Africa offers the best wildlife safaris in the world, ranging from the greatest wildebeests migration in Kenya and Tanzania, the elephants herds in Botswana to mountain gorillas found in Virunga national park in Democratic republic of Congo, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda.
You wouldn’t want to experience wildlife in south Africa and miss out on seeing mountain gorillas in Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. Mountain gorillas are human closest relatives sharing 98% DNA and the worlds largest living primates. Mountain gorillas can’t also survive in zoos.
Mountain gorilla trekking can be done from south Africa by flying to Entebbe international airport in Uganda and then get a flight to Kihihi airstrip or Kisoro airstrip near Bwindi impenetrable forest national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park. There is also an option of taking a long 9-10 hours drive to the national parks and trek gorillas then travel back or drive to Kigali Rwanda and fly out from Kigali international airport.
Mountain gorilla trekking can be done from south Africa by flying to Kigali international airport in Rwanda and take a 4-5 hour drive to Volcanoes national park, Mgahinga national park or Virunga national park in Congo. Bwindi, Virunga and Volcanoes nation park can easily be accessed from Kigali international airport.
Mountain gorilla permits cost $600 in Uganda, $1500 in Rwanda and $400 in Congo. Where to trek mountain gorillas from will depend on the tourists choice and budget. Uganda is the only country that offers gorilla habituation experience costing $1500. Gorilla permits are always in high demand especially during the peak season so those intending to trek gorillas must always book permits on advance of 3-5 months before travelling to the country.
Mountain gorillas are a sub species of eastern gorillas found central eastern Africa, they were almost becoming extinct in the 19th century with less than 300 mountain gorillas left in the wild but due the conservation efforts, the numbers have greatly increased to slightly above 1000 individuals though they are still endangered. The best time for trekking mountain gorillas is from June to September and from December to February.