Into the Mist - Discovering the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda, Uganda & the Congo
Discovering the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda, Uganda & the Congo
There are few wildlife encounters on Earth as powerful, intimate, and soul-stirring as standing face-to-face with a mountain gorilla.
Deep in the misty, volcanic forests of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), these gentle giants go about their daily lives – feeding, grooming, playing, napping, and raising their young with a tenderness and intelligence that mirrors our own.
Trekking through these ancient jungles to meet them is not just a safari; it is a pilgrimage into the very heart of Africa’s wild soul, a journey that leaves an indelible mark on every traveler.
At Afrimine Tours, we specialize in bringing adventurers into this extraordinary world. Whether you choose our iconic 21-Day Gorilla – Safari – Zanzibar, which combines lush forests, wildlife, and island paradise, or our shorter gorilla trekking beach break add-ons from Zanzibar – perfect for those who want to combine sun, sea, and unforgettable adventure – we ensure that every moment is seamless, inspiring, and deeply memorable.
One of our standout experiences is the Zanzibar to Kigali – Gorilla Safari, a highlight of any East African adventure.
This journey blends the best of two worlds: the turquoise beaches of Zanzibar and the volcanic highlands of Rwanda and Uganda, where mountain gorillas and golden monkeys roam.
Travelers begin their adventure relaxing on Zanzibar’s pristine shores before crossing into Rwanda, exploring Kigali’s history, and trekking through the lush forests of Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Parks. Along the way, intimate encounters with gorillas and playful golden monkeys, combined with visits to iconic sites like the Dian Fossey Exhibition and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, make this safari a perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, and cultural immersion.
Whether you are seeking a full multi-week expedition or a short, high-impact adventure from Zanzibar, this safari promises a life-changing wildlife encounter, breathtaking landscapes, and memories that will stay with you forever.
Where the Gorillas Live
Mountain gorillas inhabit only one place on Earth: the high-altitude forests of the Virunga Massif and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This region spans three countries:
Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable NP & Mgahinga Gorilla NP
DRC – Virunga National Park
These landscapes are wild, dramatic, and ancient – formed by volcanic activity, draped in thick moss and mist, and alive with the sounds of the forest.
Life Inside a Gorilla Family
Mountain gorillas live in tight-knit family groups typically composed of:
1 dominant silverback (the leader and protector)
Several adult females
Juveniles and energetic youngsters
Occasionally, a second silverback or blackback male
The silverback plays a powerful role – not only in protecting the group but also in keeping peace, resolving conflicts, choosing when to travel, and teaching young gorillas how to behave.
Their daily rhythm is gentle and predictable:
Morning: feeding on leaves and bamboo
Midday: long naps, grooming sessions, relaxed play
Afternoon: more feeding as they move through the forest
Evening: building fresh sleeping nests – one per gorilla, every single night
Watching them interact – touching, hugging, wrestling, communicating with soft grunts – is like watching a close human family. Their emotional intelligence is remarkable, and it’s impossible not to feel a connection.
What Mountain Gorillas Eat
Despite their massive size, gorillas are primarily vegetarian, eating more than 100 plant species, including:
Tender leaves
Shoots
Bark
Roots
Bamboo stems
Wild fruits (when in season)
A full-grown silverback can eat up to 20 kilograms of vegetation per day. Their
The Thrill of Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is an adventure that combines jungle hiking, wildlife tracking, and a deep dive into conservation.
Treks can last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on where the family is located that day.
Your guides and trackers move ahead, reading signs that reveal the gorillas’ path – chewed bamboo, fresh dung, broken leaves.
And then, suddenly… you are there.
The forest opens.
The silverback watches calmly.
A mother cradles her baby.
Young gorillas tumble among vines with joyful abandon.
You spend one magical hour with them – an hour that feels suspended outside time.
No words, no photos, no documentaries can prepare you for what it feels like to share space with a creature so powerful, intelligent, and profoundly peaceful.
Rwanda, Uganda or Congo – Which Trek Is Right For You?
Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
Short drive from Kigali
Excellent infrastructure
Dramatic volcanic scenery
Ideal for travelers seeking comfort + adventure
Uganda – Bwindi & Mgahinga
More rugged, longer treks
Breathtaking forest landscapes
Higher chance of unique sightings
Perfect for adventurous, nature-loving travelers
Congo – Virunga National Park
Ideal for experienced adventure travelers
Home to some of the most impressive silverbacks
Trekking in one of the world’s most untouched jungles
A Perfect Match - Zanzibar Beach + Gorilla Trekking
Many travelers don’t realize how easy – and thrilling – it is to combine the turquoise beaches of Zanzibar with gorilla trekking in the heart of East Africa’s mountains.
At Afrimine Tours, we offer:
Short 3–5 day Gorilla Trekking Add-On Packages from Zanzibar
Multi-country adventure circuits
Luxury, mid-range, and adventure-style options
After days of relaxing on powdery beaches and swimming in crystal-clear waters, stepping into the misty volcanoes of Rwanda or Uganda adds a perfect twist of adrenaline, wilderness, and soul.
Your beach holiday transforms into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
The Ultimate Journey - 21 Days Gorilla Safari Zanzibar
For travelers who crave the full African experience, our signature package is a dream:
- Beach
- Volcanoes
- Gorillas
- Savannah Safari
- National parks
- Water adventures
It’s an odyssey across East Africa, combining culture, wildlife, adventure, forest trekking, and island paradise.
You can explore it in detail on our website:
Why Gorilla Trekking Should Be on Your Bucket List
Because it isn’t just wildlife viewing.
It’s emotional.
It’s spiritual.
It’s transformative.
It makes you feel alive, connected, humbled, and grateful.
You return with a new understanding of the natural world – and a fierce desire to protect it.
Whether you join our long immersive journey or a short, powerful beach break from Zanzibar, one thing is certain: