Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 17 habituated gorilla groups.
Mountain gorillas in Mgahinga live at relatively high altitudes, while those in Bwindi prefer lower altitudes. Due to the large population of mountain gorillas in Uganda, many groups remain wild.
Uganda is the only country among the three that offers a gorilla habituation experience, allowing you to observe these great apes for around four hours, compared to the standard gorilla trekking experience, which limits your time with the gorillas to one hour.
In addition to gorilla trekking, Uganda offers a wide variety of wildlife and activities for visitors to enjoy.
While Uganda aggressively promotes gorilla trekking, the long driving distance between the capital, Kampala, or Entebbe and Bwindi may discourage some tourists.
Many travelers prefer to come to Uganda from Rwanda, as it is easier to access the gorilla parks. The chances of seeing gorillas in Uganda are also very high (over 99%).
The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda is USD 800, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious gorilla trackers.
Where to See Gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Wars and political instability have often prevented tourists from visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite its vast tourism potential.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country where you can see all three gorilla subspecies.
Mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park, but due to insecurity in the eastern part of the country, gorilla viewing is currently only possible in this park.
The cost of a gorilla permit in the Democratic Republic of Congo is USD 400, making it the most affordable option.
In Conclusion, Mountain gorillas can only be found in three African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Rwanda, they are found in Volcanoes National Park; in Uganda, they are located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park; and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, they are found in Virunga National Park.
If you are passionate about trekking mountain gorillas, book your gorilla permit today and travel to your preferred country among these three.
