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Best Places to see gorillas in Congo, Rwanda & Uganda – Self Drive Africa
The safest places where gorilla watching is guaranteed while on gorilla trekking tour in Africa are 5 and ranked as the recommended destinations for Primate Trekking.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Volcanoes National Park
- Kahuzi Biega National Park
- Virunga National Park.
Africa is a prefect destination when it comes to primate trekking in the wild. Among the key primates that makes East Africa the best place to overland on road trip since it hosts the primates like the Mountain Gorillas, Eastern Lowland Gorillas and Chimpanzees, Golden monkey which are unique only found within Africa.
To visit these primate on Self drive tour in Africa requires you to secure the primate permits which is sold on first come first serve basis, Go Wild and go everywhere in Africa on Gorilla Safari with 4wd Africa which is ranked as the best Car rental firm within the region granting you chance to see the wild gorillas.
Africa is a home for two species of Gorillas the eastern lowland and the western lowland gorillas, seeing these creatures in their natural habitat is a rare and a thrilling experience. In the above mentioned places each of these places provides unforgettable memories you will always carry with you for the longest time.
Seeing gorillas in the wild is the ultimate wildlife experience that could make the trip more memorable while on Self drive Safari in Rwanda or Uganda where overland road trips are popular on independent travelers.
When your on primate safari in Africa, it must to meet face to face with the mountain gorillas in the wild as you will see them play with the young ones as they are feeding . This experience is only available through booking either gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation experiences which will require you to book the permit 1-2 months in advance to secure that you have a spot on the gorilla visit.
The availability of the gorilla permits is subjective to the location and places you wish to explore the Mountain gorillas or Eastern Lowland gorillas in Africa. That depends to some extent on your budget and sense of adventure.
What myth is about gorilla trekking in Africa- Many travelers think that Congo gorilla trekking is the cheapest as they look at the cost of the gorilla permit but in reality the cheapest gorilla safari is only available in Uganda than the case for Congo. If your planning for gorilla adventure , weigh all the expedition options
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Rwanda gorilla trekking is only done in Volcanoes National Park located within Virunga Massif that are shared between Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. When it comes to luxury gorilla trekking in Africa, Volcanoes Rwanda is ranked as the most exotic destination for gorilla watching with classic luxury hotels of about 10000$ for a night. Gorilla Conservation in Rwanda was started by Dian Fossey who authored gorillas in the mist.
Volcanoes National Park, situated in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, is famous for its breathtaking scenery and rich history, particularly as the place where Dian Fossey dedicated her life to studying and conserving gorillas.
The park offers a captivating trekking experience where visitors can follow well-maintained trails through mist-covered forests to find habituated gorilla families.
The interaction with these gentle giants in their natural habitat is unforgettable, with the misty, volcanic landscape adding a magical backdrop to the adventure.
Rwanda’s commitment to conservation ensures a sustainable and memorable gorilla trekking experience for travelers from all over the world.
Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a captivating, off-the-beaten-path destination for those seeking a unique and adventurous gorilla trekking experience.
The DRC is the only country where all three subspecies of gorillas can be encountered: mountain gorillas, western lowland gorillas, and eastern lowland (Grader’s) gorillas.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is renowned for its population of eastern lowland gorillas, a subspecies found only in this region.
The park’s stunning, remote landscapes allow trekkers to explore diverse habitats, from dense rain forests to swamp-lands.
In Virunga National Park, travelers can embark on a thrilling trek to find the endangered mountain gorillas and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Virunga Mountains.
Although the region faces challenges, improvements in security and infrastructure make these gorilla trekking adventures safe and highly rewarding.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is ranked highly in Bwindi which is globally recognized as the top destination for gorilla trekking, primarily because it is home to the world’s largest population of endangered mountain gorillas.
With more than half of these majestic creatures residing within Uganda’s borders, the country offers two incredible national parks for gorilla encounters that is Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga national park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park stands out for its lush, dense rain forests and steep hillsides, providing a challenging yet rewarding trek to observe these gentle giants.
Visitors can explore the rich biodiversity of the park, home to over 350 species of birds and numerous primates, while also having the rare opportunity to witness the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Like Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has a magnificent location high in the Virunga Mountains, bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the south-western region in the Kisoro district of Uganda.
There is only one habituated group here, so permits are in high demand. But if you manage to get one, it’s a fabulous location for gorilla trekking. Hiking conditions are relatively undemanding and the setting below the volcanic Virunga peaks is stunning.
The habituated group is one of the few to boast a coalition of three magnificent male silverbacks.
Gorilla trekking permits for Mgahinga cost the same as for Bwindi. Because numbers are limited, the park has a more low-key feel than Bwindi or Volcanoes, at least in terms of tourist traffic.
There are also other fabulous walking opportunities on offer, from golden monkey trekking and guided bird-watching trails to steep day hikes to the peaks.
In Africa, there are many places with gorillas but if your plan is see the gorillas in the wild , then considering traveling with Primate Safaris limited the leading Safari operator.
Odzala National Park Congo
Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of the Congo offers an extraordinary and less-visited gorilla trekking experience. The park is located in one of the most pristine rainforests in Africa and is home to a thriving population of over 125,000 western lowland gorillas.
The intimate and personal nature of the treks, which are conducted with small groups, allows for an authentic connection with these rare and endangered creatures. Led by expert guides and trackers, visitors can spend an hour observing gorillas in their natural habitat, surrounded by the incredible diversity of wildlife in this remote and untouched forest.
Odzala’s pristine environment makes it a true hidden gem for adventurous wildlife enthusiasts.
MAIKO NATIONAL PARK
Maiko National Park is a protected area lies in one of the most remote forest areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park is divided into three sectors, straddling the states of Nord Kivu, Province Orientale, and Maniema. The park has, however, been highly affected by the rebel groups in the country that have hindered conservation efforts but it is estimated to have around 10-15 groups of gorillas, with a total population of approximately 3000-4000 individuals. This park is not as known as other gorilla tourism destinations, such as Virunga National park or Volcanoes National park. However, it offers opportunities for research and tourism which can conservation efforts and provide economic benefits for local communities.
