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Congo Safaris, Gorilla Trekking Congo Safari Tours

Gorilla trekking in Congo Virunga safaris is among the most sought-after activities in Africa. Virunga National Park is home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas, but it is also famous for its large diversity. More than half of the Sub-Saharan diversity is found in Virunga which you can explore during your Congo safaris.

The diverse ecosystem of the park includes the Rift Valley, both volcanic and block mountains, crater lakes, open grasslands, woodlands, swamp and wetland vegetation, among others. Virunga National Park is thus ranked as a top ecological pillar for East Africa and Central Africa.

Additionally, Virunga National Park has two active volcanoes which are Mount Nyiragongo active volcano which has the largest lava lake in the world, and Mount Nyamuragira, another active volcano.

Virunga National Park was founded in 1925 as Albert National Park by King Albert 1 the then king of Belgium, thus making it the oldest national park in Africa. However, the park was later renamed Virunga National Park after the independence of the country and it measures an area of 7800 square kilometers.

Apart from the renowned and endangered Mountain Gorillas, Virunga National Park is also home to other unique wildlife species for example the Chimpanzees that visitors watch on Chimpanzee trekking safaris. Other animals include Giraffes, Buffaloes, various bird species, and reptiles, among others.

Virunga National Park which is the oldest national park in Africa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its ecological importance. However, because of the instabilities in the park over the years, travelers visit the park with firm safety precautions. In 1994, it was declared a World Heritage in danger, and 1996, a Ramsar Site.

Being an ecologically rich destination, you can also track the Eastern Lowland Gorillas at Kahuzi Biega National Park on your Congo safari.

Contact us today to plan the Democratic Republic of Congo safaris to go watch the incredible Congo Gorillas.

Major Attractions in Virunga National Park

There is a diversity of major attractions to explore in Virunga National Park to give you exquisite experiences in the park found in Eastern DRC near the Lake Kivu shores. Its beauty flows from the different unique wildlife species, like the endangered Mountain Gorillas, to the incredible climate and important physical features that you will explore on your Congo safaris.

1. Mammal Species:

The large ecosystem of Virunga National Park makes it a suitable home for different mammal species to explore on a Congo safari. According to the 2012 census for wildlife species, there is a recorded number of 218 mammal species, including 22 primate species, including the famous Mountain Gorillas.

This oldest national park in Africa also has about 218 mammal species, 109 reptile species, and 65 amphibian species to view on a Congo safari.

Common mammals in the park are the Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Red Tailed Monkeys, Dent’s Mona Monkeys, De Brazza’s, Grey Cheeked Monkeys, Central African Red Colobus, Olive Baboons, and the Black and White Colobus Monkeys.

Other mammals and wild animals in the park include Elephants, Okapi, Hippopotamus, Buffaloes, Lions, warthogs, bongos, bushbucks, Red River hogs, aadvards, Topi, Blue Duikers, Leopards, bongos, Bay Duikers, waterbucks, yellow-backed Backed duikers, Giant Forest hogs, bushbucks, etc.

Reptiles like the Nile Crocodiles and Monitor Lizards can be seen on the shores of Lake Albert, Lake Edward, and River Semliki.

Therefore, this great number of animal species will give you the chance to explore the oldest national park through various activities, for example game drives, hiking nature walks, and boat cruises.

2. Bird Species:

Virunga National Park has over 706 species of birds in the different habitats of the park, which are the open grasslands, rainforest, rift valley, water bodies, marshes, and swamps.

Discover various endemic species in the park and various other birds for example the Ruwenzori Turaco, Narrow-Tailed Starling, African Fish Eagle, Madagascar Bee Eater, Grey-Throated Barbet, etc.

3. The Park’s Flora:

There is a lively plant life in Virunga National Park; for example, there are 2,077 plant species and 264 tree species. There are also about 230 flora species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift, including plants, shrubs, and grasses.

The marsh and swamp water bodies can be found around them. These provide a home to different animal species, like the endangered Mountain Gorillas, game animals like the Giant Forest Hog, Duikers, and Buffaloes, etc., and different bird species.

4. Physical Features:

The landscape at Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is remarkable! Your trip to the park will allow you to explore both active and extinct volcanoes, the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains, Rift Valley, crater lakes and freshwater lakes, savannah grasslands, and the dominant rainforests.

Various physical features in and near the park include Lake Kivu, Lake Albert, Lake Edward, the Congo, the Nile, and the Semliki, among others.

