Best Places to see Gorillas in Africa- Rwanda vs Uganda vs Congo- Kilimanjaro Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Africa is only possible in few destinations like Uganda, Rwanda, Congo and Republic of Congo yet the safe places to see Mountain Gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas are found within the East African Region. Never miss the chance to add gorilla trekking on your Kilimanjaro Trekking tours designed by Primate Safari Experiences the leading experts in primate Safaris.

There are 5 Places to see the gorillas in East Africa for unique Safari experiences with Kilimanjaro trekking, we do partner with Primate Safari Experiences to tailor the best gorilla safaris in Africa.

1. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda
3. Mgahinga National Park in Uganda
4. kahuzi Biega National Park in Congo
5. Virunga National Park in Congo.

Gorilla watching in their natural habitat is a desire for numerous wildlife enthusiasts, however, it often involves a high price that starts with the selection of the Sector of Gorilla trekking. Planning a gorilla Safari starts with the comparison of either to go gorilla trekking or Gorilla Habituation experience while on an Africa Safari that can extend to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

If your traveling on low budget then the best place to see the gorillas is Uganda where the gorilla trekking permit is cheaper and more manageable than Rwanda, yet Congo offers the cheapest gorilla permit cost at 400$ but the logistics to take you to see the gorillas make the price more higher than Uganda.

If your interest in Eastern lowland gorilla trekking then you have no option other than kahuzi Biega National Park which is the only open destination that offers gorilla trekking experience in the wilderness of Africa with experienced Safari guides of Primate Safari Experience that partners with Congo gorilla Safaris to run gorilla Safaris in Congo. 

Cost of Gorilla trekking Permits

• Rwanda is $1,500 to visit Volcanoes National Park
• Uganda is $ 800 to visit Bwindi Impentrable national park and mgahinga National Park
• Congo is $ 400 to visit Kahuzi Biega national Park and Virunga National Park

Best Places to see Gorillas in Uganda – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in South Western Uganda also known as the home for half of the world’s Mountain gorillas as it has the biggest number of gorillas and connected to the Virunga Mountains that are shared between Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a habitat for more than 471 mountain gorillas ranking it as the best place to see gorillas in Uganda while on Uganda gorilla trekking tour.  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is different sectors as divided in southern Sectors ( Rushaga & Nkuringo ) and the northern sectors ( Buhoma and Ruhija Sector)  which are all open for gorilla trekking while on a Uganda Safari.   If your interested in Gorilla habituation experiences , expect to visit the gorillas in Rushaga Sector since gorilla Habituation experiences are only available in Uganda’s Rushaga sector of Bwindi.  Below we explain the different sectors of bwindi Impenetrable National Park with their respectively gorilla families that are open for visitation with valid Gorilla permit from Uganda wildlife authority that are always purchased by registered  tour operators with Uganda Tourism Board.

Buhoma Sector.

its located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and known as the oldest sector for gorilla trekking in Uganda . Gorilla Trekking in Uganda started in Buhoma sector in 1996 when there was less development in the Ugandan tourism.  it has a number of gorilla families that are open for tracking of the gorillas and ranked as the place that has classic luxury lodges for overnight stay in Bwindi where by some are located within the park while others at the edge of the park , Never miss the chance to see the gorillas in Uganda by selecting to book the buhoma sector for gorilla trekking. Buhoma Sector has the following gorilla families which are visited by travelers including:

1. Mubare Gorilla family
2. Rushegura Gorilla family
3. Habinyanja Gorilla family.

Why select buhoma sector;

Buhoma is a popular area for trekkers due to its well-developed infrastructure in form of roads and hotels for the clients and community involvement. Gorillas occasionally move into nearby communities like Buhoma village. This movement of Gorilla to the nearby areas or villages might be caused by a number of factors that include search for food and also encroachment by the neighbors.

Ruhija Sector

its located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and its close to Buhoma Sector where travelers can stay in Buhoma lodges and trek the gorillas in Ruhija Sector , this grants you the upper hand that your adventure is completed without missing your stay in the buhoma luxury lodges.  There are a number of gorilla families within the region that are open for trekking which include the following

• Bitukura Gorilla Family.
• Oruzogo Gorilla Family.
• Kyaguriro Gorilla Family.

The Challenges for this sector is that it has only one luxury lodge ( Kiho Lodge )  and  the rest are mid range accommodation but it has less accommodations for Safari guides , although gorilla trekking in Ruhija is unique, exciting and recommended to budget travelers within Uganda for Gorilla trekking tours.  For short Gorilla trekking tours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park , we recommended that you select either Ruhija Sector or Buhoma Sector.

Nkuringo Sector.

This is located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and ranked as the most challenging sector for gorilla trekking compared to the four sectors of Bwindi . If your looking for long walks during the gorilla trekking experience within the wilderness of Bwindi , then consider this sector as the best destination that fits into your needs and interests for unique gorilla watching in Uganda.  it has luxury lodges and hotels compared to Ruhija Sector which can offer good overnight stay in Bwindi .

This sector is known for its rugged beauty and the chance to see gorillas in a less crowded environment. The sector has several gorilla families that include the following;

• Nkuringo Gorilla Family.
• Christmas Gorilla Family.
• Bushaho Gorilla Family.

