Primate Pursuits: A Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Africa

The Rwanda gorilla trekking experience is a highlight from some of the most well-known luxury accommodations, the quickest access to trek and the highest permit cost. Here you can land in Kigali and be trekking the next day. Singita and One&Only are located next to the park and offer some of the highest levels of accommodation. A quick trekking itinerary is also great to combine with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania. Remember that these are mountain gorillas and the high altitude and thin air is something to consider. Rwanda also has the bonus of the Diane Fossey Karisoke Research Center and the humbling experience at the Genocide Museum in Kigali. Akagera National Park has also seen the reintroduction of the Big Five and promises a great safari experience should you wish to extend your stay in Rwanda. Your travel philosophy here leans toward high-end accommodations and efficient use of time.

Uganda is the Pearl of Africa because it offers a complete Big Five Safari experience, spectacular landscapes and visits, as well as an amazing experience for gorilla trekking. Permits here are about half as much as Rwanda, and your options for accommodation are more classic luxury. You will also need to be mindful of the altitude, like in Rwanda. In addition to the gorilla trekking experience, one has a chance to have a Nile River cruise, search for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park or trek for chimpanzees at Kibale Forest. If one is a traveler that values a classic safari experience in combination with amazing landscapes, then a Uganda gorilla trek is perfect.

While Rwanda and Uganda have been on traveler’s gorilla trekking radars for decades, the Congo experience in Odzala is relatively new. Connectivity into Brazzaville is not as easy as in Uganda or Rwanda, and the experience dictates at least eight days in the country. Permits here are the most affordable and one will enjoy at least two treks for the gorillas. One also has the opportunity to experience sightings of more than a dozen other primates, forest elephants and buffalo, bongo and the mysterious bai ecosystems. These are lowland gorillas in Odzala, so no need to be concerned with altitude. However, be prepared for adventure with forest walks, canoes down rivers and amazing connections to be made with your guides and trackers. If you are an intrepid traveler with plenty of time that values adventure, then the Congo experience is the right one.

For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Henley Vazquez’s guide, The First-Timer's Guide to Rwanda. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Africa.