Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is a top destination in DR Congo for those who want to enjoy Congo safaris.

This park was formerly known as Albert National Park and it is situated in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo bordering the Rwenzori Mountains of Uganda and the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda.

Virunga National Park was established in 1925 making the first and oldest national park in Africa and in 1979, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It protects Mountain Gorillas that you can see during Congo Gorilla trekking tours or on Gorilla tours (Gorilla safaris).

Going on a Democratic Republic of Congo safari without seeing the endangered Mountain Gorillas on a Mountain Gorilla trekking safari in Virunga National Park makes your Congo safari incomplete.

Before or after the Mountain Gorilla trekking experience on Congo safaris, you can also visit an active volcano in Virunga National Park. The Nyiragongo volcano hike or volcano trek is thrilling and you can get clear views of the world’s largest lava lake.

Virunga National Park also offers sightings of unique wildlife species of wild animals like the Giant Forest Hog, Central African Red Colobus, and many bird species. Tourists can always enjoy nature walks, Congo gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and birding.

Major Attractions in Virunga National Park

There are many things that you can enjoy seeing in Virunga National Park on a Congo tour. The park is surrounded by large water bodies like Lake Kivu, Albert, and Edward.

Below are some of the major attractions to see in this park;

Wildlife species; there are impressions of unique wildlife species travelers visiting Virunga National Park can see. The park is rich in plant life and has about 264 tree species and 230 blades of grass of which some are endemic to the Albertine Rift and you cannot see them in other African countries.

The wildlife species are good to see, especially when on wildlife safaris in the African wilderness even during Gorilla tours (Gorilla safaris) and during nature walks.

Mammals: There is a variety of wild animals that you can see within Virunga National Park which is their natural habitat. This park has about 218 mammal species, including 22 primates, 706 bird species, 109 reptiles, 65 species of amphibians, and other wildlife species.

The best way of seeing the wildlife species is through nature walks, boat cruises on Lake Kivu, hikes, or Gorilla trekking in the forest during Congo safaris. Mammal sightings include the Elephant, Giant Forest Hog, Yellow Backed Duiker, Topi, Waterbuck, Buffalo, and antelope species.

When trekking Mountain Gorillas and chimpanzee trekking, you have opportunities to encounter other primates like the Golden Monkey, Central African Red Colobus, Dent’s Mona Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Olive baboon, and other wildlife species rare to see in other African countries.

Monitor lizards and Crocodiles can be seen along the shores of Lake Edward, Albert, and Semliki River.

Activities in Virunga National Park

There are many activities to engage in Virunga National Park during Congo safaris and the most amazing are;

Mountain Gorilla trekking experience; is mostly enjoyed within the Virunga massif that extends into Rwanda and Uganda is the habitat for Mountain Gorillas. A Mountain Gorilla trekking safari is one of the most thrilling activities in DR Congo during gorilla tours or gorilla safaris.

A Gorilla trek can take you to meet the Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park and the Kabirizi Gorilla family is the most common that you can see on a Mountain Gorilla trekking safari to DR Congo.

Kabirizi is the dominant silverback gorilla within the gorilla group and seeing it on Gorilla tours or Gorilla safaris is remarkable.

Chimpanzee trekking or habituation; Chimpanzee trekking is also possible in Virunga during Congo safaris. You can walk into the rainforest as you look for Chimpanzee communities for a great adventure. You are only restricted to one full hour with the Chimpanzees.

Nature walks; Virunga National Park is a tropical rainforest with dense vegetation and it offers great nature walks on the amazing walking trails which lead to amazing sightings in the wilderness, especially during Gorilla tours or Gorilla safaris.

Nyiragongo hike; Nyiragongo is an active volcano with the world’s largest lava lake. Nyiragongo volcano hike will give you sightings of a natural setting and it is an experience worth adventuring on Congo safaris.

The Nyiragongo volcano hike safari will awaken every traveler’s adventure senses.

Bird watching; is another Congo safari adventure to enjoy within Virunga National Park. Some of the birds to see on the birding tour include the Narrow-tailed starling, African Fish Eagle, Madagascar bee-eater, and Grey-throated barbet, and some are hardly spotted in other national parks of East Africa.

Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Beiga National Park is another top destination when it comes to the Congo tour, especially Gorilla safaris. This park is famously known for having Eastern Lowland Gorillas and it is a good place for Chimpanzee trekking among other national parks.

Travelers know that Eastern Lowland Gorillas are only found in Kahuzi Biega National Park. The park lies near the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo also near Lake Kivu in Bukavu town.

Kahuzi Biega National Park is one of the largest national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site having amazing animal species.