Rushaga Sector

The Rushaga sector is located close to Nkuringo sector and you can spend an overnight in Nkuringo lodge and travel to Rushaga for gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National Park . Considering the developed infrastructures within the sector, its important to book your overnight stay in Rushaga for the gorilla trekking .  Its the only destination that offers both options of Gorilla trekking and gorilla Habituation experiences in the wilderness of Bwindi . The gorilla habituation experience is limited only to 4 paxs and we always advise our clients to always book in advance to enjoy the gorilla habituation tours in Uganda with Primate Safari experiences.  The Gorilla families in Rushaga include the following;

• Nshongi Gorilla Family.
• Mishaya Gorilla Family.
• Bweza Gorilla Family.
• Kahungye Gorilla Family.
• Busingye Gorilla Family.
• Rwigi Gorilla Family.
• Mucunguzi Gorilla Family.

Cost for the Permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

Gorilla trekking & Habituation permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is essential to book permits well in advance due to high demand and limited availability. Priced as follows (as of 2024):

• Foreign non-residents: $800 per person while Habituation permit is $1500
• Foreign residents: $700 per person while Habituation permit is $1000
• Rest of Africa: $500 per person while Habituation permit is $1000
• East African community citizens: UGX 350,000 per person while Habituation permit is UGX 750,000

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the Virunga Volcanoes that are shared between Uganda, Rwanda and democratic republic of Congo. its the second home for Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda as well as housing the Golden monkeys which are unique primates.

Mgahinga National Park is a home to birds which can be spotted during nature walks or gorilla trekking experiences in the forest zones . Unlike Bwindi Impenetrable National Park , Mgahinga National Park has only one gorilla family that is open for trekking and it means only 8 permits ( visitors ) can visit the park a day . Never miss the chance to explore the mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga National Park with Primate Safari experiences which can be a flying Safari to kisoro town and transfer to the park headquarter for gorilla trekking tour.  

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking tours- Best Places to see gorillas in Rwanda

In Rwanda , Gorilla Trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park which is known as a luxury destination when it comes to gorilla trekking within Africa.

Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area that also includes parks in Uganda ( Mgahinga National Park)  and the Democratic Republic of Congo ( Virunga National Park) . Covering 160 square kilometers, it is known for its dramatic landscape of volcanic mountains and dense rain forest. The park is famously associated with Dian Fossey, whose work with mountain gorillas brought global attention to their conservation.

Volcanoes National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). The park’s habituated gorilla families offer visitors an extraordinary opportunity for close encounters with these primates.

Sectors: The park is divided into several sectors, each associated with different habituated gorilla families available for trekking. Key gorilla families and sectors include:

• Susa Group (Susa A): Known for being the largest group and the one Dian Fossey studied.
• Karisoke Group: Includes the gorilla groups near the Karisoke Research Center.
• Sabyinyo Group: A relatively accessible group, good for less strenuous treks.
• Amahoro Group: Known for its peaceful nature, the name means “peace” in Kinyarwanda.
• Kwitonda Group: Named after a dominant silverback, known for migrating from DRC.
• Hirwa Group: Famous for its twins.
• Agashya Group: Also known as Group 13, easy to reach and good for shorter treks.
• Bwenge Group: Featured in the movie “Gorillas in the Mist”.
• Ugenda Group: Known for its mobility and large territory.

Cost for the Permit: Gorilla trekking permits in Volcanoes National Park are priced as follows (as of 2024):

• Foreign non-residents: $1,500 USD per person

If your looking at luxury gorilla watching , then contact the experts from Primate Safari Experiences to add up the adventure for gorilla trekking in Rwanda with an overnight stay in 5 star lodges within the wilderness of Volcanoes National Park . Travel in low season to enjoy the discount for gorilla permits from Rwanda development board.

 Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris- Best Places to see gorillas in Congo

Democratic republic of Congo , the unique destination that is recommended to travelers that wish to see the mountain Gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas which are only found in Congo within the world. These two destinations that are open for gorilla trekking are lovely places that are less explored by adventurers who select to visit Primates within Africa.

Virunga National Park, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ( Northern Kivu) , is Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in 1925, the park spans 7,800 square kilometres and is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from savannas, swamps, and lava plains to the glaciated peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. It is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which also includes parks in Uganda and Rwanda.

Type of Gorilla: Virunga National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) and if your planning a primate safari to Africa , you can select to visit the gorillas in Volcanoes ,Virunga and Mgahinga national park to fully cover the mountain gorillas within the Virunga Mountains.

The park is divided into several sectors, each offering distinct wildlife experiences:

• Gorilla Sectors:
  • Bukima: Known for mountain gorilla trekking. The main base for gorilla trekking activities.
  • Mikeno: Near the park headquarters at Rumangabo, also a base for gorilla treks.
• Volcano and Rwenzori Sectors:
  • Nyiragongo Volcano: Famous for its active lava lake and challenging hikes.
  • Rwenzori Mountains: Known for its alpine vegetation and diverse landscapes.

Cost for the Permit: Gorilla trekking permits in Virunga National Park are priced as follows (as of 2024):

• Mountain gorilla trekking: $400 USD per person

Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), near the western bank of Lake Kivu and the Rwandan border. Established in 1970, the park covers approximately 6,000 square kilometers and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is named after two extinct volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, and is known for its rich biodiversity, including one of the last remaining populations of eastern lowland gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri).

Type of Gorilla: Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to the endangered eastern lowland gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri), also known as Grauer’s gorillas. These gorillas are larger than their mountain gorilla relatives and are distinguished by their unique habitat preferences in the lowland rainforests and mid-altitude forests.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is divided into two main sectors:

• Lowland Sector: The larger part of the park, covering extensive lowland rainforests and providing habitat for the eastern lowland gorillas.
• Highland Sector: Located around Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, this area is known for its montane forests and diverse flora and fauna.

Cost for the Permit: Gorilla trekking permits in Kahuzi-Biega National Park are priced as follows (as of 2024):

• Eastern lowland gorilla trekking: $400 USD per person