Therefore, travelers on a photography safari will enjoy the beautiful experience of capturing captivating landscapes during their Congo safaris.

5. Climate:

Because of the different kinds of physical features at Virunga National Park, the area has an enjoyable mixture of both the equatorial and tropical climates. There is warm weather with little rain, but the higher altitudes are colder.

The mean temperature is between 23 and 28 degrees Celsius in the lowlands and about 16 and 24 degrees Celsius in the high altitudes. Around March to May and September to November have the highest amount of rainfall.

6. The Batwa Community:

Batwa people are a community of pygmies that lived in the forest but were evicted to live in communities neighboring the park when it was gazetted.

The communities are open to visitors when you follow the trails that lead to their villages and camps. They will show their remote way of life when they are still living in the jungles. For example, they will perform their dances, sing songs, and also show you how they make fire with sticks.

Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Biega National Park is considered the second-best place to visit in the DR Congo after Virunga National Park, especially because of the Eastern Lowland Gorillas. Kahuzi Beiga National Park is home to the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, which are also an endemic species, making it a great destination for Congo Gorilla safaris.

Kahuzi Biega National Park spans an area of 2, 316 square kilometers and the Congolese Institute of Conservation of Nature manages it to protect the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.

Kahuzi Biega National Park boasts about 137 mammal species, including the Eastern Lowland gorillas, and over 350 bird species. You will also experience the impressive abundance of flora and butterflies, as well as other wildlife species, at Kahuzi Beiga National Park. Additionally, you may also explore the Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega waterfalls through nature walks or hikes during your Congo tour at Kahuzi Beiga National Park on top of trekking the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.

Therefore, the different activities to do at the Kahuzi Biega National Park are trekking the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, bird watching, mountain biking, and nature walks.

Congo Gorilla Trekking Guide, Congo Gorilla Safari Tours, & Advise When Watching Gorillas

This guide to Virunga National Park in DR Congo, Central Africa, provides the most important tips for not just the Gorilla trekking experience but also other adventures in the park apart from viewing Mountain Gorillas.

Virunga National Park on TripAdvisor

Trip Advisor is one of the most authentic places to find information on Virunga National Park and the services that you would like to attain while on your tour in the park.

Additionally, you may find reviews about the experiences of different tourists who have gone to the park and know the experiences that you are to expect during your Congo Gorilla tour on a Congo safari.

Cost of Congo Gorilla Permits | Cost of Congo Gorilla Permits | How Much Does it Cost to Trek Gorillas in Virunga National Park?

The cost of a Mountain Gorilla trekking permit or gorilla permit in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is $ 400 for foreign nonresidents. Thus, Gorilla trekking during your DR Congo safaris is about half the price of Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Gorillas? | How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost? | How Much Does it Cost to Trek With Gorillas? How Much Does it Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Congo?  How Much Does it Cost to See Gorillas in Congo?

A Gorilla trekking safari in the Democratic Republic of Congo is dependent on different factors that add up to the final cost of the safari. For example. The length of stay, level of luxury, activities to be done, and transportation means used, among others,.

However, most trips to the Democratic Republic of the Congo will cost about $2,000 to $4,000, depending on your budget for your gorillas. Being a cheaper country, DR Congo safaris offer half the cost of travel in neighboring countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

How to See the Mountain Gorillas on a Budget in DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is ranked among the cheapest African countries to explore on your Africa safaris. However, there are various things that you can still consider to cut costs.

There are different ways in which you can have a budget Congo safari for your gorilla safaris, as discussed below, especially on gorilla safaris.

1. Opt to book a cheaper but more comfortable accommodation during your stay on your Congo Gorilla Safaris or Gorilla Tours.

2. Traveling in the rainy season also helps to reduce costs, as the lodges lower costs for tourists on a Congo Gorilla trekking safari. The cost of the Congo Gorilla trekking permits is also usually lowered in this season for tourists on Gorilla safaris.

3. Ensure that you carry the right attire for your travels. For example long sleeves, trousers, comfortable shoes, a hat or cape. A jacket or poncho is also recommended, especially on a rainy day during your Congo Gorilla trekking safari.

4. Additionally, it is important to carry other important items, for example a camera, binoculars, water bottle, back bag, sunscreen, and insect repellent, among others, during your Congo Gorilla trekking safari.

