How to see Silverback Gorillas in Africa?

How to see silverback gorillas in Africa? On all gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo, an encounter with the massive silverback gorillas in the wild is every visitor’s dream. After 2-6 hours or more of navigating through the verdant vegetation, steep slopes and finally you come across a silverback with its family members is such an unforgettable experience.

Gorilla trekking in Africa is best done in only Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo where mountain gorillas live. Other gorilla sub-species also exist in other countries, but majority of tourists visiting Africa on gorilla safari tours come to see the endangered mountain gorillas. Only about 1063 of these large apes still roam freely in Africa’s jungles and visiting them in the wild is a dream come true.

Meeting the silverback gorillas in the wild doesn’t come easy. You actively get involved in trekking through the rain-forest, steep slopes before you come across these dramatic apes in the wild. Here are important tips on how you can see silverback gorillas in Africa;

Eastern lowland Gorilla

Mountain Gorilla

Where to visit to see silverback gorillas in Africa?

Massive silverback mountain gorillas can’t be spotted in the sweeping savanna plains of Maasai Mara but only in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda.

How much are gorilla trekking permits?

The cost of a complete gorilla safari includes price for gorilla permits, accommodation, guides and more. A normal budget gorilla tour can cost about USD1500 and high-end gorilla safari can cost USD15000. In Uganda, a valid gorilla permit to see silverback gorilla costs USD700 per person and in Rwanda, USD1500 per person. The price for gorilla permits exclude tipping, laundry, cigarettes, telephone bills, other activities you engage in and more.

Best time to visit gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, African safaris

A face-to-face encounter with silverback gorillas doesn’t have exact time, you can visit Uganda or Rwanda any time of the day or year. But the most ideal time to track these large apes is during the dry season; June to September, December to February. Gorilla safaris during this period is the best because there is low or no rain recorded unlike the wet season – March to May or October to November.

How long do gorilla treks last?

A normal gorilla trekking experience takes 2-6 hours but this may vary depending on how quick or your speed of hiking, nature of habitat. Before visiting Rwanda or Uganda to see gorillas, it is good thing to exercise to keep you fit and acclimatized to the high elevations such as those where gorilla trekking is conducted.

Uganda or Rwanda, where is the best place to see silverback gorillas?

In terms of proximity, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is the most accessible gorilla trekking park of all the 4 where mountain gorillas live. It takes visitors just 2-3 hours to get to Ruhengeri where Volcanoes NP is found. This is not the case with Bwindi or Mgahinga in Uganda where you spend at least 8-9 hours driving from Kampala or Entebbe.

Considering the number of mountain gorilla families, Uganda has 21 habituated gorilla families all can be visited unlike 12 in Rwanda and 8 in the D.R. Congo. Note, each fully habituated gorilla family is visited by maximum of 8 visitors each day.

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour

Gorilla Trekking

What to expect on a gorilla trek in Africa?

Rains are generally unpredictable across the gorilla safari destination. Therefore, even if you plan to travel during the dry season to see mountain gorillas, be prepared for rains at any time though during the dry season, it isn’t as much as it is during the wet season.

3 days gorilla safari or more days allow you enjoy great time with mountain gorillas in the wild. Visiting a gorilla family is all about trekking through the forest, steep slopes for some 2-6 hours before you come across these dramatic creatures. You will then have one hour to enjoy a face-to-face interaction with them, taking pictures and more.

Important things to put into consideration when planning a gorilla safari

  • Know when to visit Africa- Rwanda or Uganda for gorilla trekking.
  • Plan or book your gorilla permit in advance
  • Plan for where you will stay on gorilla tour in Uganda or Rwanda.
  • Budget for transportation
  • Other activities to be added onto gorilla trekking should be budgeted for.
  • Visit as a group to cut down on costs in some areas or join a group visiting Rwanda or Uganda for gorilla trekking.