Gorilla and Chimpanzee Species Found in African National Parks

Africa is the last stronghold of the world’s great apes. Gorillas and chimpanzees survive today only because a small number of protected national parks continue to safeguard their forest habitats. These parks stretch across East and Central Africa and protect two gorilla species alongside multiple chimpanzee populations, each adapted to very different environments.

Gorillas are divided into mountain gorillas and western lowland gorillas, while chimpanzees inhabit a wide range of tropical forests, from dense rainforests to woodland mosaics. Each species requires distinct habitats, trekking conditions, and conservation approaches, which is why gorilla and chimpanzee national parks vary so dramatically from one country to another.

This guide explains where gorillas and chimpanzees are found, what makes each national park unique, and what travelers can expect when planning a responsible primate trekking safari.

Mountain Gorilla National Parks in Africa

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is Africa’s most iconic gorilla destination and protects nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park’s ancient rainforest, steep ridges, and dense vegetation make trekking physically demanding, but encounters are deeply immersive and emotional. Bwindi hosts the highest number of habituated gorilla families, spread across four trekking sectors, which allows for consistent permit availability throughout the year.

Beyond gorillas, Bwindi supports exceptional biodiversity, including forest elephants, rare birds, and a resident chimpanzee population, although chimp trekking here is limited. Community tourism initiatives around the park allow visitors to engage with local cultures while directly supporting conservation and livelihoods.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest national park, yet one of its most scenic. Set against the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, the park offers a quieter and more intimate gorilla trekking experience. Mgahinga is home to one habituated mountain gorilla family and is also a key site for golden monkey trekking.

While chimpanzees are not a major feature here, Mgahinga’s volcanic scenery, bamboo forests, and cultural links to the Batwa people add depth to the overall primate experience.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is the most accessible mountain gorilla park in Africa, located just a few hours from Kigali. The park is known for its highly organized trekking system, professional guiding, and strong conservation governance. Gorilla trekking takes place on bamboo-covered volcanic slopes, offering classic Virunga scenery.

Chimpanzees are not tracked here, but Rwanda’s focus on high-value, low-impact tourism appeals to travelers seeking comfort, efficiency, and a premium gorilla trekking experience.

Virunga National Park

Virunga is Africa’s oldest national park and one of its most biologically diverse landscapes. It protects mountain gorillas within a vast wilderness that includes lava plains, alpine zones, and active volcanoes. Gorilla trekking in Virunga is raw, adventurous, and less commercialized than in neighboring countries.

Virunga also supports chimpanzees in its forested and savannah zones, and in some areas visitors can combine gorilla trekking with chimp tracking and volcano hiking. While security conditions can fluctuate, the park remains a critical stronghold for great ape conservation.

Western Lowland Gorilla National Parks in Africa

Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Odzala-Kokoua offers one of Africa’s most immersive great ape experiences. Western lowland gorillas are observed in forest clearings known as bais, where they gather to feed and socialize. Rather than traditional trekking, encounters often involve quiet observation at ground level.

Chimpanzees are also present, along with forest elephants and other rainforest species, making Odzala ideal for travelers seeking a research-oriented and wilderness-focused primate safari.

Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park

Nouabalé-Ndoki lies deep within the Congo Basin and protects pristine rainforest with minimal human disturbance. Gorilla tracking here involves long forest walks and patient observation, often combined with sightings of chimpanzees, forest elephants, and rare antelope species.

The park is globally renowned for scientific research and strict conservation controls, offering one of Africa’s most untouched great ape habitats.

Loango National Park

Loango is famous for its extraordinary landscapes where rainforest meets the Atlantic Ocean. Western lowland gorillas roam forest edges, beaches, and lagoons, creating some of the most dramatic wildlife scenes in Africa.

Chimpanzees are also present, and while gorilla trekking is seasonal and limited, Loango offers a rare combination of apes, forest elephants, whales, and coastal ecosystems.

Moukalaba-Doudou National Park

Moukalaba-Doudou is one of Central Africa’s leading gorilla research and tourism parks. It supports habituated western lowland gorillas and structured trekking experiences guided by trained trackers and researchers.

Chimpanzees are also part of the ecosystem, and the park is well suited to travelers interested in conservation science and long-term primate monitoring.

Chimpanzee-Focused National Parks in Africa

While many gorilla parks also host chimpanzees, several African national parks specialize in chimpanzee trekking. Kibale National Park is Africa’s premier chimpanzee destination, offering year-round tracking and habituation experiences. Budongo Forest Reserve and Mahale Mountains National Park provide some of the most intimate chimpanzee encounters on the continent, set in dense forests and remote landscapes.

Chimpanzee trekking differs from gorilla trekking in pace and behavior. Chimps move faster, vocalize loudly, and travel over larger ranges, making tracking more dynamic and unpredictable.

Best Countries to See Gorillas and Chimpanzees in Africa

Uganda offers the widest range of primate experiences, combining mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and diverse landscapes with reliable infrastructure. Rwanda provides the most accessible and high-end mountain gorilla trekking experience. The Democratic Republic of Congo offers the most adventurous and conservation-driven encounters with both gorillas and chimpanzees.

For experienced travelers, the Republic of Congo and Gabon deliver rare access to western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees in vast, intact rainforests.

Best Time to Visit Gorilla and Chimpanzee National Parks

Great ape trekking is possible year-round, but drier months generally offer easier hiking conditions. In East Africa, the main dry seasons run from June to September and December to February. Central African parks experience more variable rainfall, and trekking schedules often depend on lodge operations and research programs.

Rainy seasons bring lush forests, dramatic scenery, and fewer visitors, but require greater physical effort on muddy trails.

Conservation Importance of Great Ape National Parks

Every gorilla and chimpanzee national park plays a vital role in protecting endangered species, preserving rainforest ecosystems, and supporting surrounding communities. Trekking permits directly fund ranger protection, veterinary interventions, habitat conservation, and community development.

Visiting these parks responsibly helps ensure that gorillas and chimpanzees survive for future generations while creating sustainable livelihoods for local people.

Planning a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Planning a primate safari requires early permit booking, realistic fitness assessment, and choosing destinations that align with travel style, time, and budget. Trekking conditions vary widely between parks, and each location offers a distinct experience shaped by ecology, culture, and conservation philosophy.

A well-planned journey balances meaningful wildlife encounters with comfort, safety, and long-term conservation impact.