Bwindi forest is a popular for safari destinations for Gorillas in Uganda. Located in the southwestern region, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and acts as a crucial home for Mountain gorillas in Uganda. This historic forest, which is part of the Albertine Rift, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and shelters more than 460 of the roughly, 1063 mountain gorillas remaining globally.

The name Bwindi originates from the Runyakitara word Mubwindi, meaning “a place abundant in darkness. The captivating name symbolizes the dense forest thickets interspersed among the towering canopy trees of the forest. The interplay of these trees and the lush undergrowth, which includes ferns, vines, and various other plants, creates a challenging environment for foot travel.

Uganda has two gorilla destinations. Mgahinga National Park derives its name from the word ‘Gahinga,’ which signifies the volcanic rocks that have been removed from agricultural land at the foot of the volcanoes. Initially established as a game sanctuary by the British colonial government in 1930, it was upgraded to National Park status in 1991. Importantly, Mgahinga hosts a single habituated gorilla group that crosses international borders.

Tourists visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can partake in various popular activities such as tracking mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, hiking the volcanoes, taking nature walks to the gorge platform, bird watching, and interacting with the Batwa community. The journey from Kampala to the park usually takes 9 hours by car, and from Kigali in Rwanda is 4 hours through the Cyanika border in Kisoro.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of the essential destinations for gorilla trekking Safaris. Volcanoes National Park offers the unique experience to observe these giant apes – the mountain gorillas, in their natural habitat. Located in the northwest of Rwanda, it shares borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, forming part of the stunning Virunga massif, which serve as an important conservation zone across all three nations.

The best time to visit Rwanda gorillas is between June and September, aligning with the dry season when the forest floor is more accessible. A significant feature of any Gorilla adventure tour in Rwanda is the chance to hike amidst the verdant forests. However, it is essential to remember that the rainforest climate is naturally humid, which means that occasional rain showers are unavoidable.

Virunga National Park, located in the Great Virunga Conservation Area in the Democratic Republic of Congo, offers an extraordinary experience for gorilla trekking safaris. The peak season, which runs from mid-December to mid-March and again from June to October, sees permit prices set at USD 400 per individual. Conversely, during the low season—from mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December—permits are offered at a reduced rate of USD 200. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Virunga is home to a substantial population of the world’s mountain gorillas.

Beyond gorilla trekking, visitors can engage in exciting activities such as hiking the Nyiragongo volcano and visiting the Senkwekwe mountain gorilla orphanage. At present, guests can discover specific sections of Virunga National Park via restricted guided tours, which are implemented with strict security protocols in response to ongoing safety issues in the area.