Where can I see wild gorillas in Africa? Wild gorillas in Africa mainly survive in the East-Central African rain-forests mostly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, Rwanda, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria and Gabon. Whereas most visitors consider Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking safaris on the other hand, the other states in West Africa also provide absolutely astonishing primate experience to enthusiastic primate lovers on African safari.
Gorillas are remarkably ground dwelling creatures and they are undoubtedly the largest of all the primate species. They share approximately 98% of their genetic code with human beings making them our closest relatives in the wild. There are 2 distinct types of gorillas in Africa; the Western gorilla and Eastern gorilla. The Western gorilla is composed of 2 sub-species; the Western Lowland gorilla and the Cross River Gorillas. The Eastern gorilla also consists of 2 sub-species; the Eastern Lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas.
Best places to see wild gorillas in Africa
Uganda
Uganda is incredibly one of the best destinations to visit to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Nearly half of all the 1063 mountain gorillas which currently still exist on earth are confined in Uganda and in the 2 magical national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which are all located in Southwestern side of the country.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boasts of 20 habituated gorilla families readily open for gorilla trekking and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has only 1 habituated gorilla family. Uganda also presents visitors on gorilla safaris opportunity to engage in mountain gorilla habituation experience which equally lets you see wild gorillas in their habitat.
The cost of gorilla permits in Uganda varies depending on visitor category; foreign non-residents pay $700, foreign residents pay $600 and the East African Community citizens can obtain their permits at Uganda Shillings 250000. Visitors on gorilla habituation experience tour pay $1500 for foreign non-residents, $1000 for foreign residents and Uganda shillings 750000 for visitors under category of East African Community citizens.
Rwanda
Rwanda is another exceptional place to visit to see wild gorillas in their habitat. An estimate of about 30% of the 1063 mountain gorillas live in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park which is set in Northwestern side of the country. It is one of the best gorilla parks to visit for gorilla trekking and there are currently 10 habituated gorilla families readily available for tourists to trek. Every gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is obtainable at $1500.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Unlike other gorilla destinations, DRC is by far the only state where you can spot 3 sub-species of gorillas; the mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Western Lowland gorillas in the extreme western side on Madiakoko Mountains. Gorilla permits in the DRC are obtainable at US Dollars 450.
Cameroon
Cameroon is one of the West African states where you can see the western gorillas. It hosts Eastern Lowland gorilla and Western Lowland gorillas. It inhabits the Cross River Gorillas which dwell at the border between Cameroon and Nigeria. The Cross River Gorillas live in Limbe Wildlife Centre where the orphaned Western Lowland gorillas. In Cameroon, the Western Lowland gorillas live in Campo-Ma’an National Park.
Nigeria
Nigeria is popular destination where you can find the Cross River gorillas which presently remain not more than 300 members in the wild. These endangered species exist in the Cross River National Park, Afi Mountain and Mbe Mountain.
Gabon
Gabon features about 12 national parks however; gorilla trekking isn’t yet fully developed like it is in Uganda and Rwanda. It hosts a huge profusion of western lowland gorillas which dwell in Lope National Park, Loango National Park and Moukalaba Doudou National Park.
Equatorial Guinea
This is another best place worth visiting to see the western lowland gorillas while on African safari. These primate species live in Monte Alen National Park although gorilla tourism isn’t as developed as a case in Rwanda and Uganda. There is no habituated gorilla family in this park however; there some trained locals to help you carry out a daily trek to see these apes.
Angola
Angola also hosts a section of western lowland gorillas which thrive in the Northern side of the country. Like some Equatorial Guinea, gorilla tourism in this country isn’t developed thus limiting your chances to see these apes.
Central African Republic
If you are interested in trekking to see the western lowland gorillas on African safari then a visit to Central African Republic is worth your trip. The Wild Wildlife Fund (WWF) established a gorilla research and habituation programme and one gorilla family has been successfully habituated at the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park.
Republic of Congo/Congo Brazzaville
The Republic of the Congo features among the best destinations to see western lowland gorillas. There are 2 habituated gorilla families in Odzala National Park where an estimate of 22000 western lowland gorillas lives. Lefini Reserve also presents the best opportunity for tourists to see the western lowland gorillas while on gorilla safari in the Congo Brazzaville. Every gorilla permit in Odzala National Park is obtainable at US Dollars 355 per visitor.