Where to See Gorillas in the Wild | Best & Cheapest Trekking Destinations

Where to See Gorillas in the Wild – Top Gorilla Trekking Destinations in Africa

Seeing gorillas in the wild is one of the most powerful wildlife experiences on Earth. Deep in the rainforests of central and eastern Africa, these gentle giants live in family groups led by dominant silverbacks, surrounded by dense jungle, mountain slopes, and rich biodiversity. But for many travelers planning a safari, one question comes first: Where can I see gorillas in the wild?

This guide is your complete resource for discovering the best gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. Whether you’re dreaming of standing just meters away from a silverback gorilla in Uganda’s misty Bwindi Forest, trekking through the volcanic slopes of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, or venturing into the remote jungles of DR Congo’s Virunga National Park or Kahuzi-Biega National Park, we’ll help you choose the best destination based on your budget, comfort, and level of adventure.

In this detailed breakdown, you’ll learn:

• Which African countries offer gorilla trekking (and what makes each one unique)
• Where to see silverback gorillas in the wild, not in captivity
• How much gorilla permits cost, and where to see gorillas on a budget
• What to expect from the trekking experience
• And how to choose the right tour for you — whether you’re coming from the US, UK, Germany, Australia, or anywhere in the world

This blog also answers the most common questions travelers ask, including;

“Where is it best to see gorillas?”
“What country can I see gorillas in?”
“Are there silverback gorillas in Africa?”
“Where is the cheapest place to see gorillas in the wild?”

We’ve written this guide based on real experience — not just facts and figures — to help you plan your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking safari with confidence.

Map of Gorilla Trekking Destinations in Africa

To help you visualize where to see gorillas in the wild, we’ve created an interactive map that highlights the top gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. These include all the national parks where mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas live in protected natural habitats — not zoos or sanctuaries.

Use the map below to explore each location, understand the routes, and see how close these parks are to international entry points like Entebbe (Uganda) and Kigali (Rwanda). Click on each marker to read more about the park, its gorilla species, and nearby accommodations or trekking sectors.

Featured Gorilla Trekking Parks on the Map

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Uganda
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Uganda
• Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda
• Virunga National Park – DR Congo
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park – DR Congo

Each of these destinations offers its own unique terrain, altitude, gorilla group behavior, and level of accessibility — which we’ll break down in the next section to help you find the best place to see gorillas in the wild for your travel goals and budget.

Countries Where You Can See Gorillas in the Wild

If you are wondering which country is best for gorilla trekking, you are not alone. Africa is home to several gorilla trekking destinations, each offering a unique experience based on terrain, accessibility, permit cost, and the type of gorillas found. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest place to see gorillas, the most accessible, or the most exclusive, here’s what you need to know about the top gorilla trekking countries in Africa.

1. Uganda – Best for Affordable Gorilla Trekking in the Wild

Uganda is one of the most popular and best value gorilla trekking destinations. It offers two national parks where you can trek mountain gorillas: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and has over 20 habituated gorilla families spread across four trekking sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo).
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, though smaller, is part of the larger Virunga Mountain Range and shares its ecosystem with Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks.

Why choose Uganda:

• Gorilla permit cost: $800 USD, making it far more affordable than Rwanda
• High success rate of sightings (over 95%)
• Opportunity to combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park and game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls National Park
• Excellent for travelers looking for budget gorilla safaris

Ideal for: First-time trekkers, budget-conscious travelers, nature photographers

2. Rwanda – Best for Luxury Gorilla Trekking and Easy Access

Rwanda is the most convenient country to access gorillas, especially for those flying into Kigali International Airport. Gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, a dramatic high-altitude park covered in rainforest and misty volcanoes.

