A Gorilla Safari in Africa (Rwanda, Uganda & Congo)

Active African Vacations give you the chance to enjoy the ultimate wildlife experience!

A true African safari is never complete if you have not done a gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo. During this experience, you embark on a thrilling adventure through the great outdoors, the rainforests, and bamboo vegetation where you will meet these spectacular animals. This is their habitat, the place that they call home.

The silverback gorillas are such beautiful animals and they are an endangered species in Africa, so you will count yourself lucky because you will get to see an animal that is not in very many places. You can even get to spend some extra time in their habitat when you choose to so gorilla habituation. Be sure to let your tour guide know that this is what you will want to do as they will help you book your ticket for that activity. It is also important to note that there are a limited number of people allowed to do Gorilla habituation within a single day, so book early.

Mubare gorilla family (located in Buhoma)

Gorilla trekking in Africa

For the case of Uganda, you could check out the 3-Day Gorilla Safari Package. This will allow you to do more activities at a subsidized cost.  The other activities you can do include mountain trekking, bird watching, chimpanzee trekking, or if you are in Rwanda, visiting the grave of Dian Fossey who played an instrumental role in Gorilla Habituation in Rwanda. You can also visit some of the popular cultural sites in Rwanda and Uganda, and get a chance to learn more about the locals in the areas you will be visiting and how they live.

Although there are about 28 gorilla groups available for trekking within this region, only up to eight visitors are allowed to visit each family on a given day and because of this, the gorilla permits sell out very first. Once again, everyone planning to go for a trek must book in advance to avoid any disappointment as the tickets are sold on a first come first serve basis.

When is the best time to see gorillas in Africa?

The activity is all year round since East Africa doesn’t experience extreme weather conditions like winters. The region lies within the tropics and that means that there are periods of rainfall and sunshine instead. That being said, the most ideal would be after the major rain seasons because the area of trekking will have less mud than during the rainy season.

Even if you visit after the main rains, it is advisable to have a strong pair of shoes because of the changing gradient of the trekking route. The best time to visit East African counties on a safari is during the drier seasons (January, February, June, July, August, and September). During the drier months, the park roads are free of mud and the animals gather at specific waterholes to drink making it easy to spot them.

Gorilla tracking

Gorilla tracking

The wet season (March to May and October to September) has its advantages especially if you are coming for gorilla tours in Africa. There are fewer visitors in the park making for a more personal and private safari, especially for wildlife photographers, researchers, and those doing sport fishing in Uganda. Some hotels reduce their rates because there are few tourists. Birders will find the wet season amazing for birdwatching. It is the breeding season and birds are everywhere. Migratory birds also come to the country to escape the heat elsewhere and take advantage of the fresh fruits and insects.

During the trekking activity, it is important to note that some gorilla families live closer than others. Your tour guide will choose which family you will visit based on your physical capabilities, the time you have for the activity but also, and upon your request. If you wish to take a longer trek before you see the gorillas, the guide can arrange for you to meet a more distant group and if you wish to see them immediately, you will visit a closer group.

To allow our clients, to get the best of both worlds, we have designed packages involving silverback gorilla safaris in all three countries – Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. A 2 days Rwanda gorilla tour may be what you are looking for.

Luxury Group gorilla safaris in Africa

We arrange tour packages ranging from budget, midrange, and luxury experiences. Our Luxury silverback gorilla and wildlife tours will exceed your expectations. With a luxury gorilla tour in Africa, you get to travel in our luxury tour vans and sleep in the best hotels and lodges while drinking fine wine in the African bush. Our luxury gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo can be arranged for individuals, families, large groups, and honeymooners. Honeymoon safaris in East Africa involve special treats for lovers who want to spend their honeymoon experiencing Africa’s beautiful nature or taking part in activities like gorilla trekking. Imagine spending time with your loved one away from the hustle and bustle back in your city while watching breathtaking wildlife, relaxing on lake Kivu, and enjoying the natural green African vegetation and landscape under the stars – Is there anything else more special than that?

We also have experience in organizing large group tours from their transportation, to the accommodation, meals, and activities. Hikers may be interested in the 3 Days Mount Karisimbi Hike.

Safety while on a gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda

We ensure that you are 100% safe while on your trip. You will be aware of any security situations while you come for the trip. The guides have also been trained to drive safely and make sure that you stay safe throughout the trip. Your hotels are carefully selected and we ensure that there is utmost security for your belongings.

Why travel with Us?

Overall, there is no continent better than Africa when it comes to its blend of culture, wildlife, and pure natural beauty. Millions of tourists continue to be greatly impressed by the incredible biodiversity in Africa consisting of great landscapes, spectacular rivers, lakes, green forests, and of course wild animals.

With us, you experienced lots of adventure coupled with quality services, fun, and utmost safety.  We do not compromise on quality and therefore, you will be sure that with us, you will get the best!  Our membership with tour operators’ associations and partnership with Wildlife Authorities ensure that we get access to gorilla permits even in periods when they seem over-booked.

By booking with us, you are helping empower and support the local African people too. Our local guides are very professional, experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about their job. Throughout your journey, they are ready to share with you information about East Africa with enthusiasm. This experience will be a memorable one that you will talk about for years to come.