Congo Gorilla Tracking Day: The Real Experience

You will arrive at the park headquarters with a receipt/proof that shows that you purchased a Congo Gorilla tracking permit. A Gorilla tracking permit in DR Congo goes for $ 400 for foreign nonresidents on Gorilla safaris or gorilla tours.

The Congo Gorilla trekking experience will begin with a detailed briefing session at the park headquarters about how to behave while on the way or when you meet the Mountain Gorillas.

With the guidance of your guide during your Congo Gorilla safaris, you will begin the primate nature walks to meet one of the Mountain Gorilla families in the forest and it commonly takes about 20 to 40 minutes to locate them as you climb and slope the rolling hills because they move looking for food.

Once you meet a Gorilla family or gorilla group on your Gorilla safaris, you will have a wonderful time watching them as they play, roll, feed, and go about their day. You are allowed to take pictures on your Congo Gorilla safaris, although they should not be of flash photography.

The Gorilla Encounter

Meeting a Congo Gorilla family is among the most incredible wildlife safaris for tourists on Gorilla safaris or gorilla tours. The human-like behavior of these wildlife species creates an instant connection while you watch them on your Congo Gorilla safaris.

The endangered Gorillas will play with each other, watch you with the same wonder with which you watch them, and cause you to appreciate nature and conservation more. You may see the Silverback Gorilla playing with a young one or portraying its power by beating its chest.

This Congo Gorilla trekking safari encounter takes an hour, after which you will return to the park headquarters with your guide.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Regulations in Virunga National Park

The Mountain Gorilla trekking tour rules are to bring a beautiful experience to every traveler while also allowing safety precautions to protect them and the Congo Gorillas. These Gorilla trekking safari regulations are also applied to other Gorilla tours in Uganda’s Bwindi Park and Mgahinga National Park, as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Below are the Gorilla trekking/Gorilla tracking rules and regulations to follow during a Gorilla tour in Virunga National Park.

1. In case you have a temperature, cold, or flu during your Congo safaris, you are advised not to go gorilla trekking, as the primates can easily catch it.

2. Only 8 people in a group are allowed to go visit a gorilla group during their gorilla tour or gorilla safari.

3. Travelers who are 15 years of age and older are the ones allowed to go on a gorilla tour during their Congo safaris.

4. Once you meet the Congo Gorilla family, you will only be allowed to spend one hour with them for your gorilla tour or gorilla tracking.

5. The Mountain Gorilla trekking experience only occurs during the day from around 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

6. If you feel like coughing or sneezing while with the endangered gorillas on your gorilla tour, you must look away.

7. You will also be required to keep a 7-meter distance between you and the wild animals to avoid catching any diseases during a Gorilla safari.

8. Smoking, eating, and drinking on a gorilla tour are not allowed when tracking gorillas or when with the Congo gorillas.

9. Avoid littering in the forest and likewise, wash your hands before going to the forest for your gorilla tour or gorilla tracking tour to see the Congo gorillas.

10. Direct eye contact with a Congo gorilla while on your gorilla tour or gorilla safari poses a threat to them and thus they may attack you because of it.

11. There are no toilets or latrines in the bush while for Gorilla safaris so in case you wish to ease yourself, a 30 cm hole will be dug for you where you are to bury all waste.

Other Things to Consider Before Going for Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo

1. It is advisable to book your Congo gorilla permits in advance, at least 6 months before time for proper planning of your gorilla safaris or gorilla tours. This can either be done through your tour operator or directly through Virunga National Park. When going on gorilla safaris, ensure to carry your gorilla tracking permit with you.

2. It is recommended that you have a good level of fitness before going for the Gorilla trek to see the Mountain Gorillas. The Congo Gorilla safaris trek will involve you hiking and sloping different hilly terrains, sometimes for long hours.

3. It is advisable to purchase travel insurance for your Congo safaris to have a safer Gorilla safari. Your insurance will not just keep you safe in DR Congo but also in other places that you visit for your Congo Gorilla Safaris.

4. Ensure that you carry the necessary vaccination requirements, but most importantly, a Yellow Fever vaccination card, as you will not be allowed in the country for your Congo safaris or gorilla safaris.

5. Importantly, have your confirmation receipts printed out because they will have to be asked at different points, like your accommodation, as you go on your Congo Gorilla Safaris.

6. Buying a local SIM card will allow you to gain internet at any destination on your Congo Gorilla safaris, especially in places that have poor or no WIFI.

