Best Gorilla Safaris in Africa
Luxury Gorilla Safaris in Africa: The best gorilla safaris are in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorillas, and the Republic of Congo’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park for western lowland gorillas. Uganda offers a balanced, more affordable option, while Rwanda is ideal for luxury and shorter trips. The Republic of Congo provides a unique, remote, “Heart of Africa” experience for those seeking adventure.
Are you interested in discovering the premier destinations to observe gorillas on your African safari? Our safari specialists are available with a guide to assist you in organising the quintessential gorilla safari holiday!
As per the most recent assessment, the population of mountain gorillas in the wild exceeds one thousand individuals. The complete population resides in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Precisely 604 individuals inhabit the border region of these three countries, within the Virunga Massif. Virunga is an extraordinary region including volcanoes, snow-capped peaks, and dense rainforests that span the intersection of these three nations. The residual population, regarded by certain experts as a distinct subspecies, is located in Uganda’s adjacent Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
A often posed inquiry is, Where is the optimal location to observe gorillas? The primary assertion is that, from a direct experiential perspective, there is no definitive solution. Engaging with family, groups, or communities in any nation is equally gratifying and exhilarating. Observing a gorilla group is unequivocally assured in all our operational trips; we have never crafted an itinerary where guests failed to encounter the gorillas.
Nonetheless, the more remote the destination – with the Democratic Republic of the Congo being the most remote of the three – the more untamed the gorilla groups are. The gorillas in the DRC have had significantly less interaction with humans, resulting in a lower level of habituation. The animals exhibit increased caution in the presence of people. Consequently, due to evident safety issues associated with travelling to the DRC, the predominant options for most travellers are Uganda and Rwanda. We have enumerated the premier locations we recommend for a gorilla safari in Africa.
What is the Best Gorilla Safari in Rwanda
Numerous individuals assert that trekking in Rwanda is more accessible; nonetheless, clients must first acknowledge that all treks occur at high altitudes, rendering trekking far from a leisurely endeavour. From Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, it is under a three-hour drive to the accommodations that overlook the rainforest-clad volcanoes inhabited by gorillas. All excursions commence from the primary park headquarters, requiring minimal driving duration.
Rwanda has garnered considerably more attention than other sites throughout the years, owing to an exceptional and prolonged marketing strategy. The outcome is elevated park fees and enhanced quality, resulting in considerably more costly lodgings. In Rwanda, park tickets cost $1,500 per individual, compared to $800 per individual in Uganda, while lodge accommodations can escalate into several thousand dollars per night. By selecting Rwanda, you are opting to reside in some of Africa’s premier homes, as numerous top-tier enterprises operate here, primarily serving the luxury market.
Given Rwanda’s size and the scarcity of premier wildlife parks, it is advisable to undertake a brief gorilla safari in the country. We frequently construct trips that combine visits to that location with Kenya’s Maasai Mara or Tanzania’s Serengeti. An exception to this trend is Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, where African Parks collaborates with the government on one of the continent’s most innovative wildlife initiatives. Akagera has the Big Five, alongside exceptional boating and walking opportunities; it is an unconventional destination, ideal for fully experiencing the offerings of Rwanda. Examine a sample tour itinerary here.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda features a selection of opulent lodges that provide the premier gorilla trekking experience. Prominent entities such as Wilderness Safaris, Singita, and One & Only maintain facilities in this region, establishing very high standards, while integrations with safaris in Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Maasai Mara are prevalent. Gorilla trekking in this area can be exceptionally accessible, with certain families situated near agricultural land and the lodges. Alternative groups may be located at greater distances; however, excursions can be tailored to reach the nearest groups for anyone concerned about extended hikes.
There are 12 groups that tourists visit, comprising family sizes ranging from six or seven to over thirty individuals. The renowned Susa group gained prominence through Dian Fossey; yet, excursions to observe this remarkable family may require five hours, as they reside in the higher elevations of Mount Visoke. Trekking this distance to encounter the ‘Susa’ is an immensely gratifying event, however it is by no means a simple endeavour! Regrettably, we are unable to select the group you visit; however, we may assist in determining your accommodation. For the bulk of our clientele, we select from three properties:
What is the Best Gorilla Safari in Uganda
Due to Uganda’s vast expanse and prominent attractions like Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, extended excursions within the country are advisable. It is also feasible to embark on a brief, cost-effective gorilla safari. The gorilla regions of Uganda are situated a considerable distance from the capital, Kampala. A flight is required, and the gorilla treks commence from five distinct places. Consequently, access is far more challenging than that of Rwanda as a whole.
It is noteworthy that the more challenging trekking regions of Uganda, particularly Nkuringo, can considerably elevate the difficulty level, whereas several gorilla groups in Rwanda are situated on level terrain, within convenient walking distances from the park headquarters. It is accurate to assert that Rwanda is the more accessible trekking destination; but, if one bypasses Nkuringo in Uganda and concentrates on the flatter Rushaga district, then Uganda’s technical difficulty becomes comparable.