Why choose Rwanda:

• Only a 2–3 hour drive from Kigali to the park
• High-end luxury lodges and professional service standards
• Strong focus on eco-tourism and conservation
• Home to several well-known gorilla groups and research history via Dian Fossey

Gorilla permit cost: $1,500 USD

Ideal for: Luxury travelers, short-stay visitors, travelers combining Kenya/Tanzania with Rwanda

3. Democratic Republic of Congo – Cheapest Place to See Gorillas in the Wild

If you’re looking for the cheapest gorilla trekking experience in Africa, head to DR Congo. The country offers two gorilla trekking destinations:

• Virunga National Park – home to mountain gorillas, located near the Goma border
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park – home to the eastern lowland gorilla, a distinct subspecies found only in DR Congo

Why choose DR Congo:

• Gorilla permits cost just $400 USD, often with seasonal discounts
• Opportunity to see both mountain and lowland gorillas
• Raw, adventurous treks with fewer tourists

Challenges to note;

• Political instability and security concerns — it’s essential to travel with a Nextgen Safaris
• Requires planning, flexibility, and a sense of adventure

Ideal for: Experienced travelers, conservationists, adventure seekers, budget-focused backpackers

Summary: Which Country Is Best to See Gorillas?

Each of these gorilla trekking countries offers the chance to see silverback gorillas in the wild — a rare privilege that only a few thousand people in the world experience each year.

Where to See Silverback Gorillas in the Wild: Top Destinations in Africa

If you are dreaming of seeing silverback gorillas in their natural habitat, you’ll need to head into the remote forests of Central and East Africa. These critically endangered giants are found only in a few protected national parks, making gorilla trekking one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences in the world. The best places to see silverback gorillas in the wild include Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo — each offering a unique encounter based on your travel style, budget, and appetite for adventure.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular destination for seeing silverback gorillas in the wild. Home to over 20 habituated gorilla families, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers affordable gorilla trekking permits and a high success rate for sightings. The dense rainforest terrain adds an adventurous edge to the experience, and options like the Gorilla Habituation Experience allow travelers to spend up to four hours with a gorilla group, including the mighty silverbacks.

2. Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers the most accessible and luxurious option for seeing silverback gorillas. Just 2–3 hours from Kigali International Airport, the park features lush volcanic slopes and well-organized treks. Although Rwanda’s gorilla trekking permits are the most expensive in Africa, travelers enjoy a seamless experience and a high-end ecotourism atmosphere. Silverback sightings are nearly guaranteed with trained guides and strict conservation protocols.

3. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Uganda

For those seeking a quieter and less crowded gorilla trek, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a hidden gem. Located in the Virunga Mountains on Uganda’s southwestern border, this park is home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, which includes several dominant silverbacks. Treks here are easier compared to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the scenery — featuring volcanoes and bamboo forests — is breathtaking.

4. Virunga National Park – DR Congo

Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park and offers the most affordable permits to see silverback gorillas in the wild. Located in eastern DR Congo, this park is a haven for both mountain gorillas and intrepid travelers seeking raw, immersive adventure. Though security is closely monitored, those who venture here are rewarded with intimate gorilla encounters in one of the wildest settings on Earth.

5. Kahuzi-Biega National Park – DR Congo

If you’re interested in Eastern Lowland Gorillas, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is the only place in the world where you can track them. These gorillas are larger than their mountain cousins and include massive silverbacks. Located near Bukavu in DR Congo, the park is an excellent alternative for those looking to avoid crowds and explore a rare gorilla species in an untouched forest setting.

Cheapest Gorilla Trekking Destinations Compared

If you are looking for the cheapest place to see gorillas in the wild, the first number to check is the gorilla-trekking permit price. The permit is the single biggest cost driver, and it varies sharply by country and national park. Below is a quick comparison of the most popular gorilla-trekking destinations in Africa, ranked by permit cost and overall budget friendliness.

How to Choose the Best Budget Option

• Pure price hunters usually head to Virunga National Park or Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where permits are half the Uganda rate and a quarter of the Rwanda rate.
• Value-minded travelers who want reliable infrastructure, a wide lodge range, and very high gorilla-sighting success often pick Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
• Time-sensitive or luxury travelers who want the smoothest logistics choose Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda despite its premium permit.

Tip: Your total safari cost also depends on transport, accommodation style, and add-on activities such as chimp tracking or savannah game drives. We can mix and match these elements to keep your trip firmly in the budget or best-value bracket without cutting corners on safety or experience.