7. You can purchase an online visa for $ 100 and you are required to submit it in advance before the trekking day of your Congo Gorilla Safaris or Gorilla Tours.

Accommodation in Virunga National Park

The accommodation facilities in Virunga National Park range from budget to mid-range and luxury. Find the best lodges to stay in during your Virunga National Park visit, as guided by your tour operator on Congo Gorilla Safaris.

1. Lulimbi Tented Camp

2. Mikeno Lodge

3. Bukima Tented Camp

4. Tchegere Island Camp

5. Mt Nyiragongo Summit Shelters

6. Kibumba Tented Camp

Accommodation in Kahuzi Biega National Park

There are also various places to stay during your tour in Kahuzi Biega National Park, the home of the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.

1. Exodus Bukavu Camp

2. Mount Kahuzi Hotel

3. Lodge Coco

4. Lakeside Hotel, Bukavu Camp

5. Orchids Safari Club

Other Activities in Virunga National Park

Other than the famous Mountain Gorilla trekking tour in Virunga National Park, you may also participate in other safari activities listed below.

a) Chimpanzee trekking or Chimpanzee habituation

b) Game viewing

c) Nyiragongo volcano hike

d) Nature walks

e) Bird watching

f) Landscape viewing

Things to Note about Border Crossing to Congo

Crossing the Democratic Republic of the Congo border is safe and easy, given the security personnel at the checkpoints. However, there are a few things that will be required while border crossing to go for Gorilla tracking.

1. A yellow fever vaccination card will be required at your checking point during your Congo safaris on either a Mountain Gorilla tour or Gorilla tracking the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.

2. The routes while border crossing are dusty and bumpy, so using a vehicle in good condition is recommended while you drive for your Congo safaris.

How to Get to Virunga National Park/The Democratic Republic of the Congo | How to Access Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is found in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and by road, it is much easier to access through Goma Town which is about 32 kilometers away.

However, tourists to Virunga National Park usually fly to Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport and then connect by road to Gisenyi Town, which leads to Goma on a dusty road for your gorilla safari. It is approximately a 2-hour drive from Gisenyi to the Bukima Park headquarters for your gorilla tour.

Tourists from Uganda cross through the Bunagana border in Kisoro and it takes about an hour’s drive to the Bukima Park headquarters.

You may also book a flight through Ethiopian Airways, which organizes a single flight every week to Goma and the park prepares private transportation for visitors who arrive at Goma International Airport.

Other airlines that fly to the Democratic Republic of Congo include Swiss Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air France, Kenyan Airways, and Brussels Airlines.

For safety purposes, a guide will escort tourists to the points for tracking Gorillas for their Gorilla tour on Congo safaris. Additionally, you can purchase your visa online through Virunga National Park during Congo safaris.

Congo Gorilla Tours: Gorilla Trekking Safaris 2023-2024 | Tour Packages | Congo Safaris

With the various good Congo Gorilla tours, you may select any of your most preferred or have us design for you a customized itinerary for your Gorilla safari.

Most tours offer Gorilla trekking, but others are combined with Kahuzi Biega National Park, Mount Nyiragongo (with the world’s largest lava lake), and Lake Kivu.

a. 2 days Gorilla trekking tour in the Democratic Republic of Congo

b. 3 days Mountain Gorillas – Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park and Lake Kivu relaxation

c. 3 days Eastern Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park and Lake Kive tour

d. 5 days Congo Gorilla trekking/Gorilla tracking in Virunga National Park & Mount Nyiragongo active volcano hike to see the world’s largest lava lake

e. 5 days Virunga National Park Mountain Gorilla trekking and Gorilla tracking of the Eastern Lowland Gorillas at Kahuzi Biega National Park

f. 7 days Nyiragongo volcano hike at Virunga National Park and Lowland Gorillas at Kahuzi Biega National Park

Multi-Country Trips: Congo, Rwanda & Uganda

You may also have a Congo safari, especially Gorilla safaris, combined with other neighboring trips in neighboring countries like Uganda and Rwanda.

a. 9 days DR Congo’s Virunga National Park, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park & Nyungwe Forest National Park

b. 15-day DR Congo, Uganda and Rwanda tour: gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Wildlife safaris, Community Visits, Nature walks

c. 20 days Eastern, Central and Southern Africa: East Africa wildlife safaris and primates (Gorillas and Chimpanzee trekking), Cape Town tour, Communities, nature walks and Volcano trek

Best Time to Visit the Democratic Republic of Congo

A Democratic Republic of the Congo Gorilla safari can be done all year round and each season comes with its pros and cons depending on your expectations and the experiences that you would like to have.

