Where to See Gorillas in Africa

Where to See Gorillas in Africa includes getting to know the Gorilla Destinations in Africa from Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo, Gabon. Book your Gorilla Safari now to enjoy watching the Mountain Gorillas, Eastern Lowland Gorillas, Western Lowland Gorillas and Cross River Gorillas in their natural forest vegetation habitat.

Gorilla trekking is a thrilling activity where visitors move into the dense tropical forests in search of the endangered gorillas. Gorilla trekking activity is carried out in 9 destinations of Africa that is Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park of Uganda, Volcanoes national park of Rwanda, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park in Democratic Republic of Congo, Odzala-Kokoua National Park of the Republic of the Congo, Cross river national park of Nigeria and then Moukalaba-Doudou National Park and Loango National Park of Gabon.

10 Best Places to see Gorillas/Apes in Africa

These destinations harbor different species of gorillas that is the mountain gorillas, Eastern lowland gorillas, western lowland gorillas, and cross river gorillas. Below is the detailed information on where you can sight the gorilla species;

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)

Located in the southwestern part of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known among the most common destinations on the African continent for gorilla safaris. Sitting at a coverage of 331 square kilometers, the park is a home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas that are seen in four trekking sectors – Buhoma, Ruhijja, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Aside mountain gorillas, the park is also a home to diverse ecosystem including 120 mammal species, 350 birds and numerous butterflies.

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda)

Also located in the south western part of Uganda, Mgahinga gorilla national park is another destination on the African continent suitable for gorilla safaris. At a total surface area of 33.7 square kilometers, the park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area protecting one gorilla family – Nyakagezi. This group is known for crossing borders to Uganda, Rwanda and DRC though spends most of its time in Uganda. Apart from mountain gorillas, Mgahinga gorilla national park also features golden monkeys and the three extinct volcanoes – Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo.

3. Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

Also, part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, Volcanoes national park is another destination for gorilla safaris. The park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda with a total surface area of 160 square kilometers. The park was made famous by a primatologist called Dian Fossey who used to make research about the mountain gorillas around the park. Volcanoes is a home to 12 habituated gorilla families that can be seen during gorilla trekking experience. Also, the park offers other experiences like trekking to Dian Fossey’s tombs, Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke hike, golden monkey trekking safaris and bird watching.

4. Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Part of the Albertine rift valley, Virunga national park is another destination on Africa where one can go for gorilla trekking safaris. Located in the Eastern part of DRC, Virunga stands as the oldest national park on the continent established in 1925 at a total surface area of 7,800 square kilometers. The UNESCO World Heritage Site protects 8 habituated gorilla families and diverse habitats ranging from savannah to glaciers. Also, the park is known for protecting the active Nyiragongo volcano and its lave lake.

5. Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Also located in the Eastern part of DRC near Bukavu town, Kahuzi Biega national park is also among the destinations in Africa one can go for gorilla safaris. Standing at a coverage size of 6,000 square kilometers, the park protects the Eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas) and it is known as the only destination where these gorilla types can be seen. Recognized at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is named after two extinct volcanoes – Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega. It is known for its dense tropical forest with diverse flora and fauna species.

6. Odzala-Kokoua National Park (Republic of the Congo)

Situated in the northwestern part of the Republic of Congo, Odzala-Kokoua national park, one of Africa’s oldest national parks that was established in 1935 is another destination for gorilla safaris in Africa. The park is part of the Congo Basin, one of the world’s most important wilderness areas and it is known for protecting the western lowland gorillas. Other biodiversity at the park include forest elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species.

7. Cross River National Park (Nigeria)

In southeastern part of Nigeria near the border with Cameroon, Cross River National Park is also a destination where to go for gorilla safaris in Africa. The park stands at a total surface area of 4,000 square kilometers and it is known for protecting Cross River gorillas, the most elusive gorilla subspecies. Cross river national park is known for its dense rainforest with diverse wildlife including chimpanzees, drills and various bird species.

8. Loango National Park (Gabon)

Also good for gorilla safaris, Loango is a national park in western Gabon located along the Atlantic coast. With a total surface area of 1,550 square kilometers, the park is also known for its unique combination of coastal, forest and savannah ecosystems offering not only a gorilla trekking experience but also a home to other wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, and hippos which are often seen on the beach. Still at the park, you will have more opportunities for whale watching, birding and sport fishing.

9. Moukalaba-Doudou National Park (Gabon)

With a total surface area of 4,500 square kilometers, Maukalaba-Doudou national park is another destination suitable for gorilla trekking safaris. Located in the southwestern part of Gabon, the park protects the western lowland gorillas and these can be seen within its remote and pristine forests. Also, the park is a home to other wildlife species like forest elephants, and diverse birdlife.

These national parks offer a range of gorilla trekking experiences, from the dense forests of Uganda to the diverse ecosystems of Gabon, each providing unique opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.