There are two populations of the mountain gorillas. One is found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The other is found in the Virunga volcanic mountain range of Central Africa: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorillas are descendants of ancestral monkeys and apes found in Africa and Arabia some 20 million years ago. The estimated total number of mountain gorillas at present is 880. Book the best gorilla safaris in Africa with the best reputable local tour operator and you will visit Virunga massifs and the Bwindi Forest National Park.

Bwindi population makes up almost half of all the mountain gorillas in the world. Combined with amazing views and opportunities for culture tours and nature walks, Bwindi is a remarkable location to go for gorilla treks. Another advantage of seeing gorillas in Uganda is that Gorilla Tracking Permits currently cost US$600 per person (which is one-third cheaper than in Rwanda). It is a 9 hours’ drive from Entebbe to the northern sector (Buhoma) of Bwindi. You can also get to Bwindi from Rwanda on road. The eastern sector (Ruhija) and southern sector (Nkuringo and Rushaga) are much closer to the Cyanika and Katuna borders. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Entebbe. Aero link operates scheduled flights to Kihihi (access to the northern sector) and Kisoro (access to the southern sector).

After Bwindi you cross direct to volcanoes national park located just 2 hours away from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda with an international airport, Volcanoes National Park is easily accessible for tracking gorillas. Gorilla tracking permits in Rwanda cost US$1500 per person, but the price is conveniently offset by the ease of access and the feasibility of a short itinerary. Tracking gorillas in Rwanda is generally less arduous than in Uganda. The trekking time in Rwanda on average is shorter. Bwindi gorillas travel further per day than Virunga gorillas. Trekking to see the golden monkeys is another highlight of Volcanoes National Park. This endangered species is endemic to the high altitude forests of the Virunga volcanic mountains area.

From volcanoes cross to Congo for your third trek. Your gorilla trekking adventure in the DRC will begin early in the morning and you will be driven up to the gorilla trekking starting point at Bukima a ranger’s station in the mountains of the Virunga National Park, outside the city of Goma. The small agrarian villages you’ll pass, and the people who run to the road to wave at you, will give you a glimpse of a different way of life.