Are there gorillas in Kenya? East African Safari and Gorilla Trekking Guide
Gorilla Trekking in East Africa. Kenya remains one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. Its iconic landscapes, vast savannahs, and abundant wildlife make it ideal for seeing the “Big Five” and other classic African animals. But for travelers seeking gorilla trekking experiences, Kenya might not be the place to look. This guide clarifies whether gorillas live in Kenya and where to go in East Africa for unforgettable gorilla trekking safaris.
Are there gorillas in Kenya?
No, gorillas do not live in Kenya. Kenya offers amazing wildlife experiences — lions, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, leopards, and more — but not gorillas. Gorillas inhabit dense montane forests and only thrive in specific regions of central and eastern Africa.
Where to See Gorillas in East Africa
For travelers seeking gorilla encounters, East Africa still delivers. You just need to head a little further west of Kenya. The best gorilla trekking destinations include:
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Uganda
Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Gorilla trekking takes place in:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 20 habituated gorilla families. Treks can take 2–8 hours depending on the group location.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Located in the Virunga Mountains, it hosts a single habituated family and offers scenic views along the border with Rwanda and DRC.
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Rwanda
Rwanda offers luxury trekking experiences with well-maintained trails and easy access.
- Volcanoes National Park: Located just 2 hours from Kigali, this park provides one of the most accessible and organized gorilla trekking experiences in Africa.
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Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
For the adventurous, DRC offers both mountain gorillas and the rare eastern lowland gorillas.
- Virunga National Park: Home to mountain gorillas in a raw, volcanic landscape.
- Kahuzi-Biega National Park: The only park where you can see eastern lowland gorillas.
How to Combine a Kenya Safari with Gorilla Trekking
Many travelers choose to combine Kenya’s classic safari experience with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. Here’s how to do it:
- Fly from Nairobi to Entebbe (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda).
- Plan at least 3 days for gorilla trekking.
- Most lodges offer packages that include permits, guides, and accommodation.
- Gorilla permits cost:
- Uganda: $800 (as of 2025)
- Rwanda: $1,500
- DRC: $400–$450
This multi-country itinerary blends the open plains of Kenya with the misty mountains of gorilla territory.
Why Gorilla Trekking is Worth It
Seeing gorillas in the wild is one of Africa’s most powerful wildlife experiences. You’ll:
- Spend up to one hour with a habituated gorilla group.
- Observe their social interactions and gentle nature.
- Support conservation and local communities with every trek.
The physical challenge and emotional reward make this experience unforgettable.
Plan Your Visit With Us
While Kenya doesn’t have gorillas, it provides the perfect start to an East African safari adventure. Combine Kenya’s wildlife-rich parks with gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or DRC for the complete experience. We’ll help you build the right itinerary, arrange permits, and ensure a seamless cross-border journey.
