Where to see Gorillas in Africa
Gorilla trekking Africa
In Africa Gorilla Trekking is Ultimately done in Countries like Uganda, Rwanda and DRC but there are still other countries where you can have sight at these gentle giants like Nigeria (Nigeria cross river gorillas), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola, Congo, Central African Republic. Mountain Gorillas homes are limited to protected National parks in 2 regions in Africa,1 group of Gorillas lives in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park(Uganda) whereas the other group has spread over the 3 National Parks in the Virunga mountain regions of DRC (Virunga Wilderness), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and Uganda (Mgahinga National Park). Uganda makes it the ranking Destination in Africa where you can sight these gentle giants.
Uganda
This is where you can find the true experience of mountain gorillas and where ultimate gorilla trekking is done, In the North you will view Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda (with a variety of plant & animal Life-Bio-Diversity at a lower altitude), that is sighted to habitat/home over half of the world’s endangered species of mountain gorillas. There are 4 habituated Gorilla groups for tourism in this Park and 2 more that are habituated to handle the demand. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another park for gorilla tours in Uganda and happens to be part of the National Virunga Conservation Area. Another exceptional way of sighting these Mountain Gorillas is when you hike to the top of Mt. Sabinio-meeting point of UGANDA, RWANDA & DRC, you will see them in their kingdom and it being an Island of forest that is surrounded by the sea of a closely compacted populated farmland. However, there are other more activities done in these parks alongside Gorilla trekking like Water Rafting on the source of the Nile, Chimpanzee tracking, Hiking of the Rwenzori, etc. To Gorilla Trek in one of these destinations in Uganda you must have a Gorilla Permit that goes for $600-Foreign Non-Residents, $500 foreign Residents and Ugx 250,000-EAC, that’s your only access sheet to these gentle giants. Accommodation is fully a service at your disposal ranging from Budget, Mid-range and Luxury.
Rwanda
This carries a 1/3 of the world’s Mountain Gorillas found in the Volcanoes National Park as their destination. Diana Fossey’s work cited in the film that Gorillas are in the mist and this has made Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) people have a choice to Gorilla Trek. The existence of the Montane type of Vegetation which provides stunning views which improve the many chances of wonderful Gorilla Watching or sightings. With the guidance of the professional guides you will be able to cope up with the steep slopes/muddy steps, etc. Gorillas tend to stay shortly to the park boundary during the sunny season. Rwanda ‘s Gorilla Permit is ranked the most expensive at $1500 per person and applies to all. There is a number of Hotels, Lodges where you can stay in case of your Gorilla tour /Safari like the Virunga Lodge.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Virunga National Park extends from Virunga mountains in the South to Rwenzori in the North. It’s located in the Eastern part of DRC.There is not huge a number of mountain Gorillas in this park despite the bigger size of habitat & 6 families all open for tourism activities. Kabirizi family is the common one to the eyes of many travelers who come to Gorilla Trek. This the leading polygamist silverback with the largest gorilla family having 3 dozen members. Gorilla permits in the DRC cost $400 for both Foreign Non-resident and foreign resident while the Congolese citizen it costs $150.
Nigeria
Cross River state in Nigeria is where we find the Nigeria Cross River Gorillas whereby the government has put in more money (invested heavily) in the infra-structure tourism like the incredible cable car up –Obudu cattle Ranch Hotel. The total population of over 200 individuals and these are spread in different areas like Afi mountain, Okwangwo division and Abe Mountain of the Cross River National Park. The chances of viewing these gentle giants is low. Touring their natural Habitats will participate much to conserving of the 2 remaining primate sanctuaries and restoring projects.
Equatorial Guinea
The incredible forested “The Monte Alen” National Park having an uneven terrain thus protecting it from commercial classification. The tourism industry is so down and in the early stages of development, locals who have gotten trained have just started conducting guided day treks.
Gabon Gorilla Tours
This country has made effort in expanding its economy by creating/generating 13 National Parks in 2002, and most of them have got Gorillas Habitats. The Moukalaba Doudon National Park consists of a high level of gorillas as well with the Eco-tourism project that was started with the help of Gorilla Organisation.
Angola
The Wild Lowland Gorillas can only be found in the Cabinda Enclave which is part of Angola North of the river Congo mouth. It is mainly in the form of tourism infrastructure, but it’s an adventure you will really want.
Central African Republic
It is one of the best places to track mountain gorillas from that are the Wild Lowland Gorillas and it is in Bai Hokou with in Dzanga Ndoki National park. The WWF project has also succeeded in habituating of the group. Not only that but also expect to have a calm contact though the closely compacted forest and the low light under the canopy that makes photography more challenging.