2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Uganda provides gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The hiking permits cost $800, and similar savings are available in the offered accommodations. Gorilla aficionados in Uganda can reserve a Gorilla Habituation experience, permitting four hours in the jungle with a group of gorillas undergoing habituation by researchers and park rangers. This is indeed the quintessential gorilla experience.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, situated in southwestern Uganda, is accessible via a nine-and-a-half-hour drive or a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Entebbe and harbours the sole remaining population of gorillas outside the Virunga Massif. The park boasts an exceptional name and is distinctive as the sole location offering both gorilla trekking and the gorilla habituation experience.
Bwindi National Park comprises four trekking regions: Buhoma (ideal for first-time trekkers), Ruhija (proximity to budget accommodations), Nkuringo (less conventional and more physically demanding), and Rushaga (designated for gorilla habituation). Every region possesses a designated trekking assembly location. If you are contemplating undertaking two treks, which many assert provides the optimal experience, we recommend seeking permits for two distinct regions. Nonetheless, the places may be contingent upon permit availability, as permits frequently sell out more than a year in advance during peak season.
The predominant number of treks occur in the Buhoma region. Numerous exceptional properties exist here; nonetheless, we possess a few preferred selections:
In Rwanda and Uganda, one can augment their safari with other activities. at Rwanda, the Big Five can be observed at Akagera National Park, while chimpanzees inhabit Nyungwe Forest National Park. If you are interested in a chimp trek, we recommend considering Uganda and incorporating Murchison Falls National Park and chimp-trekking in Budongo Forest into your schedule. For a comprehensive understanding of the nuanced distinctions in the experiences, please contact a member of The Bespoke African Safari Co. team, who can elucidate the offerings of both nations; alternatively, consider reviewing this sample gorilla safari in Uganda.
This area boasts several exceptional properties: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs, and Gorilla Forest Camp. For high-end luxury, consider Rwanda, which offers several exquisite luxury lodges at corresponding prices.
3. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
Mgahinga National Park is located to the south of Bwindi. Mgahinga, the smallest of the three regions designated for mountain gorilla trekking, is a remarkable park characterised by the presence of three extinct volcanoes that dominate the terrain. This picturesque, remote location is home to diverse animals, and the Batwa pygmies continue to inhabit the area, adding a unique cultural dimension to the experience. We often construct itineraries to Mgahinga only for guests seeking two gorilla safaris who choose not to undertake both treks in Bwindi.
The lodges here do not match the quality of those in Bwindi, which is the primary reason we frequently recommend it as an alternative option. We propose Mount Gahinga Lodge in this region. The majority of our guests visiting this region are undertaking their second gorilla trek and seeking the most varied and different trekking experience.
The hikes in this region commence at approximately 2,200 meters, resulting in a more pronounced sensation of altitude compared to Bwindi. Nevertheless, the foliage is often less dense, and the local Nyakagezi gorilla family is very habituated, potentially providing exceptional picture chances. This forested region is a component of the Virunga Massif, connecting with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
What Are the Best Gorilla trekking Safaris in the Republic of the Congo
It is also feasible to observe Eastern Lowland Gorillas in the Republic of the Congo.
Odzala, situated in a secluded area of the Congo Basin, is accessible just through biweekly charter flights from Brazzaville. The primary distinction between this experience and those in Uganda and Rwanda is your location, situated directly within the gorillas’ habitat — you are, quite literally, immersing yourself in their world for the entirety of your stay. You will appreciate walking safaris in the forest, kayaking, riverboat safaris, wildlife drives in the savannah, and your gorilla expedition. The presence of your guide during the safari renders the encounter highly personal. It is imperative to complete your homework if you intend to travel to the Congo. It is essential to consult a safari expert who has firsthand experience to gain a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable location.
Tracking Western Lowland Gorillas of Odzala
This alternative is the most daring among those discussed and has some logistical challenges; however, if you enjoy adventurous travel, we strongly recommend a visit to Odzala National Park. This is an immersive experience, as you will reside in the Odzala Discovery Camps, spending a week or ten days transitioning between their three camps: Ngaga, Lango, and Mboko, which serve as your base for gorilla trekking. Residing in the secluded rainforest has numerous obstacles. Walking safaris frequently entail traversing rivers. Numerous insects are present, and significant rainfall may occur at any moment.
If you desire the ‘ultimate gorilla safari,’ you can observe lowland gorillas in the Republic of Congo alongside their larger mountain counterparts in Uganda or Rwanda. The two species differ in both look and behaviour, making the opportunity to encounter these distinct ecosystems and species in a single journey a profoundly humbling experience. For a sample itinerary to the Republic of Congo, please refer to our 4-night and 7-night gorilla tracking safaris here.
The accessibility and cost of both permits and lodging are evidently the most frequently discussed distinctions amongst the places. As previously stated in this post, Rwanda is significantly more expensive and targets high-end clientele, but Uganda provides exceptional value in properties and an overall commendable experience. The DRC is excluded from our recommended itinerary due to safety concerns, although the Republic of the Congo is our preferred ‘off-the-beaten-path’ destination. It is essential to comprehend how excursions to observe the gorillas of either country integrate into your overall safari agenda. Uganda is ideal for an extended journey within a single nation, while Rwanda is frequently included in Big Five safaris in Kenya or Tanzania’s Serengeti.
The essential aspect is to consult our specialists regarding their preferred journeys and the various possibilities accessible to you. Kindly reach out for a discussion.