6 Beautiful Places To See Gorillas In Africa

March 11, 2021

Gorillas are the largest living primates in the world. They are magnificent creatures with incredible strength and a very high level of intelligence. Central Sub-Saharan Africa is the only place on the planet where these incredible apes can be seen and tracked. Unfortunately, due to poaching, disease, and habitat loss, many species of gorilla are now critically endangered. Although a lot of conservation work is being done to protect them, it is worth considering seeing them as soon as possible, before access becomes even more restricted or, worst-case scenario, they become completely extinct.

For your own gorilla adventure, check out our extensive list of gorilla trekking safaris in Africa.

Where to See Gorillas in Africa?

Despite their endangered status, there are many places throughout central Sub-Saharan Africa to see wild gorillas. Although Uganda and Rwanda are the most famous gorilla destinations, they are not the only ones!

1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda is a well-known gorilla destination. Visitors flock to Rwanda for its better-developed infrastructure. Due to its incredible popularity, a gorilla permit can cost as much as $1500, regardless of the time of year. However, the cost is well worth it, as it means helping to protect these amazing animals. Volcanoes National Park, lying along the Virunga Mountains, and home to five of the eight volcanoes in this mountain range, is the most popular destination for gorilla-watching.

Recommended Safaris

• 7-Day Best of Rwanda Safari
• 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Safari
• Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
• Gorilla Trek Rwanda
• Uganda & Rwanda Expedition

2. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is not only a popular gorilla destination, but also home to one of Africa’s best primate research centers. Again, visitors can enjoy modern infrastructure, which makes trekking in these parts easier. In Uganda, you can visit both the Virunga Conservation Area and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a unique and authentic gorilla trekking experience.

Recommended Safaris

• 10 Days Best of Uganda Tour
  
• 3 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari
• 4-Day Gorilla and Wildlife Safari
• Exclusive Gorillas Tour
• Ultimate Gorilla Expedition

3. Cross River Gorillas in Nigeria

Cross river gorillas are one of the subspecies of the western gorilla. Unlike their western lowland brethren, whose presence can be counted in thousands, the number of cross river gorillas in the world is considerably small. There are only between 200 and 300 cross river gorillas left in the area. The border of Cameroon and Nigeria is the only place in the world where cross river gorillas can be observed in the wild. Due to their low numbers,sighting them can be hard, time-consuming work, but is guaranteed to be extremely rewarding. Here are the locations where you are most likely to spot the cross river gorillas in Nigeria.

Best Place to See Cross River Gorillas

• Cross River National Park
• Mbe Mountains
• Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary

4. Western Lowland Gorillas in the Central African Republic

The critically endangered western gorilla species, the western lowland gorilla is found in plenty of locations – Congo, Cameroon, Angola, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. While they may be found in all of these locations, the Dzanga sector has the highest concentration of the western lowland gorillas. To protect the gorillas against  extinction, conservation efforts have been ongoing in the south-eastern part of the Central African Republic (CAR). Currently, there are only three habituated groups of western lowland gorilla left on earth. Out of these three groups, two can be found in the heart of CAR.

Trekking significantly increases the likelihood of spotting  gorillas, so be prepared to put on your hiking shoes and spend many hours out in the wilderness searching for these fine creatures. As the name suggests, the Western Lowland gorillas prefer the low-lying swamplands in Central Africa. Apart from those habitats, they have been known to live in primary and secondary forest, and montane ecosystems as well.

Best Place to See Western Lowland Gorillas

• Ndzanga Sangha National Park Safari
• Dzanga-Ndoki National Park

5. Different Types of Gorillas in Cameroon

Sharing a border with Nigeria means sharing their cross river gorillas. Cameroon has the Limbe Wildlife Center where visitors can see captive cross river gorillas, but there are no wild gorilla tours available at this point. However, you can find another type of gorilla in Cameroon, the western lowland gorilla, which lives within Campo-Ma’an National Park. Here there is a small eco-tourism development available for guests.

Best Place to See Gorillas in Cameroon

• Ndzanga Sangha National Park Safari
• Lobeke National Park Safari
• North Cameroon Safari

6. The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Congo is famous for its large concentration of gorillas and other apes, even more so than Rwanda and Uganda. It is known to house some of the most endangered ape species, including Grauer’s gorilla, mountain gorilla, and western lowland gorilla. Three out of four subspecies of gorilla can be found in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The DRC shares the Virunga Conservation Area with both Rwanda and Uganda. Eastern lowland gorillas can be seen in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, mountain gorillas can be seen in Virunga National Park, and western lowland gorillas can be seen in the Madiakoko Mountains.

Best Place to See Gorillas in Congo

• Madiakoko Mountains
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park
• Virunga National Park

More Gorilla Trekking Resources

It’s not difficult to find gorillas in Africa, but it does take a bit of research. A gorilla trek or tour often requires permits, and there are strict rules you need to follow. Luckily, we can provide you with all of the information you need, with our collection of Uganda gorilla safaris and Rwanda gorilla safaris. Also, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

About author

Robin Cormack

MD and Co-Founder. Born in Zimbabwe, Robin has a long history in Africa, and safaris in general, from running lodges to marketing. He is always on the look out for new ideas and products from around the safari world.