Where to See Gorillas in Africa: Rwanda Vs Uganda Vs Congo

Where to See Gorillas in Africa, With only 1,100 mountain gorillas left on Earth, trekking through the lushness of a tropical rainforest to see these critically endangered primate species is a captivating experience. Trekking gorillas in Africa’s emerald rainforests where they survive and observing their everyday interactions is arguably one of greatest privileges of life.

On a gorilla trek, you follow gorilla families as they go about their lives, observe how female gorillas tenderly care and feed their young, all under a watchful gaze of a dominant silverback as he keeps a protective eye over his troop. Looking eyes with a gentle giant gorilla is a profound experience that makes spending time with Africa’s mountain gorillas an unmatched wildlife experience.

Gorillas in Rwanda

Rwanda is known for delivering the most accessible gorilla trekking in Africa, this tiny country prides itself in is weight in sheer natural beauty with Volcanoes National Park as its flag fish reserve. This iconic park lies only 80 Kilometers about three hours’ drive from Kigali – the capital of Rwanda.

Where to See Gorillas in Rwanda

Gorillas in Rwanda are found and seen in the stunning Volcanoes National Park, situated in north – western Rwanda covering approximately 160 square kilometers of rainforest and encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains range. Mountain gorillas are critically endangered primate species and are highly sociable creatures fond of spending most of their day searching for food on the ground, moving less than 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) a day, making them easily trackable.

On a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, you are guided by an experienced gorilla tracker through the park’s towering African redwoods and bamboo, weaving vines and flowering lobelias to the area where you will have a soul – stirring experience, face to face encounter with one mankind’s closest living relatives.

The iconic Volcanoes National Park was the base for pioneering primatologist Dian Fossey. On your gorilla safari in Rwanda you can even pay your respects at Fossey’s grave. In addition to mountain gorillas, the park is also home to the endangered golden monkeys and forest birds.

When to see gorilla in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is regarded as a year round experience, however Rwanda’s dry season are considered to be the best for gorilla trekking as the offer the easiest hiking conditions and the lowest risk of malaria.

The long rainy season in Rwanda lasts from March to May, whilst the long dry season kicks off in June and lasts until about mid-September. Generally, this is the preferred time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. October to November sees a shorter rainy season, which is followed by a brief dry season from December to February. Also, this is a good time to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda, although it can be a little more humid than the June to September.

Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda

As of 2026, gorilla permits in Rwanda cost US$ 1,500 per person for one hour with the gorillas. These permits sell out quickly most especially during the dry season (June to September), that is why we recommend booking your gorilla trip as you know you want to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Gorillas in Uganda

Named the “Pearl of Africa” by Churchill, Uganda is a remarkable safari destination and is listed among the best places to on a safari in Safari. Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is a truly rewarding and unforgettable experience, the country is home to half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas thriving in two destinations that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Where to See Gorillas in Uganda

Mountains gorillas in Uganda live in the misty impenetrable forest of Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park all found in Southwestern Mountains.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting both montane and lowland forest that provides a verdant habitat for about 120 species of mammals, 220 butterfly species and 350 bird species, as well as reptiles and amphibians.  The impenetrable forests of Bwindi are home to 20 habituated gorilla families spread in the four gorilla trekking sectors that is Buhoma Sector, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija Sectors.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

When to see gorillas in Uganda

Uganda experiences two dry and two wet sessions in a year, and even though Uganda gorilla trekking is considered a year – round activity, the most recommend time is during the dry season months of June to September and December to February, when trekking conditions are more favorable.

The rainy months of March to May and October to November which is a low season is also a good time to visit Uganda to see mountain gorillas. This is the best time for budget – conscious visitors to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda

Gorilla permits in Uganda cost US$800 per person for one hour with the gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Also, you can do gorilla habituation experience allowing you 4 hours with a semi – habituated gorilla family with researchers and scientists at US$ 1,500.

Gorillas in DR.Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is another place in the world where you see gorillas in Virunga National Park. Trekking mountain gorillas in Congo is unique as you and your guide can walk straight into the rainforest from your camp and start search for mountain gorillas in the wild. Sometimes you can find these gentle giants within an hour which is different from other gorilla trekking destinations like Uganda and Rwanda.

The flatter terrain and lower altitude of Congo also means that it is warmer than in Uganda and Rwanda. Also, there is the opportunity to go trekking for three consecutive days – an experience limited to only one day in Uganda and Rwanda. This allows you to spend more with various gorilla families and compare the fascinating differences in personalities and group dynamics.

Where to See Gorillas in DR.Congo

Mountain gorillas in DR.Congo are seen in Volcanoes National Park, known for its exceptional biodiversity. It is also the oldest park in Africa established in 1925 by Belgium King Albert 1 and named after the King hence its former name the Albert National Park.

Unfortunately due to the ongoing political unrest, Virunga National Park is closed to visitors, as of 2026.