Ready to talk dates, permits, and the exact route that fits your budget?
Plan your gorilla trek with our experts today »

Gorilla Habituation vs. Gorilla Trekking – Where Can You Do Both?

When planning a gorilla safari, many travelers ask whether they should choose a standard gorilla trek or invest in the more immersive gorilla habituation experience. While both options offer life-changing encounters with wild mountain gorillas, they differ significantly in duration, intensity, cost, and location.

Gorilla trekking is available in Uganda, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of Congo, typically allowing one hour in the presence of a habituated gorilla family. In contrast, gorilla habituation is a rare and extended experience that gives you up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated group of gorillas still undergoing the habituation process.

Currently, the only place in the world offering gorilla habituation experiences is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, specifically in the Rushaga sector.

Travelers seeking a deeper, more exclusive adventure—ideal for photographers, researchers, or true wildlife lovers—should consider this once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, it’s more demanding and limited in availability.

Choosing between gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation ultimately depends on your budget, time, and how deeply you want to connect with these magnificent primates. Either way, you’ll be contributing directly to conservation efforts and supporting communities living around protected areas.

Best Time to See Gorillas – Month-by-Month Breakdown

When planning your gorilla trekking safari in Africa, timing is everything. The best time to see gorillas in the wild depends on your priorities: dry trails, lush forests, fewer crowds, or discounted permits.

Mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park—all of which lie in high-altitude rainforests. While gorilla trekking is possible year-round, some months offer better trekking conditions or more availability.

Here’s a month-by-month breakdown to help you decide the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo;

Expert Tip:

If you’re looking for the cheapest time to see gorillas in Uganda, consider trekking during the wet season when fewer tourists travel. Uganda Wildlife Authority occasionally offers discounted gorilla permits, especially between March and May, or November.

The dry seasons—June to August and December to February—offer the best trekking conditions with firmer trails and more predictable weather, making these the best months for gorilla trekking overall.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla Trekking

Where is it best to see gorillas?

The best place to see gorillas in the wild is in the dense rainforests of East and Central Africa. For mountain gorillas, top destinations include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These parks offer carefully protected habitats and well-organized trekking experiences with expert rangers. Among them, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is often considered the best overall due to its large number of habituated gorilla families and varied trekking sectors.

In what country can you see gorillas?

You can see gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Uganda offers the most budget-friendly options and a higher number of permits per day. Rwanda provides a more luxurious experience with easier access from the capital, while Congo is the cheapest but requires more adventure travel readiness. All three countries are home to mountain gorillas, and Congo also offers lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Where can I interact with gorillas?

While you cannot physically interact with gorillas for safety and conservation reasons, you can have an incredibly close and personal experience during a gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation experience. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), the Gorilla Habituation Experience allows visitors to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group, observing their behavior and getting deeper insights into their lives. This is the closest you can come to “interacting” with gorillas in the wild.

Where is the cheapest place to see gorillas in the wild?

The cheapest place to see gorillas in the wild is the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a gorilla permit in Virunga National Park costs approximately $400 USD, compared to $800 USD in Uganda and $1,500 USD in Rwanda. However, for travelers seeking affordability with safety and comfort, Uganda offers the best balance — cheaper permits than Rwanda, excellent infrastructure, and diverse trekking sectors.

Are there silverback gorillas in Africa?

Yes, silverback gorillas are found only in Africa. A silverback is the dominant adult male in a gorilla group and is identifiable by the distinctive silver-colored hair on its back. All gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo offer chances to observe these powerful and majestic leaders during your trek. In fact, most gorilla groups include at least one silverback.

Can you see gorillas on safari?

Yes, but gorilla trekking is a specialized safari activity. Traditional safaris involve game drives in open savannahs for animals like lions or elephants. Gorilla trekking is different — it’s a guided hike into dense forest terrain where you track and observe gorillas on foot. Many travelers combine a gorilla trek with a classic safari, especially in Uganda where you can explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, or Lake Mburo National Park before or after your gorilla experience.

