Great apes of Africa: A safari like no other

Great apes—gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos—are among the most intelligent and awe-inspiring creatures on Earth. Sharing up to 98% of our DNA, they exhibit emotion, use tools, live in complex social groups, and, in some cases, even mourn their dead.

Bonobos/MediaEcke/Unsplash

These species are also among the most endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease. Yet in the heart of Africa’s rainforests, travellers can witness these majestic beings in the wild—on foot, at eye level, with conservation-minded guides leading the way.

A great ape safari is unlike any game drive. It’s immersive, physically demanding, and deeply emotional—especially when your eyes meet those of a silverback or a curious infant clings to its mother nearby. It’s also an opportunity to directly support the protection of species that face an uncertain future.

Where to see them

Africa offers a handful of exceptional locations to see great apes in the wild. Each destination provides a unique experience, from misty volcanic forests to sun-dappled jungle trails near pristine lakeshores.

Gorillas

Baby Gorillas playing while a mother is asleep, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda/Charles J Sharp/Wikimedia Commons

Mountain gorillas: Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC

With fewer than 1,100 left in the wild, mountain gorillas are a rare and endangered subspecies found only in the Virunga Mountains and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda): Arguably the best-known gorilla trekking destination, with over 20 habituated families.
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda): Less visited than Bwindi, but home to one habituated group and also the only park in Uganda where you can track all three: gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees.
• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda): Known for excellent infrastructure and relatively short treks. It’s also where Dian Fossey conducted her pioneering research.
• Virunga National Park (DRC): Offers a rugged, off-the-beaten-path gorilla experience. Travellers should monitor safety updates closely.

Western lowland gorillas: Congo and Gabon

These gorillas live in swampy, tropical forests and are more numerous than their mountain cousins.

• Odzala-Kokoua National Park (Republic of Congo): Guided tracking on foot through bai forests and clearings.
• Loango National Park (Gabon): A coastal rainforest where gorillas, elephants, and even surfing hippos roam white sand beaches.

Chimpanzees

Common chimpanzee grooming in Kibale Forest, Uganda/Charles J Sharp/Wikimedia Commons

Chimpanzees are widely distributed across Central and East Africa, though sightings in the wild require knowledgeable guides and patience.

• Kibale Forest (Uganda): Highest density of chimps in Africa. Full-day habituation experiences are available.
• Budongo Forest & Kyambura Gorge (Uganda): Often added onto itineraries from nearby Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
• Nyungwe Forest (Rwanda): A montane rainforest with canopy walks and chimp tracking.
• Mahale Mountains & Gombe Stream (Tanzania): Remote, lakeside chimp encounters reached by boat on Lake Tanganyika.

Golden monkeys

Golden monkey eating bamboo, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda/Charles J Sharp/Wikimedia Commons

These vibrant, social primates are endemic to the Albertine Rift and offer a lighter, more playful primate experience.

• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda): Golden monkey tracking is often a shorter, easier trek.
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda): The only place in Uganda to see golden monkeys.

Planning the route

Aerial view of Entebbe/Niranjanoak/Wikimedia Commons

Most travellers begin their great ape journey by flying into either Entebbe (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda). Overland connections between Uganda and Rwanda are well-established, allowing travellers to combine destinations for gorillas, chimps, and golden monkeys in one trip.

• Suggested route: Start in Kigali, track golden monkeys and gorillas in Volcanoes NP, cross into Uganda for chimps in Kibale, and end with a gorilla trek in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
• Permit prices: Gorilla permits range from $700 (R13,000) (Uganda) to $1,500 (R27,200) (Rwanda). Chimpanzee permits: $150–200 (R2700 – R3637). Golden monkey permits: $60–100 (R1088 – R1800).
• Best time to go: Dry seasons (June–September and December–February). Rain is possible year-round.
• Tour operators: Look for companies with conservation credentials, community partnerships, and transparent permit handling.

Conservation first

Gorilla tourism is a rare success story in African conservation. Carefully controlled visitor numbers, habituation protocols, and local revenue sharing have helped stabilise and even grow some great ape populations. In Uganda and Rwanda, a portion of every permit goes directly to community development and park management.

Many former poachers now work as rangers, trackers, or porters. Women’s cooperatives and local lodges benefit from sustainable tourism, giving residents a stake in protecting these forests and their inhabitants. Responsible travellers play a vital role simply by showing up, following the rules, and telling the story.

What to pack & expect

• Fitness and altitude: Gorilla trekking can be strenuous, with steep climbs at high elevations. Moderate fitness is recommended.
• Clothing: Long sleeves, waterproof layers, gaiters, and gloves.
• Gear: Daypack, refillable water bottle, walking stick (often provided).
• Photography: No flash. Bring a zoom lens for close-ups.
• Respect and ethics: Keep a 7-metre distance, avoid direct eye contact with dominant males, and follow the guide’s instructions.
• Support locals: Hiring a porter supports livelihoods and enhances your trek.

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