Best Places to go Gorilla trekking in Africa: Rwanda vs Uganda Vs Congo.
Best place to go gorilla trekking in Africa depends on the travelers time, interest and location of the gorillas although its always advisable that you ask the experts at Rwanda Safaris to help you plan your timely adventure in Africa. When planning the gorilla trekking Safari in Africa, it all starts with where to see the gorillas in Africa by selecting either Rwanda, Uganda or Congo. Rwanda Safaris offers unique gorilla trekking tours to group and private guided adventurers who wish to explore the primates on Primate Trekking tours.
Where is the best place to see gorillas in East Africa- Gorilla Safaris.
Mountain Gorillas are the best primate iconic Safari activity that is recommended for travelers wishing to participate in active Activities like the family vacations in Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. When your planning for gorilla trekking, we recommend the safest places to see them in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo is less safe although it offers the best gorilla trekking destinations with the chance to see the Mountain Gorillas and Eastern lowland Gorillas in the wild.
There are two species of gorillas, each with two subspecies which include the eastern gorilla which are found in the mountainous regions of Rwanda, Uganda and democratic republic of Congo and this inhabits in the lowland tropical forests of eastern DRC so when its Congo gorilla Safari expect to see them in Eastern Congo where there is an Active War in Virunga National Park.
why Gorillas are only in Africa- Mountain Gorillas & Eastern Lowland Gorillas.
Gorillas primarily are primarily found in tropical and subtropical forests, the type of forest that varies with the species and subspecies, ranging from montane forests (high-altitude) to lowland rain forests. Their habitats are rich in biodiversity, providing the Mountain gorillas & Eastern Lowland gorillas with a variety of plants to eat. These great apes are mainly herbivorous, eating leaves, stems, fruits, and bamboo shoots. Occasionally, they may consume insects. Their diet is abundant in the forest regions they inhabit, contributing to their large body size.
Gorillas live in groups called troops or bands, typically consisting of one dominant male (silverback), several females, and their offspring. The silverback leads the troop, making decisions, mediating conflicts, and protecting the group from threats. Conservation of gorillas is vital for biodiversity and the overall health of their natural habitats.
WHERE TO SEE GORILLAS IN AFRICA
These locations offer guided gorilla trekking tours, providing opportunities for tourists to observe and learn about these critically endangered animals in their natural habitat. Conservation efforts and tourism in these regions play a crucial role in protecting the gorillas and supporting local communities.
Below are the places to encounter these great attractions in Africa;
Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda renowned for its population of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the few places in the world where mountain gorillas can be seen in their natural habitat. Gorillas in Bwindi are nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, with approximately 400 individuals living in the park.
Mountain gorillas in Bwindi are primarily herbivores, feeding on leaves, shoots, and stems. They live in social groups led by a dominant male silverback and are known for their complex social behaviors and strong family bonds and The conservation efforts in Bwindi have been successful, contributing to the gradual increase in the mountain gorilla population, which was once critically endangered.
Bwindi is famous for gorilla trekking tours, where visitors can hike through the forest to observe gorilla families in the wild. This ecotourism activity is a significant source of funding for conservation and community projects.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. The park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which spans Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It covers an area of about 33.7 square kilometers and is one of only two national parks in Uganda where mountain gorillas can be found, the other being Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorillas in Mgahinga live in family groups led by a dominant male known as a silverback. These gorillas are herbivorous, primarily eating leaves, stems, fruit, and bamboo shoots. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga offers visitors the unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The park’s dense forests, along with its mountainous terrain, provide an ideal environment for the gorillas and other wildlife. Conservation efforts in Mgahinga aim to protect the gorillas and their habitat while promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local communities.
- Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park:
This is one of the most famous places for gorilla trekking, with well-established trekking routes and facilities. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is renowned for its population of mountain gorillas, one of the most endangered primate species. The park is part of the Virunga Mountains, providing a lush and protected habitat for these gorillas. These gorillas in this park are known for their social structure, living in groups led by a dominant male silverback. Conservation efforts, including tourism revenue, have been crucial in increasing the gorilla population. Visitors to the park can participate in guided treks to observe and learn about these magnificent animals in their natural environment.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Virunga National Park:
Virunga National Park is located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo which is a home to a significant population of mountain gorillas. These gorillas are a critically endangered species and one of the main attractions of the park. The park’s dense forests and rugged terrain provide an ideal habitat for these primates. Conservation efforts in Virunga are crucial for the survival of mountain gorillas, as they face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and regional conflict. Rangers and conservationists in the park work tirelessly to protect these gorillas and their environment, ensuring that they continue to thrive in the wild.
Kahuzi-Biéga National Park
This national park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity and conservation efforts. It was established in 1970 and it covers approximately 6,000 square kilometers and features a range of habitats from lowland rainforests to alpine meadows. It is named after two extinct volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biéga, which dominate the landscape.
The park is particularly famous for its population of eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas. These gorillas are critically endangered, and Kahuzi-Biéga is one of the last strongholds for their survival. The park’s diverse ecosystems also support a variety of other wildlife, including elephants, chimpanzees, and numerous bird species.
Best time to Go gorilla Trekking in Africa- Rwanda Safaris
The best time to see gorillas in Africa is during the dry seasons which typically run from June to September and December to February. During these periods, the weather is more favorable, and the trails are less muddy, making it easier to track and observe gorillas. Therefore, planning your trip during these months increases your chances of a successful and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience in Africa.
Below are some details for specific countries:
- Uganda: The peak trekking seasons are June to September and December to February. This is when Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer the best conditions.
- Rwanda: The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking is also during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February.
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Virunga National Park is best visited during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February for optimal gorilla trekking conditions.
