Top 10 Places to Track Africa’s Gorillas or Chimps in the Wild
Meeting Our Closest Relatives in the Wild
The great apes are our closest living relatives. Chimpanzees share nearly 99% of their DNA with us, and gorillas are only slightly more distantly related at roughly 98%. Tracking either — or both — ranks among the most profound wildlife encounters on Earth.
Chimpanzees often appear astonishingly human in their behavior, expressive and energetic. Gorillas, by contrast, impress with their immense strength and unexpectedly gentle presence. Whether trekking through mist-covered volcanoes or following forest trails beside Lake Tanganyika, these experiences leave a lasting mark.
Here are Africa’s 10 best gorilla- and chimp-tracking destinations.
1. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
It was here, in 1967, on the Rwandan slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, that Dian Fossey began the pioneering gorilla research project later immortalized in Gorillas in the Mist. A dozen years later, Africa’s first official mountain gorilla tourism program was launched here.
Today, Volcanoes National Park is widely regarded as Africa’s premier gorilla destination thanks to relatively accessible terrain, strong conservation oversight, and excellent safety standards. Gorilla permits cost USD $1,500, with 96 permits available daily.
Worth knowing: Golden monkey tracking, hiking Mount Bisoke (12,126 ft), and visiting Dian Fossey’s grave at the former Karisoke Research Centre are exceptional additions to any Rwanda itinerary.
Find out more about Rwanda:
https://www.fairtradesafaris.com/destination/rwanda/
2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Image: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.webp
Alt text: Rolling forested hills of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Bwindi vies with Volcanoes National Park as Africa’s best all-around gorilla tracking destination. Home to roughly 45% of the global mountain gorilla population, 18 habituated family groups are open to tourism, with more than 100 permits issued daily.
Permits cost approximately USD $700 — less than half the price of Rwanda — though trekking conditions can be more physically demanding and visibility less predictable due to dense vegetation.
Worth knowing: Bwindi is also a world-class birding destination, home to 350 recorded species, including numerous Albertine Rift endemics.
Find out more about Africa’s amazing gorillas:
https://www.fairtradesafaris.com/blog/meet-africa-s-amazing-gorillas-a-journey-worth-taking-now/
3. Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Established in 1925 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Virunga spans over 3,000 square miles of extraordinary biodiversity. Historically, it has offered the most affordable mountain gorilla permits at USD $400.
Tourism remains subject to regional security conditions.
Worth knowing: Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world’s few permanent lava lakes, offers a dramatic overnight volcanic trek.
Find out more about Virunga National Park:
https://virunga.org
4. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
Image: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.webp
Alt text: Virunga volcanoes rising above Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
Often described as Uganda’s quieter gorilla destination, Mgahinga offers a more intimate trekking experience with just eight permits issued daily.
Permits are priced similarly to Bwindi at approximately USD $700.
Worth knowing: Golden monkey tracking and hiking Mount Sabyinyo — where Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC meet — add to the experience.
Find out more about Uganda’s national parks:
https://ugandawildlife.org
5. Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Situated near Lake Kivu, Kahuzi-Biega is one of the last refuges for the critically endangered eastern lowland gorilla — the largest gorilla subspecies.
Permits cost approximately USD $400.
Worth knowing: The nearby Lwiro Primates Rehabilitation Centre supports rescued primates.
Find out more about Kahuzi-Biega:
https://www.kahuzi-biega.org
6. Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo
Remote and pristine, Odzala-Kokoua protects part of the Congo Basin rainforest and is managed by African Parks.
Worth knowing: Mineral-rich forest clearings (“bais”) attract forest elephants and numerous primates.
Find out more about Odzala-Kokoua:
https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/odzala-kokoua
6. Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo
Remote and pristine, Odzala-Kokoua protects part of the Congo Basin rainforest and is managed by African Parks.
Worth knowing: Mineral-rich forest clearings (“bais”) attract forest elephants and numerous primates.
Find out more about Odzala-Kokoua:
https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/odzala-kokoua
7. Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania
Image: Mahale Mountains National Park.webp
Alt text: Mahale Mountains overlooking Lake Tanganyika at sunrise
Mahale Mountains National Park sits along Lake Tanganyika and is arguably Africa’s most compelling chimp-tracking destination.
Around 1,000 chimpanzees inhabit the park, and visitors typically stay multiple nights due to its remote fly-in access.
Worth knowing: Mahale pairs beautifully with Katavi National Park for a remote safari circuit.
Find out more about Tanzania’s western safari circuit:
https://www.fairtradesafaris.com/destination/tanzania/
8. Kibale National Park, Uganda
Kibale is Uganda’s premier chimpanzee tracking destination, boasting a success rate above 90%.
Worth knowing: A guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers sightings of endemic monkeys and vibrant birdlife.
Find out more about chimp tracking in Africa:
https://www.fairtradesafaris.com/destination/uganda/
9. Gombe National Park, Tanzania
Image: Mother and baby Chimp.webp
Alt text: Mother chimpanzee with infant in forest habitat
Made famous by Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking research, Gombe remains one of Africa’s most intimate chimp experiences.
Find out more about the Jane Goodall Institute:
https://janegoodall.org
10. Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Uganda
Image: Baby Gorilla Closeup.webp
Alt text: Young gorilla chewing vegetation in rainforest
Kalinzu supports at least 300 chimpanzees and offers a community-based tracking experience with strong success rates.
Find out more about Kalinzu Forest:
https://www.nfa.org.ug/ecotourism/kalinzu-forest/
Few wildlife encounters rival locking eyes with a mountain gorilla or observing a chimpanzee community in motion. These experiences directly support conservation efforts and local communities.
A thoughtfully designed safari can seamlessly combine primate trekking with classic wildlife viewing, cultural encounters, conservation initiatives, and even a beach extension for a balanced African journey.
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