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Africa is home to the three best countries in the world for a gorilla safari. Uganda, Rwanda and Congo have made a name for themselves in the safari industry as the leading destinations for travellers seeking gorilla treks through untamed, pristine rainforests in search of these elusive primates. The experience of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is said to be a life-changing and eye-opening moment that has become an unforgettable memory for all who have had the privilege to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

With unmatched up-close encounters, gorilla treks are a must-see for animal-lovers and avid safari-goers. Here are our favourite gorilla safari tours in Africa:

1. Chimps, Wildlife & Gorillas in Uganda
Duration: 7 Days | Countries: 1 | Destinations: 2

A Ugandan gorilla spotted on a primate tour touching some vegetation on a pathway | Go2Africa
A successful gorilla trekking safari | Bwindi Lodge

A week on a Uganda safari is just about enough time to experience the magic of the country’s rainforest, gorges and lush savannah. This 7-day itinerary sees you flying into Kasese from the capital city of Entebbe before spending four days in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, you’ll track chimpanzees and spot some of your favourite African wildlife on game drives. You’ll then be transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – a tropical forest wonderland filled with dramatic landscapes and majestic wildlife. Naturally, it’s in Bwindi’s pristine forest that you’ll get the life-changing opportunity to encounter the four known habituated gorilla families that live in the mountains.

Highlights:

  • Chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains
  • Boating on the Kazinga Channel
  • Dedicated private guide throughout your trip
  • Visit the local community centres & Batwa villages
  • Spot the pride of tree-climbing lions in Ishasha

2. Visit All the Safari Hotspots in Tanzania & Uganda
Duration: 14 Days | Countries: 3 | Destinations: 6

A small amount of red wall and a balcony extending from Chameleon Hills Lodge in Uganda overlook a large body of water and over to mountains beyond | Go2Africa
Gorgeous lake and volcano views | Chameleon Hill Lodge

This spectacular 14-day trip sees you enjoying some of the best safari activities East Africa has to offer. Your adventure starts with a bang in Uganda’s equatorial rainforests, where you find yourself trekking through lush greenery and steep mountains to encounter the gorilla families who inhabit the region. The fun continues on Rubondo Island, where you days are filled with exciting animal sightings of chimps, elephant and giraffe. On the fifth day of the trip, you swap the forest landscape for the rolling savannah of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Both these destinations offer unforgettable moments like witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration and exploring the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.

Highlights:

  • Visit some of East Africa’s most popular wildlife destinations
  • Fantastic photography opportunities for keen photographers
  • Spot the Big 5 in the Serengeti
  • Small, intimate safari lodges throughout – ideal for couples & honeymooners
  • Explore the exclusive Rubondo Island & trek for habituated chimpanzees
  • See the Ngorongoro Crater – the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera
  • Witness the annual Wildebeest Migration in season (July to October)

3. Adventure Through Uganda’s Lush Forests
Duration: 9 Days | Countries: 1 | Destinations: 5

A young primate pictured climbing along branches | Go2Africa
Spotted on a gorilla safari tour in Uganda | Bwindi Lodge

Experience the best of Uganda with exciting wildlife encounters on this 9-day safari adventure. Your trip kicks off in the jungle of Kibale Forest, where you’ll aid chimpanzee researchers in observing these intelligent, acrobatic primates in their natural habitat. From here, you’ll head off to the popular Queen Elizabeth National park for some classic safari game viewing on land and water. The highlight of your trip takes place in the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here, you’ll have the chance-of-a-lifetime experience of tracking the mountain gorillas of Uganda with a professional guide. Your adventure ends with one final night in Lake Mburo National Park – perfect for a relaxed yet exciting night drive through the plains in search of nocturnal animals.

Highlights:

  • Explore the energetic city of Entebbe
  • Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest
  • Classic safari experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Spot the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Plains
  • Cruise down the Kazinga Channel
  • Stand with one foot in each hemisphere at the Uganda Equator Line

4. Congo Safari Tours in a Magnificent Rainforest
Duration: 8 Days | Countries: 1 | Destinations: 1

Three people observing a primate in the forest while one takes a picture | Go2Africa
The perfect picture opportunity | Ngaga Camp

Spending eight days in one destination might seem excessive for this Congo luxury safari tour. But once you step foot in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, you’ll see that one week might not be enough time to spend in this magical region. The park is a swathe of primary forest famed for its biodiversity and rich wildlife – ranging from western lowland gorillas to elephant and forest buffalo. Once deemed inaccessible, the jungle is now home to a few eco-sensitive lodges that are carefully built into the landscape and each provide a different experience of the rainforest, wetlands and savannah. During your time here, you’ll enjoy gorilla safaris, river cruises, kayaking adventures, guided walks and other exciting activities.

