Gorilla trekking Africa – Where to see Gorillas in Africa

Gorilla trekking Africa: Where to see Gorillas in Africa

In Africa, gorilla trekking is ultimately done in countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC, but there are still other countries where you can have sight of these gentle giants, like Nigeria (Nigeria cross-river gorillas), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola, the Congo, and the Central African Republic. Mountain gorillas’ homes are limited to protected national parks in 2 regions in Africa. One group of gorillas lives in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), whereas the other group has spread over the 3 national parks in the Virunga mountain regions of the DRC (Virunga Wilderness), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), and Uganda (Mgahinga National Park). Uganda is the top-ranked destination in Africa where you can sight these gentle giants.

Uganda

This is where you can find the true experience of mountain gorillas and where ultimate gorilla trekking is done. In the north, you will view Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda (with a variety of plant & animal life and biodiversity at a lower altitude), which is sighted to habitat/home over half of the world’s endangered species of mountain gorillas. There are 4 habituated gorilla groups for tourism in this park, and 2 more are habituated to handle the demand. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another park for gorilla tours in Uganda and happens to be part of the National Virunga Conservation Area.

Another exceptional way of sighting these mountain gorillas is when you hike to the top of Mt. Sabinio, the meeting point of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. You will see them in their kingdom, which is an island of forest that is surrounded by a sea of closely compacted, populated farmland. However, there are other activities done in these parks alongside Gorilla trekking, like Water Rafting on the source of the Nile, Chimpanzee tracking, Hiking of the Rwenzori, etc. To gorilla trek in one of these destinations in Uganda, you must have a gorilla permit that goes for $800-foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and Ugx 250,000-EAC; that’s your only access sheet to these gentle giants. Accommodation is fully a service at your disposal, ranging from budget, Mid-range and luxury.

Rwanda

This carries 1/3 of the world’s mountain gorillas found in the Volcanoes National Park as their destination. Diana Fossey’s work cited in the film says that gorillas are in the mist, and this has made people in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) have a choice to go on a gorilla trek. The existence of the montane type of vegetation, which provides stunning views, improves the many chances of wonderful gorilla watching or sightings. With the guidance of professional guides, you will be able to cope up with the steep slopes, muddy steps, etc. Gorillas tend to stay close to the park boundary during the sunny season. Rwanda‘s Gorilla Permit is ranked the most expensive at $1500 per person and applies to all. There are a number of hotels and lodges where you can stay in case of your gorilla tour or safari, like the Virunga Lodge.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Virunga National Park extends from the Virunga Mountains in the south to Rwenzori in the north. It’s located in the eastern part of the DRC.There are not a huge number of mountain gorillas in this park, despite the larger size of the habitat, & 6 families are all open for tourism activities. Kabirizi family is the common one in the eyes of many travelers who come to Gorilla Trek. This is the leading polygamist silverback, with the largest gorilla family having 3 dozen members. Gorilla permits in the DRC cost $400 for both foreign non-residents and foreign residents, while for Congolese citizens, they cost $150.

Nigeria

Cross River state in Nigeria is where we find the Nigeria Cross River Gorillas whereby the government has put in more money (invested heavily) in the infra-structure tourism like the incredible cable car up –Obudu cattle Ranch Hotel. The total population of over 200 individuals and these are spread in different areas like Afi mountain, Okwangwo division and Abe Mountain of the Cross River National Park. The chances of viewing these gentle giants is low. Touring their natural Habitats will participate much to conserving of the 2 remaining primate sanctuaries and restoring projects.

Equatorial Guinea

The incredible forested “The Monte Alen” National Park having an uneven terrain thus protecting it from commercial classification. The tourism industry is so down and in the early stages of development, locals who have gotten trained have just started conducting guided day treks.

Gabon Gorilla Tours

This country has made efforts to expand its economy by creating/generating 13 national parks in 2002, and most of them have gorilla habitats. Moukalaba Doudon National Park consists of a high level of gorillas as well as the eco-tourism project that was started with the help of the Gorilla Organization.

Angola

The Wild Lowland Gorillas can only be found in the Cabinda Enclave, which is part of Angola north of the Congo mouth. It is mainly in the form of tourism infrastructure, but it’s an adventure you will really want.

Central African Republic

It is one of the best places to track mountain gorillas which are the Wild Lowland Gorillas, and it is in Bai Hokou, in Dzanga Ndoki National Park. The WWF project has also succeeded in habituating the group. Not only that, but also expect to have calm contact through the closely compacted forest and the low light under the canopy that makes photography more challenging.