Both Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda are among the only three gorilla trekking destinations and home to endangered mountain gorillas in the whole world, the third being Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a major safari activity and the same goes for D.R. Congo. Both countries have two gorilla trekking spots which are Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Congo as well as Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda.
This lifetime activity can be done all year round in both Uganda and D. R. Congo though the best time to have the best gorilla trekking tours remains dry season including months of June to September and December throughout February. During the dry period, trekking trails are absolutely accessible and not slippery at all.
Visitors will also be able to have stunning views of wildlife including buffaloes, elephants, primates alongside beautiful bird species since there is short vegetation during this season of the year. Gorilla trekking in Congo is slightly cheaper at just USD 400 compared to Uganda at USD 700 for foreign non-residents.
The eastern lowland gorillas can only be tracked in Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega national park and is considered the best place to sight and encounter these primates.
All gorilla trekking destinations in both countries require a visitor to carry their valid gorilla trekking permit to allow them access and spend quality time with these human-like primates, mountain and Eastern lowland gorillas.
Both D.R. Congo and Uganda offer exceptional gorilla trekking tours and visitors are advised to book their gorilla trekking permits in advance for early preparations, especially during peak seasons.
All gorilla trekking activities in both countries kick off in early morning hours after a simple briefing carried out by tour guides and park rangers and this is where trekkers are divided into several groups of eight members that are being allocated to one particular gorilla family.
Less fit trekkers and elderly are allocated to gorilla groups that are close since gorilla trekking involves long walking and hiking hilly slopes. Once the tracked gorillas are located, visitors are restricted to only one hour of encountering them.
Gorilla Trekking National Parks in Uganda and D.R.Congo
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Situated in southwestern part of Uganda. Bwindi’s lush and dense impenetrable forest is one of the favorite and top places for gorilla trekking safaris in Africa and the whole world at large.
While there are just 1063 gorillas remaining in the wild, Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park shelters 21 families with about 500 gorilla individuals making it the largest host of these primate species. Among the gorilla families in Bwindi include Habinyanja with 16 gorilla individuals, Rushegura family with 15 gorilla individuals, Katwe with 7 members, Nshongi gorilla family with 12 members, Kahungye with 19 members, Mubare with six members among others.
Mgahinga National Park, Uganda
The second host of endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This is the smallest park in the country though one of the most visited and popular national parks with only one habituated gorilla family, Nyakagezi family.
The second host of endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This is the smallest park in the country though one of the most visited and popular national parks with only one habituated gorilla family, Nyakagezi family.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Congo.
D.R. Congo’s popular national park is the best place to see and have quality time with the Eastern lowland gorillas. These are the largest of all gorilla subspecies and almost look like mountain gorillas. There are only four habituated gorilla families in Kahuzi-Biega NP, visitors can spend only one hour with these primate species. Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega can be done when coming from Kigali in Rwanda or Uganda.
Virunga National Park, Congo
D.R. Congo is a popular place to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and shelters about eight gorilla groups including Munyanga, Nyakamwe, Lulengo, Rugendo, Mapuwa, and Humba.
