Where to see Mountain Gorilla in Rwanda
The mountain gorilla is arguably the world’s most impressive primate. This endangered giant inhabits a handful of locations in Africa’s equatorial cloud forests, where guided treks offers a uniquely intense wildlife experience.
Quick facts about Mountain Gorilla
| Scientific name: | Gorilla beringei beringei | Habitat: | Montane cloud forest |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Endangered | Adult weight: | 100–190kg |
The mountain gorilla is Rwanda’s top wildlife drawcard. This endangered great ape is a high-altitude subspecies of the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei), distinguished from its lowland cousin by its thicker fur, and an entirely separate species from the western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) of the Congo Basin. A 2018 census found a total population of 1,063 individuals. These comprise two subpopulations: ±450 inhabit the Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem of Uganda; ±600 inhabit the Virunga Massif, a mountain chain straddling northeast Rwanda, eastern DRC and south-east Uganda. Rwanda’s side of this massif is protected within Volcanoes National Park and is home to over 300 gorillas. It is arguably the best place in the world to see them.
2.7m:
Record arm-span of male
±1,050
Total wild population (2018)
2,200–4,300m
Altitudinal range
25
Recognised vocalisations
The top camps for seeing mountain gorilla in Rwanda
Based on 54 reports by our travellers since Jun 2018, visitors at these camps in Rwanda have the best chances of sighting mountain gorilla.
Best chances to see
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Best areas to see gorillas in Rwanda
To see a family of mountain gorillas, you need to visit a habituated troop on a guided trek. Strict protocols ensure that you optimise your viewing with minimal impact on these highly endangered animals.
Rwanda: gorilla hotspots
To see Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, you must visit Volcanoes National Park. This small park (160km2), gazetted in 1925, embraces five of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga mountains. It was here, in 1967, that celebrated primatologist Dian Fossey established the Karisoke Research Centre, drawing the plight of the mountain gorilla to the world’s attention. Today, a stable gorilla population includes 18 habituated groups. These may be visited on organised treks that include one hour in the apes’ company. Conditions can be cold, steep, misty and muddy, but visitors are generally allocated a group based on fitness level and preference. Sightings are guaranteed and the experience is unforgettable. Other park highlights include golden monkeys (a rare subspecies of the blue monkey), unusual birdlife and Dian Fossey’s grave.
Our best Rwanda holidays for mountain gorilla sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Rwanda safaris are likely to give the best mountain gorilla sightings
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.
US$16,380 - US$19,780 per person
Golden Monkey Safari
12 days • 5 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.
US$11,010 - US$12,170 per person
Gorillas and Serengeti Safari
11 days • 4 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
US$14,310 - US$15,540 per person
Mona Monkey Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.
US$13,790 - US$19,000 per person
Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.
US$11,390 - US$13,510 per person
Gorillas and Migration Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.
US$19,360 - US$25,280 per person
L'Hoest's Monkey Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Meet three iconic primates – gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys – and explore Rwanda's fascinating culture on this excellent value privately guided adventure.
US$6,320 - US$6,830 per person
Mountain Gorilla Safari
5 days • 2 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.
US$6,120 - US$6,120 per person
Silverback Gorilla Safari
4 days • 1 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Fly into Rwanda and you can be trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas the next morning. An itinerary like this could easily be combined with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.
US$11,530 - US$14,080 per person
More information about mountain gorilla in our other destinations
Click here for detailed information about mountain gorilla in other countries, including the places for sighting mountain gorilla.