Highlights:

  • Stay in luxury, eco-friendly chalets throughout your journey
  • Encounter unique forest wildlife & landscapes
  • Enjoy two gorilla treks, water-based activities & nature walks
  • See a sizeable portion of the world’s remaining gorilla population
  • Spectacular views of the surrounding forest & ‘bai’ – an area of open, marshy ground frequented by elephants, buffalo & antelope

5. Classic Safaris & Gorilla Trekking in East Africa
Duration: 15 Days | Countries: 3 | Destinations: 7

Two people in the middle of a wooded area look off into the surrounding greenery while on a gorilla trekking tour | Go2Africa
Taking a moment to soak in the scenery | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

You’ll be hard-pressed to find more exciting gorilla trekking safaris than this 15-day itinerary, which combines East Africa’s biggest wildlife experiences into one trip. The tour opens with gorilla trekking in Uganda’s pristine rainforests before you’re flown to two of Africa’s most popular safari destinations, the Masai Mara and Serengeti. While here, you’ll enjoy front row seats to the Great Wildebeest Migration – nature’s grandest show. The final stop on the journey is Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll be able to experience a classic game drive through the conservation area, spotting the Big 5 and other exciting wildlife along the way.

Highlights:

  • Visit some of Africa’s best safari hotspots
  • See the Big 5 & other big game in Ngorongoro Crater
  • Enjoy cultural encounters with the Batwa people
  • Go on night game drives & nature walks
  • See the Great Wildebeest Migration in season (May to October)
  • Stay in luxurious tented accommodation throughout
  • Optional hot-air balloon rides over the Masai Mara

6. A Short but Sweet Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Duration: 4 Days | Countries: 1 | Destinations: 1

Several gorillas huddle together in the middle of lush vegetation | Go2Africa
A family huddle | Virunga Lodge

The four days you spend in Rwanda on this amazing adventure are jam-packed with exciting activities and unforgettable experiences. Your home away from home is the charming Volcanoes Virunga Lodge. The lodge provides a comfortable yet luxurious stay and boasts the most incredible views of the surrounding extinct volcanoes, lush forestry and tranquil Lakes Bulera and Ruhonda that make up Volcanoes National Park. The highlight of your trip will, naturally, be the time you spend in search of and observing the mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat. When not on your gorilla trek, enjoy tracking Rwanda’s other endangered primates, the golden monkeys, or take a scenic stroll to pioneering primatologist Dian Fossey’s grave, as well as the gorilla cemetery she founded as a resting place for poached gorillas.

Highlights:

  • Visit Dian Fossey’s resting place & the gorilla cemetery
  • Discover the untouched beauty of Lake Kivu’s beaches
  • Enjoy guided walks in search of rare golden monkeys
  • Sensational views of the surrounding forest & volcanoes
  • Immerse yourself in local Rwandan life

7. Rwanda’s Nyungwe, Lake Kivu & Gorillas
Duration: 8 Days | Countries: 1 | Destinations: 3

Aerial view of the ‘The Land of a Thousand Hills’ | One & Only Nyungwe House

Take an 8-day journey through Rwanda, known as ‘The Land of a Thousand Hills’. Start in Kigali for chimp trekking and gorilla encounters, before venturing into Nyungwe National Park for chimp sightings amidst misty hills. Enjoy luxurious evenings at One & Only Nyungwe House. It’s then on to Lake Kivu for relaxation before heading to Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll encounter a significant population of mountain gorillas in their cloud forest habitat. Immerse yourself in this unforgettable wildlife experience amidst Rwanda’s stunning landscapes.

