Gorilla trekking safaris take place in the volcanic regions spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This area serves as the natural habitat for the endangered mountain gorillas and is among the most frequented locations for gorilla trekking tours. Tracking these incredible animals in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is both safe and relatively straightforward.
Currently, there are approximately 1,000 mountain gorillas in the wild, with around 604 of them inhabiting the Virunga Massif, which includes Virunga National Park in the DRC, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Mgahinga in Uganda. To view them in their natural habitat, a permit must be obtained, costing USD 1,500 in Rwanda, USD 800 in Uganda, and USD 450 in the DRC. If you’re seeking to see mountain gorillas, the best locations are Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga National Park, along with areas in the Congo. Other regions such as Gabon, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic are home to lowland gorillas.
However, Rwanda and Uganda provide more developed tracking experiences compared to the DRC, as these areas are well-protected and equipped for travelers, offering excellent accommodations, making them the preferred destinations for mountain gorilla trekking. For those seeking a more economical option, guided tours to Uganda are available, or you can opt for a self-drive tour in Uganda, provided you have the necessary permit. Uganda offers one of the most affordable gorilla trekking permits in Africa at USD 800, while Rwanda’s permits are higher at USD 1,500. The Democratic Republic of Congo offers the lowest permit prices at USD 450, but Virunga Park is closed for the year 2025 due to political issues.
When traveling to Rwanda and Uganda, it is important to exercise caution. Rwanda has a lower overall crime rate, with some areas experiencing none at all, making it a safer option for security-conscious travelers. In contrast, Uganda has higher crime rates, particularly in urban settings. However, within National Parks, the risk is minimal, and many areas have enhanced security measures for tourists. Tourists can manage their safety effectively by using common sense and taking necessary precautions. To observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, visiting locations like Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is crucial. In the wild, gorillas may perceive humans as threats if approached too closely. Therefore, ranger guides will always provide a briefing before entering the forest to inform you of the dos and don’ts. Gorillas will protect themselves if they feel threatened, so it is advisable to maintain a distance of at least 10 meters, as even friendly gestures could be misinterpreted. Eastern gorillas are found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda, while Western gorillas inhabit several countries, including Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, Angola, and the DRC.
