Where can I see mountain gorillas?

You can see mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi & Mgahinga, Rwanda’s Volcanoes, and DR Congo’s Virunga.

Mountain Gorillas in Tanzania: The Truth Revealed

Q: Are there mountain gorillas in Tanzania or Kenya?

No. Mountain gorillas are only found in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.

Q: How much does gorilla trekking cost?

Permits cost $400 in DR Congo, $800 in Uganda, and $1,500 in Rwanda.

Silverback gorilla sitting in Bwindi forest during a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda which is missing in Tanzania — A majestic Silverback gorilla in its natural habitat in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda—a bucket-list experience for wildlife lovers.

Key Takeaway: Mountain gorillas are not found in Tanzania, Kenya, or South Africa. They only live in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. For Big Five safaris, head to Tanzania or Kenya; for gorilla trekking, Uganda and Rwanda are your best choices.

Introduction

Many travelers planning an African safari ask the same question: Are there mountain gorillas in Tanzania or nearby countries like Kenya and South Africa? The simple answer is no. Mountain gorillas do not naturally live in these destinations. However, these countries offer some of the best wildlife safaris in the world.

In this article, you will discover where mountain gorillas actually live, why they are not found in Tanzania, Kenya, or South Africa, and what alternative safari experiences you can enjoy. Request Your Free Quote Now

Mountain gorillas are only found in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa have world-class safaris—but not gorillas.

Where Do Mountain Gorillas Live?

Mountain gorillas are a rare and endangered species that live only in specific high-altitude forests in East and Central Africa. You can find them in:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda)
Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo)

These areas provide the cool temperatures and dense vegetation gorillas need. Unfortunately, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa do not have the same forested mountain habitats. Instead, these countries are dominated by savannah landscapes, which suit species like lions, elephants, and zebras—not gorillas.

Mountain gorillas only survive in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Their global population is just over 1,000, making them critically endangered.

Are There Silverbacks in Tanzania or Kenya?

A silverback is an adult male mountain gorilla with a distinctive silver stripe on its back. Since silverbacks are mountain gorillas, they are also not found in Tanzania, Kenya, or South Africa. Request Your Free Quote Now

To see these powerful and majestic primates in their natural environment, you need to visit Uganda, Rwanda, or the DRC, where gorilla trekking is offered under strict conservation guidelines.

Silverbacks—the dominant male gorillas—are only seen in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. They do not live in Tanzania, Kenya, or South Africa.

Why Not Tanzania, Kenya, or South Africa?

The reason is simple: mountain gorillas thrive only in high-altitude tropical forests. Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa are famous for their open grasslands, which are ideal for other species such as:

Lions
Elephants
Buffalo
Giraffes
Cheetahs

Therefore, while these destinations do not offer gorilla trekking, they remain top choices for classic Big Five safaris and breathtaking landscapes.

Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa have grasslands and savannahs—not the mountain forests gorillas need. That’s why no gorillas live there.

Where Can You See Mountain Gorillas Instead?

If your dream is to see mountain gorillas, here are your best options:

Uganda – The Gorilla Capital

Uganda is home to over 50% of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The two main trekking destinations are:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Trekking in Uganda is affordable compared to Rwanda and offers an authentic jungle experience.

Rwanda – Luxury Gorilla Trekking

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is famous for luxury lodges and excellent accessibility from Kigali International Airport.

DR Congo – For Adventurous Travelers

The DRC offers gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, often at a lower price, though travelers must monitor safety updates. Request Your Free Quote Now

For mountain gorillas, visit Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo. Uganda has over half the world’s gorilla population.

What Do Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa Offer Instead?

Even without mountain gorillas, these countries deliver unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Tanzania – The Great Migration Destination

Serengeti National Park – Home to the iconic Great Migration
Ngorongoro Crater – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tarangire National Park – Known for giant baobabs and elephant herds

Kenya – The Land of the Maasai Mara

Maasai Mara National Reserve – Ideal for Big Five sightings and wildebeest migration
Amboseli National Park – Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro
Samburu National Reserve – Rare species like Grevy’s zebra. Request Your Free Quote Now

South Africa – Safari Meets Luxury

Kruger National Park – Africa’s largest and most accessible Big Five park
Sabi Sands – Exclusive private reserves for luxury safaris
Garden Route – Perfect for combining wildlife and coastal scenery

These destinations excel in Big Five safaris, wildebeest migration, and luxury reserves, even without gorillas.

Can You Combine Gorilla Trekking with a Big Five Safari?

Absolutely! Many travelers plan a combined itinerary that includes:

Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda
A classic safari in Kenya or Tanzania

This combination gives you the best of Africa—close encounters with gorillas and thrilling savannah safaris featuring lions, elephants, and more.

You can combine gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda with a classic Big Five safari in Kenya or Tanzania for a complete African experience.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost?

Gorilla trekking requires a permit:

Uganda: USD 800 per person
Rwanda: USD 1,500 per person
DRC: Around USD 400 per person

Additional costs include accommodation, meals, and transportation. Most travelers prefer booking through a reliable safari operator for a stress-free experience. Request Your Free Quote Now

Gorilla trekking permits range from $400 in DR Congo to $1,500 in Rwanda. Uganda is the most affordable and popular.

What Are You Missing If You Skip Gorilla Trekking?

If you do not visit Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking, you miss the once-in-a-lifetime experience of standing a few meters from a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat. This unique moment creates a deep emotional connection and helps support conservation efforts that protect these endangered giants.

Is It Safe to Visit Uganda and Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking?

Yes! Both Uganda and Rwanda are safe for tourists. The parks are heavily protected, and treks are led by expert guides and armed rangers to ensure your safety. Request Your Free Quote Now

Uganda and Rwanda are safe for gorilla trekking. Rangers and guides ensure strict safety measures for all visitors.

Plan Your Gorilla & Big Five Adventure with Jerodi Africa Safari

At Jerodi Africa Safari, we help travelers create customized itineraries that combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with Big Five safaris in Kenya or Tanzania. With our professional guides and carefully curated packages, your dream safari becomes reality.