Vancouver, Canada to See Gorillas in Africa – Your Complete Travel Guide

For travelers from Vancouver, Canada, the dream of seeing gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the most extraordinary adventures imaginable. Picture this: you leave the Pacific coast behind, board a long-haul flight, and within a day, you’re deep in the misty jungles of East Africa—standing just a few meters away from a family of mountain gorillas. Their quiet power, gentle eyes, and human-like behavior make gorilla trekking one of the most emotional and transformative wildlife experiences in the world. Vancouver canada see gorillas

Where to See Gorillas in Africa

There are only three countries in the world where you can see mountain gorillas in the wild: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). For travelers from Vancouver, Uganda and Rwanda are the most accessible, safe, and popular destinations.

1. Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda offers the most refined and accessible gorilla trekking experience. The Volcanoes National Park, located just two and a half hours from Kigali International Airport, is home to around one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Treks in Rwanda are typically well-organized and guided by experienced rangers who track each gorilla family daily. The treks can last from one to four hours, depending on where the gorillas are found, and the reward—an intimate, one-hour encounter—is nothing short of magical.

Luxury lodges like Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Gorilla’s Nest offer world-class accommodations with panoramic views of mist-covered volcanoes—perfect for couples and honeymooners flying in from Vancouver.

• Gorilla Trekking Permit: USD $1,500 per person

• Best Time to Visit: June–September and December–February (dry seasons)

• Air Routes from Vancouver: Vancouver → Doha (Qatar Airways) → Kigali, or Vancouver → Amsterdam (KLM) → Kigali

2. Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa,” offers a more adventurous and diverse gorilla trekking experience. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Treks in Uganda are slightly more rugged than Rwanda’s, but they are deeply rewarding and often less expensive. Uganda also offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience, allowing visitors to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family—a rare and life-changing privilege.

Uganda’s advantage is variety—you can combine gorilla trekking with classic safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park or a Nile River cruise at Murchison Falls.

• Gorilla Trekking Permit: USD $800 per person

• Habituation Experience Permit: USD $1,500 per person (4-hour encounter)

• Best Time to Visit: June–September and December–February

• Air Routes from Vancouver: Vancouver → Amsterdam or Doha → Entebbe (via KLM, Qatar Airways, or Turkish Airlines)

3. Democratic Republic of Congo – Virunga National Park

For the truly adventurous, Virunga National Park in eastern Congo offers the most off-the-beaten-path gorilla experience. It’s the oldest national park in Africa and the only place where you can see both mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas.

Due to ongoing security challenges, most Vancouver travelers choose Uganda or Rwanda instead—but those seeking remote adventure often describe Virunga as the most authentic gorilla experience in Africa.

• Gorilla Trekking Permit: USD $450 per person

• Best Time to Visit: June–September and December–February

• Air Routes from Vancouver: Vancouver → Brussels → Kigali, then overland into Congo

How to Get There from Vancouver

There are no direct flights from Vancouver (YVR) to East Africa, but several airlines offer smooth one-stop routes with short connections:

• Qatar Airways: Vancouver → Doha → Kigali or Entebbe

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Vancouver → Amsterdam → Kigali or Entebbe

• Turkish Airlines: Vancouver → Istanbul → Kigali or Entebbe

• Ethiopian Airlines: Vancouver → Toronto → Addis Ababa → Entebbe or Kigali

Average travel time: 18–22 hours total, depending on your connection and final destination.

What a Typical Gorilla Trekking Vacation Includes

Most gorilla trekking packages are all-inclusive and cover:

• Round-trip airport transfers in Africa

• 3–6 nights of accommodation in safari lodges

• All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

• Park entry fees and gorilla trekking permits

• Services of professional guides and porters

• Domestic flights or road transfers between parks

You can easily book a 7–10 day itinerary that combines gorilla trekking with game drives, nature walks, or a beach extension on Zanzibar.

Estimated costs (excluding international flights):

• Mid-range tours: USD $3,000–$4,500 per person

• Luxury tours: USD $6,000–$9,000 per person

• International flights from Vancouver: USD $1,500–$2,000 round trip

Sample Itinerary: Vancouver to Gorillas in Uganda (8 Days)

Day 1–2: Fly Vancouver to Entebbe, overnight at a boutique hotel near Lake Victoria.
Day 3: Drive or fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day 4: Gorilla trekking day—spend one magical hour with a gorilla family.
Day 5: Optional community walk or Batwa cultural visit.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a wildlife safari and boat cruise.
Day 7: Return to Entebbe for your flight home.
Day 8: Arrive back in Vancouver.

This itinerary offers both primate adventure and wildlife variety while keeping travel times manageable.

Planning Your Gorilla Trek from Vancouver

To make your journey effortless, partner with trusted East African specialists such as Vacation Safaris. These operators handle every detail—from permits and transfers to flights and lodges—so you can travel confidently from Vancouver to Africa without the stress of coordination.

It’s best to book 6–9 months in advance, as gorilla permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially in Rwanda and Uganda.

A Journey You’ll Never Forget : Vancouver canada see gorillas

Seeing gorillas in the wild is not just a vacation—it’s a profound encounter with nature. You’ll walk through misty jungles, guided by trackers who know each gorilla by name, until suddenly you’re there: surrounded by a family of gorillas, watching their calm, intelligent movements in silence.

From the towering peaks of Volcanoes National Park to the emerald valleys of Bwindi, the journey from Vancouver to Africa is worth every mile. You’ll return home forever changed—carrying the memory of those gentle eyes and the deep, quiet connection that only a gorilla trek can bring.