However, the dry season (January to February and June to May) is considered the best time to have a Congo safari for your gorilla trekking experience. This is because of the dry tracks in the forests that ease movement, nature, and Congo Gorilla safaris or Chimpanzee trekking for travelers.

However, the rainy season (October to November and March to May) is also good for travelers on safaris. This rainy season is mostly favorable for visitors on a budget safari because lodges usually cut costs and sometimes discounted Gorilla permits are sold during this time on Gorilla safaris.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Vs Rwanda

The major gorilla trekking destinations are Uganda’s Bwindi Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park which both protect mountain gorillas. Each Bwindi Park and Volcanoes National Park offers unique gorilla trekking experiences to watch the mountain gorillas.

Below is the uniqueness of the gorilla trekking/gorilla trek to explore the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Park or Volcanoes National Park.

1. Bwindi has more families of mountain gorillas than Volcanoes National Park. Thus, this makes Bwindi a better place to see the Mountain Gorillas during your Gorilla trek than at Volcanoes National Park.

2. Volcanoes National Park is a steeper region for a gorilla trek to meet the mountain gorillas, while Bwindi has thicker forests. This makes Volcanoes National Park much more challenging to look for the Mountain Gorillas than Bwindi.

3. Volcanoes National Park, however, has better infrastructure for easier transportation to the Gorilla Trek destination than in Uganda.

4. On the other hand, Volcanoes National Park has better accommodation facilities, although more expensive than those in Bwindi for visitors coming to see Mountain Gorillas.

5. Uganda’s Bwindi has more wildlife safari options to add on a Gorilla trek that explores Mountain Gorillas. You will also visit other parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, among others. On the other hand, Rwanda’s additional wildlife safaris to Volcanoes National Park only take you to Akagera National Park.

Gorilla Trekking Companies in Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo safaris can be made more flexible by using a reputable tour operator who can also lead you on a tour to other national parks as they combine marvelous experiences like wildlife safaris and climbing to see the active volcano at Nyiragongo.

a. Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd

b. Wild Gorilla Safaris

c. Africa Safaris Tours

d. Congo Gorilla Safaris Tours

A Uganda Safari

Safari Uganda Safaris

Gorilla Safari Rwanda

Gorilla Tracking Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Why Visit Virunga National Park: Mountain Gorilla Tracking

Like different national parks, visiting Virunga National Park has a unique aspect that brings value to tourists on a Congo safari with its remarkable wildlife safaris.

1. Gorilla trekking is cheaper in Virunga than in other places that protect mountain gorillas, for example, Mgahinga, Bwindi, and Volcanoes National Park.

2. The park will allow you to explore Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano

3. There are many endemics protected in the parks for enthusiastic travelers, among others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gorilla trekking in the DRC safe? Is it Safe to See Gorillas in Congo? | Is it Safe to Gorilla Trek in the DRC?

Because of the rebel activities that have been taking place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the country is not considered safer than other countries in Africa. However, your tour operator can help organize for you the best and safest Congo Gorilla tours on a Congo safari.

Is gorilla trekking worth the money?

Yes, gorilla trekking or tracking, whether in the DR Congo or other national parks, is worth the money for your gorilla safaris. This is because Congo Gorilla Safaris offer a more lively gorilla trek that allows you to interact closer with the giant primates in their natural habitat as you contribute to their conservation.

Other famous places for gorilla tracking are Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Park, and Mgahinga National Park.

How much is gorilla trekking in the DRC?

Gorilla trekking and gorilla tours in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are about $ 400 for foreign nonresidents, making it the cheapest place to track these animals in the three African countries in which they are found.

Uganda sells the permits for $ 700, while Rwanda sells them for $ 1500 for the gorilla trekking tour at Volcanoes National Park.

Gorilla trekking in the Congo is a memorable experience to undertake during your Congo safari. You will get to meet the wonderful primates in their natural habitats in either Virunga National Park or Kahuzi Biega National Park during your gorilla safari.

Additionally, you may add a primate safari to different national parks like Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park (each being a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on top of your gorilla trekking in the DR Congo.

Contact us today to let us help organize your amazing gorilla trekking experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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