Highlights:

  • Chimp trekking in ancient rainforests
  • Soul-stirring encounters with gorillas
  • Ideal for photographic opportunities
  • Lake adventures including canoeing, fishing & jet-skiing
  • Luxury accommodation

8. Rwanda Gorilla, Community & Conservation Safari
Duration: 6 Days | Countries: 1 | Destinations: 2

Several Rwandan silverback gorillas sit together in the midst of some shrubbery | Go2Africa
Spot legendary Rwandan silverback gorillas | Go2Africa

Discover one of Africa’s beloved countries on a culturally enriching excursion to Rwanda. Your journey begins in Kigali with a luxurious stay at Serena Hotel, which sets the scene for your adventure. Visit local attractions such as Nyandungu Eco Park, the Nyambirambo Women Cooperative, and the historically harrowing Genocide Memorial. From there, enjoy a scenic transfer to Virunga Lodge in Ruhengeri, the home of gorilla trekking. Embark on one of the best gorilla trekking safaris through Volcanoes National Park accompanied by expert guides to find and observe the rainforest’s elusive mountain gorillas.

The following day, expand your primate experiences with an easier trek to find the endangered Golden Monkey followed by an optional visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund – the world’s largest, and longest running, gorilla conservation organisation. This tour forms part of our Trips With A Purpose collection.

Highlights:

  • Incredible guided gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • Stylish, comfortable accommodation
  • Exceptional views over the Virunga volcanic lakes
  • Optional endangered golden monkey excursion
  • Optional visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

9. Uganda & Rwanda Primates and Wildlife Safari
Duration: 14 Days | Countries: 2 | Destinations: 4

A side profile of a mountain gorilla in Rwanda surrounded by out of focus vegetation | Go2Africa
Observing gentle giants | Virunga Lodge

Rwanda and Uganda are considered the top two destinations for gorilla tours in Africa. This 14-day tour offers an unforgettable combination of culture, adventure, and wildlife that begins in Volcanic Crater Lakes, Uganda. During your time here, enjoy a community based guided tour of the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary before venturing into Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking. As the forest houses one of the highest primate concentrations in East Africa, sightings are guaranteed, especially with the help of expert guides. The next stop is Uganda’s premier wildlife destination, Queen Elizabeth National park for a safari respite. Indulge in morning and evening game drives and even a boating safari to provide a different perspective on the local wildlife. As a brief break to your safari sojourn, visit the Omwani Women’s Coffee Cooperative for little cultural immersion.

From there, it’s time for the main event; a short flight sees you land in Uganda and head to Mount Gahinga Lodge. Venture into the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in search of the elusive mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, accompanied by guides, and spend time observing these gentle giants. This experience blends seamlessly into your time in Rwanda where another opportunity to gorilla trek presents itself in Volcanoes National Park. Make the most of your time here with a hike to the Diane Fossey Grave, and a visit to her former research centre, as well as the Kigali Genocide Museum.

Highlights:

  • Track mountain gorillas and other primates
  • Sensational game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Boating safari opportunities
  • Optional cultural excursions
  • Support of Positive Impact Initiatives

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10. Rwanda Gorilla Encounter
Duration: 5 Days | Countries: 1 | Destinations: 2

A rate golden monkey spotted in Rwanda perched on a branch with some thin leaves and branches in front of it | Go2Africa
See the rare golden monkeys of Rwanda | Wilderness Sabyinyo

Following your arrival in Kigali, Rwanda, settle in at the luxurious Serena Hotel for a restful night. From there, journey to the Virunga Mountains and Sabiyinyo Silverback Lodge in Volcanoes National Park. Here, your gorilla trek begins – venture into the park with an experienced guide and spend some time observing these endangered animals in their natural habitat. Enjoy a post-trek massage and spend time relaxing at the lodge.

Make the most of your time here with a hike to see the endangered golden monkeys, the Dian Fossey Research camp, or Mounts Visoke, Muhabura, or M’gahinga. Embark on a cruise on Lake Bulera and explore Buhanga Sacred Forest. Take a break from activity and adventure and set out on a cultural excursion to Iby’iwacu cultural village to discover different traditions.

Highlights:

  • Treks to discover mountain gorillas & golden monkeys
  • Cruise on lakes & climb volcanoes
  • Visit Buhanga Sacred Forest
  • Enjoy a relaxing massage after hikes & treks
  • Optional cultural visits

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Ready to Plan Your Gorilla Safari Holiday in Africa?

Don’t miss out on the chance-of-a-lifetime opportunity to go gorilla trekking in one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Get in touch with one of our African Safari Experts to tailor-make your next holiday.

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