Best Gorilla Trekking Tours & Packages

Whether you are seeking the cheapest gorilla safaris, midrange comfort, or luxury gorilla trekking tours, these curated packages offer the best way to see gorillas in the wild — with trusted guides, handpicked accommodations, and reliable transport. All our tours are led by experienced professional guides and can be customized based on your budget, dates, and fitness level.

Explore our most popular and best-value gorilla trekking trips in Africa;

These are just a few of the top-rated gorilla trekking packages in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Whether you’re planning a private trip, a family-friendly safari, or an affordable group gorilla trekking tour, we’ve got the perfect match. All trips include park permits, guided treks, meals, accommodations, and airport transfers — so you can focus entirely on your gorilla trekking experience.

If you’re not sure which is right for you, visit our contact page and one of our safari experts will help you compare the best gorilla tours in Africa tailored to your budget and travel style.

Final Tips: When to Go, What to Pack, How to Prepare

Planning your gorilla trekking adventure requires more than just booking the right tour. To ensure a smooth and rewarding experience, here are the essential tips on when to go, what to bring, and how to prepare for your once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking

The best time to go gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons: June to August and December to February. These months offer clearer hiking conditions, easier trails, and better visibility in the forests. However, March to May and October to November (wet seasons) offer quieter treks, lush forest scenery, and the chance to find discounted gorilla permits in Uganda.

We help you choose the perfect dates based on weather, availability, and your travel goals — whether you’re looking for the cheapest time to see gorillas or peak wildlife-viewing months.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

Packing right can make or break your trek. Here’s a quick overview of what to pack for a gorilla trek:

• Light waterproof jacket – sudden rain showers are common, even in dry seasons
• Sturdy hiking boots – the forest terrain is often muddy and uneven
• Long-sleeved shirts & trousers – for protection against insects and thorny plants
• Gloves (gardening or hiking) – help when grabbing onto vines or muddy slopes
• Hat and sunglasses – ideal for sunny trail segments
• Refillable water bottle or hydration pack – staying hydrated is critical
• Energy snacks – quick fuel for your trek
• Camera (no flash) – for unforgettable photos of gorillas in the wild
• Daypack – to carry your essentials comfortably

We also recommend packing light for your overall trip, as domestic flights and vehicles often have weight limits. Once you book with us, we’ll send you a full gorilla trekking packing checklist tailored to your tour and season.

How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is not a walk in the park — it’s a real jungle adventure. Preparation is key. Here’s how to get ready:

• Get moderately fit: Some treks can last 2–6 hours through steep, slippery forest terrain. Daily walking or hiking weeks before your trip helps build stamina.
• Acclimate to altitude: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park sit over 2,000 meters above sea level. If you’re sensitive to altitude, consider arriving a day early.
• Travel insurance: Choose a policy that covers high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation.
• Mental prep: Expect the unexpected. Trekking conditions, weather, and gorilla locations vary daily.
• Listen to your guides: Our professional guides speak English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, and other requested languages. They’ll brief you on gorilla behavior, safety, and how to make the most of your experience.

When you’re well-packed and properly informed, gorilla trekking becomes more than a trip — it becomes a transformational journey. Our job is to make sure you feel ready, safe, and supported from the moment you book until you return home with memories of a lifetime.

Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure Now

You’ve learned everything you need to know about where to see gorillas, how to choose the right country, the best time to go gorilla trekking, and what to expect on the trail. Now it’s time to make your dream come true.

Whether you’re looking for the cheapest place to see gorillas in the wild, the easiest access from Kigali or Entebbe, or a once-in-a-lifetime stay at a luxury gorilla lodge, we are here to make it happen. Our team has helped travelers from over 25 countries — including the USA, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Australia, and more — experience the magic of meeting silverback gorillas face-to-face.

• We help you choose the right country, trek location, and itinerary
• We provide expert advice in English, German, French, Spanish, and more
• We offer private, group, and tailor-made gorilla trekking tours
• We assist you before, during, and after your trip — fully personalized

Let us guide you into the misty mountains and help you witness one of the rarest and most profound wildlife experiences on Earth.