The Best Place to See Mountain Gorillas in Africa

Rwanda is the best place to see Mountain Gorillas in Africa.  On traversing the rugged Volcano National Park following the tracks and trails of this massive Virunga leading you to these special creatures.  BOOK NOW

Trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats is a unique wildlife experience that can be enjoyed in three different countries of the African Continent, but Rwanda is the best place so far as you will find out. Nearly 35% of the World’s remaining population of mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park, making it one of the premier safari destinations you can go to with fantastic chances of encountering the Giant Apes of the East and Central African forests.

While mountain gorillas can be seen in three countries of Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo), Rwanda still stands out as the best option for travelers who are interested in enjoying face-to-face encounters with these Great Apes for the following reasons;

Accessibility to the Gorilla Trekking Destination. 

No place matches up to Rwanda in terms of accessibility to the gorilla trekking destination. While Uganda has the highest number of mountain gorillas and habituated gorilla families, Rwanda still beats her in terms of accessibility. The drive from Kigali City to Volcanoes National Park is only about 3 hours, compared to the 8-9 hours of driving from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Given these driving distances/time, Rwanda is definitely the best place to see mountain gorillas in Africa.

Trekking Conditions in Volcanoes National Park

The forest trails in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are considered slightly open and not as steep as they are in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or even Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Therefore if you are looking for a less challenging trek, then the best place to see mountain gorillas is Rwanda.

Rwanda Promotes Sustainable Tourism Through Gorilla Tracking. 

Right from the time Rwanda Development Board announced the increase in Gorilla permit prices in 2017, it was obvious that the country was moving towards promoting sustainable tourism. With gorilla permit prices costing $1500 per person, many potential/intending gorilla trekkers will be discouraged from pursuing their dream of seeing the mountain gorillas from Rwanda. In so doing, lower visitor numbers will be recorded hence promoting sustainable tourism. You are required to purchase a gorilla Rwanda gorilla permit as a requirement to guarantee your gorilla trek.

Numerous Luxury Accommodation Facilities.

If the idea of luxury accommodation entices your feeling for an adventure and safari, then Rwanda is the best place to see mountain gorillas in Africa. This country boasts some of the best upmarket Lodges including Virunga Lodge, Bisate Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Virunag Inn Resort & Spa, and many others.

When to go to Rwanda to see Mountain Gorillas

The gorilla trekking season in Rwanda coincides with the dry season, starting in June and ending in September, and then from December to February. This is when rainfall levels are reduced, temperatures are warmer and forest trails are less muddy and slippery hence posing less challenging to search for the Giant Apes in their natural habitat.

The wet season- March to May and October to November is usually avoided by many visitors because rainfall levels are increased, making forest trails muddy and slippery. These conditions make it very challenging to walk through the forest searching for the mountain gorillas, but this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to trek mountain gorillas during these months. While conditions are more unfavorable, these months provide the best birding experiences and photography because the skies are cleared of dust and vegetation is lusher.