Mountain gorillas are an endangered species of primates and the largest living primates in the world.
They inhabit tropical and subtropical forests in Africa, with less than 1000 mountain gorillas remaining in the world.
Mountain gorillas live in social groups ranging from 5 to 30 individuals, with a dominant Silverback leading the group.
The Silverback is responsible for overseeing the group’s activities, including feeding, movements, and ensuring the group’s safety.
The Best Places to See Gorillas in Africa
The Best Places to See Gorillas in Africa are as Follows:
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Top Pick)
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and is considered the best place in Africa, and the world, to see mountain gorillas.
The Uganda gorilla trekking park is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, with 15 habituated groups available for trekking.
Bwindi also offers a unique gorilla habituation experience in Africa.
Gorilla permits in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park cost $700 per person, while gorilla habituation permits are priced at $1500.
Bwindi is apparently the best place for budget gorilla trekking in Africa.
2. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park is situated in the northeastern part of Rwanda, bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The park is home to 10 habituated gorilla families that can be trekked throughout the year.
Volcanoes National Park offers gorilla permits at $1500 per person per trek, making it one of the more expensive options.
3. Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is another country where mountain gorillas can be trekked.
The park has 6 habituated mountain gorilla families available for gorilla trekking, and visitors can also visit the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage.
The Democratic Republic of Congo offers the most budget-friendly gorilla permits, with each costing $400 per person.
Uganda and Rwanda are considered the best places in Africa to see mountain gorillas.
If planning to trek gorillas from Congo, it’s crucial to check the security conditions in the country.
4. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also located in Uganda, in the extreme southern part of the country, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
The park is home to one habituated gorilla family known as Nyakagezi gorilla family.
Additionally, the park hosts the endangered species of golden monkeys.
The cost of gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park is the same as in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.