Top Destinations for Mountain Gorilla Viewing in East Africa

Wildlife

East Africa's Premier Nation for Mountain Gorilla Sightseeing

4 min

BY Jessica

Published on January 12, 2023

Gorilla tracking is a popular activity for wildlife enthusiasts and ecotourists, and there are several countries in Africa that offer the opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat. However, some countries are better suited for gorilla tracking than others.

Rwanda is often considered the best country for gorilla tracking due to its well-established tourism infrastructure and the high density of gorillas in its national parks. The country is home to the Virunga Mountains, which is home to over half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. The gorillas in Rwanda are habituated to human presence, making it possible to observe them at close range without disturbing their natural behavior. Additionally, Rwanda has strict regulations in place to protect the gorillas, which include a limit on the number of visitors allowed to track gorillas each day and a requirement for all visitors to wear face masks to prevent the spread of human diseases.

Uganda is another great option for gorilla tracking. The country is home to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to over 400 mountain gorillas. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its diverse and scenic landscapes. The gorillas in Uganda are also habituated, and tracking them involves a short hike through the jungle.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is also a great place for gorilla tracking. The Virunga National Park is home to over 200 gorillas, and is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. The gorillas in Virunga are also habituated and it’s also possible to track lowland gorillas here. However, the country’s political instability and lack of tourism infrastructure make it a less popular choice for gorilla tracking than Rwanda or Uganda.

In conclusion, Rwanda and Uganda are the best countries for gorilla tracking, due to their well-established tourism infrastructure, high density of gorillas, and strict conservation measures. However, if you are looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, then the Democratic Republic of Congo may be a suitable option. Whichever country you choose, be sure to book your trip well in advance as the number of permits is limited to protect the gorillas.

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