Chimps and Gorillas National Parks: Where to See Africa’s Great Apes

Some of the most stunning national parks in the world can be found in Africa. These parks offer visitors the opportunity to see chimpanzees and gorillas in their natural environment. An experience that is truly wild and immersive may be had by seeing these primates, which flourish in environments such as dense rainforests, high-altitude mountains, and secluded valleys.

In this book, we make our way through Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to investigate the national parks that offer the finest opportunities for chimpanzee and gorilla trekking.

Best National Parks for Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzees are primates that are noted for their playful character, high level of intelligence, and social behavior. They live in big groups and are found in the wild. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness them in their natural habitat, and these parks provide the best opportunities to do so:

1. Kibale National Park (Uganda)

The biggest population of wild chimpanzees in Africa is the best feature of this location.
June through September and December through February are the best times to visit.

Home to more than 1,500 chimpanzees, this location is often considered to be the best in the world for chimpanzee trekking.
There are thirteen different kinds of primates that can be found here, including red-tailed monkeys and colobus monkeys.
Offers chimp tracking sessions that last for either the full day or for half the day.

2. Mahale Mountains National Park (Tanzania)

Ideal for: Chimpanzee hiking in remote areas that are off the beaten route
August through October is the ideal time to visit.

Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, that can only be reached by boat or airplane.
There are some of the most habituated chimpanzees in Africa, which means that you may get up close and personal with them.
For a one-of-a-kind safari experience, there are seaside lodges combined with breathtaking mountain landscapes.

3. Gombe Stream National Park (Tanzania)

For Jane Goodall’s well-known research site, this is the best option.
June through October is the ideal time to come.

In spite of being Tanzania’s smallest national park, it is among the most well-known in the country because of Jane Goodall’s studies on chimpanzees.
As well as providing boat safaris on Lake Tanganyika, this company provides a one-of-a-kind forest and lake safari experience.
Chimpanzees that are part of small families are more likely to be seen by a select few.

4. Nyungwe Forest National Park (Rwanda)

The combination of canopy walk and chimp trekking is the best option.
June through September and December through February are the best times to visit.

Chimpanzees and twelve other species of primates call this rainforest, which is one of the oldest in Africa, their home.
Contains the only canopy walkway in Africa, which provides visitors with a bird’s-eye perspective of the Caribbean rainforest.
This location is perfect for chimpanzee trekking and birdwatching experiences together.

Best National Parks for Gorilla Trekking

There are only a handful of national parks in the world that are protected by mountain gorillas. They are gentle giants that live in small family groupings, with a dominant silverback serving as the leader of each subgroup. One of the most special and unforgettable experiences that Africa has to offer is the opportunity to observe them in their natural environment.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)

The best time to visit is between the months of June and September, as well as between December and February. They have the highest number of habituated gorilla families.

This region is home to more than half of the mountain gorillas that are still alive today.
Offers four different trekking regions, providing guests with a variety of different encounters to choose from.
When opposed to Rwanda, gorilla permits are more easily affordable.

2. Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

The best time to visit is between the months of June and September, and between December and February. The Luxury Gorilla Trekking Experience!

Only two and a half hours away from Kigali is the gorilla trekking park that is the most accessible.
It is the location of the well-known gorilla groups that Dian Fossey researched.
Because of Rwanda’s commitment to conservation, this is one of the most well-organized trekking trips available.

3. Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of the Congo – DRC)

For those seeking the most thrilling and exciting gorilla trekking experience possible.
June through September and December through February are the best times to visit.

Mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas can be found at Africa’s oldest national park, which is both mountain and lowland.
combines the experience of gorilla trekking with the opportunity to hike the Nyiragongo Volcano.
It is less congested than Rwanda and Uganda, which means that it provides a more exclusive experience for those who are trekking.

4. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda)

The best time to visit is between the months of June and September, as well as between December and February. This is the ideal period for a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path gorilla trip.

Greater in size than Bwindi, yet it is home to the endangered golden monkeys.
It also provides gorilla trekking in addition to spectacular walks on volcanoes.
It has a lower number of tourists, making it an excellent option for people who are looking for a tranquil experience.

Chimpanzees vs. Gorillas: Which Trek is Right for You?

When and Where to Go for the Best Primate Safari

To have the most memorable encounter with chimpanzees, it is highly recommended to visit Kibale National Park in Uganda or Mahale Mountains in Tanzania..

The best gorilla experience can be had by selecting either Bwindi National Park in Uganda, which is affordable, or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, which is accessible on a larger scale.
Visit Virunga in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Mgahinga in Uganda for an experience that is off the beaten path.

An African chimpanzee or gorilla trekking safari is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences that can be had in Africa, regardless of the park that you choose to visit.

Ready to Book Your Primate Safari?

Our chimpanzee and gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are fully customizable. For bookings, contact your chimps and gorillas Specialist