Gorillas in Africa
Gorillas in Africa; Gorillas are unique land dwelling species which are categorized in three subspecies Mountain gorillas, Western lowland gorillas and even the rare Grauer’s gorilla. The majesty of the silverbacks, the playfulness of the toddler and the tenderness of their mothers are quite interesting. So where are the places to see gorillas /Gorilla encounter in Africa?
Gorilla experience are quite incredible wildlife encounters, to many people who wish to be part of the world’s bestselling activity ‘Mountain gorillas tracking/trekking’ has attendance of knowing which country offers the best mountain gorilla safari. Gorillas are found in only three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo ‘DRC’. So grateful, their numbers are increasing, as the latest census confirmed comparing on 2018 census 880 individuals, now it increased to over 1063 individuals compared to 250 when conservation efforts had just started.
The western lowland gorillas are in large numbers more than ‘100,000’ individuals, they live in the lush rainforests of west and central Africa. Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered and fewer groups are habituated for trekking because of their inaccessible homelands.
Travelers planning for a Gorilla safari in Africa, choose the best gorilla trekking safari while depending on your budget and your sense of adventure. Below are the suggestions one should choose for the best places to see gorillas in Africa.
Uganda
In Uganda ‘pearl of Africa’ mountain gorilla safaris are encountered in Famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, with 21 habituated gorilla families and around 600 gorilla individuals, are trekked in four gorilla sectors; Ruhija, Nkuringo, Buhoma and Rushaga. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits within the Virunga Massif neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda and has one habituated group which sometimes crosses over the borders. Gorilla trekking involves in hikes and hiking may seem to be touch, it’s the reason as to why is called impenetrable though some groups are easier to access than others, acquiring body fitness. Uganda Gorilla Permits cost USD700 per person per track –Foreigner nonresident and USD600 Foreign residents.
Bwindi Forest National Park also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience where trackers enjoy their day in Gorilla nature habitat and spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated group. They’re less predictable not as habituated groups, and it’s ultimate activity, intimate glimpse into how gorillas gradually get used to humans. Goes at USD1,500 per person per trek, the same price as one hour with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
Rwanda
The Rwanda Gorillas are found in Virunga Mountains that wonders the borders of Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park a home to over 500 endangered mountain gorillas. Rwanda sounds as Land of a Thousand Hills and one of the best destination to see mountain gorillas. The park has ten groups ready for tourism, including the Susa group which lives high up on Mount Karisimbi and was studied by prominent primatologist Dian Fossey. Other gorilla groups can move to lower areas down the slopes and are easier to trek /track. Although being wild, they are constantly moving. In September, there is annual naming ceremony of baby gorillas to say Kwita Izina –attracts a number of travelers to visit Musanze, as the main town for gorilla safaris in Volcanoes National Park.
Rwanda’s Gorilla permits are a bit expensive compared to other two gorilla destinations, it goes at USD1,500. With super –luxury accommodation which is available in Musanze. Rwanda may soon also act as the Botswana of gorilla tracking, offering the most rewardable experiences but at high cost. Traveling around Rwanda is worth it with good road conditions and several Gorilla tours /operators run trips here.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo is gifted with two species the lowland and mountain gorillas, Compared with Uganda and Rwanda. Although it’s the least visited destination for Gorilla adventurous and the Cheapest of the Virunga Mountain with permits at fee USD400.Four groups of mountain gorillas live within Virunga National Park -Democratic of Republic of Congo. Certain incident recently made the park to get closed after the Kidnapping of the British tourists. But it was reopened in February 2019 with assurances that it was safe and secure again.
The Grauer’s or eastern lowland gorillas are only existing in Democratic Republic of Congo. There are around 5,000 and are the biggest species. The best place to encounter these species is Kahuzi –Biega National Park home also to over 250 Grauer’s gorilla, with stunning lakeside town of Bukavu offering good accommodation in colonial mansions. On your visit, keep an eye on security situation. But Congo offers best and memorable Gorilla trips.
Congo Brazzaville
Travelers do not be confused with Congo Brazzaville and Democratic Republic of Congo. They are neighboring states; Congo Brazzaville is one of the best places to encounter western lowland gorillas. The Odzala –Kokoua National Park in Congo’s north-west offering two habituated groups in this wild and tropical rain forest. It’s a remoteness destination, not cheap but offers an exclusive experience, with groups of four people and luxury accommodation combined with some tough trekking. Engaging in trekking and meet the gorilla group, you will be extremely amazed by the Charismatic silverback.
Western lowland gorillas can also be encountered in Nouabale-Ndoki National Park around Mbeli Bai at a camp which is often visited by a resident silverback. It’s best to intrepid travelers.
Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is the only other country aside from Congo that boast with habituated western lowland gorillas. Dzanga Sangha Special Reserve sits within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sangha Trinational Reserve and tropical rainforest ecosystem also protected areas in Congo and Cameroon. Dzanga –Sangha Special Reserve is home to the world’s huge number of western lowland gorillas and forest elephants. Certain lodge to stay in is Sangha Lodge. A trip taken here is highly rewardable and the fee charged supports the local Ba’ aka people around the people.
If you don’t hesitate, please kindly contact us Achieve Global Safaris to organize for you the best and more comfortable trip to any destination you choose to travel too. Book Now & Visit Now with us!
