Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo are amazing countries to visit for a complete gorilla safari. In terms of biodiversity, they offer the full tour package. Visitors are always impressed with the weather and stunning scenery. They are the only countries where you can go see the endangered mountain gorillas.

Rwanda is very safe to go for wildlife safaris. There is still instability in certain parts of Democratic Republic of Congo but the country’s unique attractions make her simply irresistible – Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country where you can see both mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas.

Security and safety while watching mountain gorillas during a Congo Safari is assured by assigning armed rangers to move with visitors throughout their gorilla trekking safari.

Rwanda’s unique environment and kind, welcoming people provide one-of-a-kind experiences. This is a country characterized by its impressive biodiversity, volcanoes, and highland rain forests that are home to the gorillas.

Rwanda is home to some of the world’s greatest primate tracking, situated against a setting of rolling hills, forest canopies and majestic mountain peaks. With over half of the world’s surviving mountain gorilla population, it’s no wonder that most wildlife-enthusiasts come to Rwanda to track and spend time with these critically endangered primates up-close.

It was on the bamboo-covered slopes of Rwanda’s Virunga Volcanoes that the late Dian Fossey studied the behaviour of the endangered mountain gorilla for 20 years, followed by the filmmakers who shot gorillas in the Mist. You can now not only experience one of the most memorable wildlife encounters on Earth but also actively participate in the gargantuan efforts to save the species – gorilla trekking and engaging with local scientists in their innovative research spaces.

The Rwanda safari has the easiest and most accessible gorilla trekking park. After arriving at the capital city of Kigali, you are only a few hours’ drive away from the legendary Volcanoes National Park and its habituated but still wild gorilla families for authentic and awe-inspiring gorilla treks in Rwanda.

Gorilla treks in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are a peerless wildlife experience and one of Africa’s indisputable adventure highlights.

One moment you’ll be machete-bushwhacking through thickets of vines and bamboo, hiking up steep, rugged slopes full of sharp rocks, unyielding roots, and staggering ascents that transfer enormous amounts of strain to your pale, shaking thighs.

The next moment you scoot out of the endless cocktail party of trees, and sunlight streams through the bald canopy to illuminate a matted clump of black against a curtain of jungle green.

No place is better suited for a jungle adventure mix of superb gorilla trekking and conservation tourism than Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. And with an insane price tag on trekking permits at $1500, expect royal treatment throughout your whole adventure experience. Trekking excursions in Rwanda begin at 08:00 am, irrespective of the date or weather with another one hour to watch these wonderful apes.

The main inhabitants of this mountainous sanctuary are endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park has an impressive number of animal and plant species and was the base for the celebrated primatologist Dian Fossey who set the stage for gorilla tourism and conservation. Volcanoes Park is a top destination for seeing Africa’s Mountains gorillas.

Democratic Republic of Congo is blessed with great tourism resources ranging from the vast virgin tropical rain forests like the Congo, mountains, bubbling crater lakes, water bodies and rare bird and animal species like the Okapi and pygmy chimpanzee (Bonobos) – many of which have yet to be discovered.

Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country in the world where you can spot both lowland and mountain gorillas. They even quietly have the endangered golden monkeys.

It is the best country for seeing wild eastern lowland gorillas. Lowland gorillas can also be seen in zoos around the world while the mountain gorilla can only thrive in the wild. Lowland gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo can be tracked at the Kahuzi Beiga National Park while the mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park.

Mountain gorillas are generally larger in size than lowland gorillas with darker and thicker coats that are designed to help them survive in cold high altitudes.

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park starts very early in the morning on the day of the trek. Trekkers need to wake up early, take breakfast and carry all the things they will need while tracking the gorillas. These include long sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, hiking shoes, warm long stockings, hand gloves, cameras, water, passport, VISA and gorilla permits.

After all is sorted, visitors head to the park headquarters or briefing by the park rangers and wardens. The briefing covers several topics among which include the history of each gorilla group, gorilla habitats and gorilla trekking rules. Passports will be required for cross-checking.

Checking passports helps the rangers allocate gorilla groups according to the language of the trekkers. Other criteria such as fitness level and personal preference are also taken into consideration when assigning visitors Congo gorilla families. As you wait to be allocated a particular gorilla group you may be entertained by traditional local dances.

After the briefing and gorilla group allocation is concluded, you will head out tracking in groups of 8 people per gorilla group under the guidance of park guides and armed rangers.

There are challenges along the way which may prolong the time taken finding the group. These challenges include bad weather, the terrain and the distance from the starting point to the location of the particular gorilla group.

Once you locate the gorilla group, expect some scrutiny by the dominant silver back. After thoroughly scanning for any possible threat, the silver back will usually let you be. You will be allowed one hour with the gorilla family.

Take time to watch and take photos of the dominant male silver back, other group members grooming each other, breastfeeding mothers, playing youngsters, stubborn adolescents climbing up and down the short trees and the other male silver backs if there are any. You might even witness some members making nests for the afternoon nap or in preparation for the night.