Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in East and Central Africa is one of those experiences that stays with you long after gorilla trekking safari is over. Seeing a mountain gorilla just a few meters away in its natural forest home feels incredibly personal and unforgettable. Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo each offer their own version of this adventure, and the differences between them can shape the kind of trip you have.

Uganda is often considered the best choice for travelers who want a genuine and affordable gorilla trekking experience. The country is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, most of them living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Trekking here can be challenging, with steep hills, thick vegetation, and misty forest trails, but that is also part of the magic and experience you come for. The park is divided into four sectors (Rushaga, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Buhoma), each with different gorilla families and landscapes, so every trek feels a little different. Uganda also has Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where the true mountain gorillas live among the beautiful Virunga volcanoes.

Rwanda offers a more accessible and polished gorilla trekking experience. In Volcanoes National Park, the forests are often more open, which can make spotting the gorillas easier. The biggest advantage is convenience. The park is only a few hours from Kigali, so visitors can spend less time on the road and more time in the forest. Rwanda is especially popular with travelers looking for a shorter trip or a luxury safari experiences.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the most adventurous option. What makes it special is that it is the only country where you can trek two different gorilla subspecies. In Virunga National Park, you can track mountain gorillas in a dramatic landscape of several volcanic mountains and dense forest. Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is primarily based in the Southern Sector, accessed via the Bukima and Kibumba trek start points. In Kahuzi-Biega National Park, gorilla trekking takes place exclusively in the Highland Sector (Tshivanga), where visitors track the rare Eastern Lowland Gorillas.