Where to Go Gorilla Trekking: The Top Spots

Gorilla trekking is a popular activity that allows visitors to see gorillas in their natural habitat. The best place for gorilla trekking is in Africa, specifically in countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are home to several habituated gorilla groups that can be tracked. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is another popular destination for gorilla trekking and is home to the famous mountain gorillas of the Virunga Mountains.

The DRC’s Virunga National Park is also an option for gorilla trekking, but due to the ongoing conflict and instability in the region, it is not considered safe for tourists at the moment.

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

Located in the southwestern part of the country, is one of the most popular destinations for gorilla trekking. The park, which was established in 1991, is home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The gorillas live in groups, known as troops, and several of these groups have been habituated to human presence, allowing for safe and responsible gorilla trekking experiences.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its diverse ecosystem, which includes over 120 species of mammals, over 350 species of birds, and over 200 species of butterflies. The park covers an area of 331 square kilometers and is divided into four sectors, each with its own set of trails for trekking.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

MGNP is located in the southwestern part of Uganda and is one of the three national parks in the country where visitors can go gorilla trekking. The park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which also includes Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to one habituated gorilla group known as the Nyakagezi group, which can be tracked by visitors. The park covers an area of 33.7 square kilometers and is known for its diverse ecosystem, which includes over 80 species of mammals, over 177 species of birds, and over 40 species of reptiles. The park is also home to three of the eight Virunga Mountains volcanoes, which can be climbed by visitors.

The park is also an important cultural heritage site for the Batwa people, an indigenous group who have lived in the area for centuries before being evicted from the park in 1991. The Batwa people have rich cultural practices, beliefs and customs that are worth learning about.

Gorilla trekking in general can be a challenging experience, as the park’s terrain is steep and rugged, and the gorillas live at high altitudes. However, it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience as the gorillas are incredibly intelligent and peaceful creatures, and it’s a unique opportunity to see them in their natural habitat.

Be aware that most parks have a limited number of permits available each day and the permit can be quite expensive. Also, the rules and regulations must be followed strictly to minimize the impact on the gorillas and their habitat.

It’s important to note that gorilla trekking can be physically demanding and requires a certain level of fitness. Also, the number of visitors that can track gorillas is limited and a permit is required which can be quite expensive. These factors should be considered before planning a trip for gorilla trekking.