Kahuzi Biega National Park also has two dominant volcanoes worth exploring that are found on the park edges and these are Mount Biega and Mount Kahuzi. There are 137 mammal species and 350 bird species in the park.

Among the species, Eastern Lowland Gorillas are the sought-after species in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Some of the thrilling activities to enjoy in Kahuzi Biega National Park during Congo safaris like Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking experience, birding, and walking trips.

You will require a Congo Gorilla tracking permit to trek the eastern Lowland Gorillas and you are only given one hour to be in their presence. Tourists can always combine wildlife safaris in Congo safaris with a visit to Kahuzi Beiga National Park to enjoy Gorilla safaris.

Cost of Congo Gorilla permits

Those going for a Democratic Republic of Congo Gorilla trek in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park require Gorilla permits and you can use local tour operators to book the Gorilla tracking permits.

Congo Gorilla permits cost $400 per person. The permits are sold at any time of the year to visit the Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park. Tourists can go for the Gorilla trek in the dry season and be aware that the rainy season can be challenging to navigate that is May and April and November and October.

Usually, in the rainy season, Congo Gorilla permits are reduced to $350 per person. You can enjoy a Congo Gorilla trekking safari on any day of the month though the best time would be in the dry season.

Mountain Gorillas are also available in Uganda and the Gorilla trekking permit costs $700 and the Rwanda Gorilla permit costs $1500 to trek in Volcanoes National Park.

How to See the Mountain Gorillas on a Budget?

It is well known that DR Congo is the cheapest destination for seeing Mountain Gorillas in the wild. Gorilla tracking permits cost $400 and this permit allows one to be with Congo Gorillas for one full hour.

Keep in mind that the price of the Gorilla tracking permits is constant though you can save more on other expenses like you can spend a night in a less expensive lodge. You also opt not to stay after the Gorilla experience and just cross the border to Rwanda for the night.

You can also choose to go for a Congo Gorilla trekking safari in the rainy season since the prices of the Gorilla tracking permits are reduced by a few dollars. If you are on a tight budget for Congo Gorilla safaris on Congo safaris, then you can opt for a group Congo safari.

Gorilla Trekking Regulations in Virunga National Park

A Mountain Gorilla trekking safari in Virunga National Park has some rules that are followed by trekkers on Congo Gorilla safari trips. The rules of the Gorilla trekking experience are to ensure the conservation of the endangered Mountain Gorillas and the safety of those on a Gorilla trek.

Keep in mind that these Congo Gorilla trekking safari rules also work when trekking Eastern lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park and Rwanda Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park during Congo safaris.

Below are some of the Gorilla trekking regulations;

1. The Gorilla safari group size for a Gorilla trek should only be of only eight people. This is mostly for conservation purposes as it reduces the spread of diseases from people to the Mountain Gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas.
2. Gorilla tracking in Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Park is only for those above 15 years of age and you can prove this at the park headquarters.
3. Tourists on a Gorilla trek are limited to only one full hour in the presence of Mountain Gorillas or Lowland gorillas.
4. Always keep in mind that the Congo Gorilla trekking safari trip takes place during the daytime between 8 am to 5 pm.
5. In case you want to help yourself, always deep human waste 30 cm deep so that it doesn’t spread diseases to the Gorillas.
6. Once you find the giant ages, don’t touch them.
7. You are prohibited from smoking, eating, and drinking when in the presence of Gorillas.
8. When Mountain Gorilla trekking in the Republic of the Congo, always keep your voice down, as you can scare away some amazing sightings that can come along the trail.
9. When photographing the endangered gorillas, avoid using the flashlight as the Mountain Gorillas relate it with danger.
10. You should cover your nose and mouth or turn away when sneezing and coughing as you can infect Congo Gorillas with your sickness.
11. When in the presence of mountain Gorillas, keep a safe distance of about 7 meters from Congo Gorillas.

Congo Gorilla Tracking Day, the Real Experience

Ranger guides at the park headquarters will take you through a short Gorilla trek briefing just before setting off into the forest for the thrilling Gorilla trekking experience.

During the gorilla trek briefing at the park headquarters, he will give a brief history of the park, some of the truth of the Gorilla family or Gorilla group that you will be trekking, and how to behave when you are in the presence of the Congo Gorillas.

You can wish to put on a mask so that you don’t make the Mountain Gorillas sick. Keep in mind that the length of the Gorilla trek is determined by the movement of the mountain Gorillas or Lowland Gorillas.

In some cases, you can find the Mountain Gorillas in a 30-40 minute hike and sometimes, it can be more than one hour.

The silverback will welcome you after making sure that you are not a threat, you will then enjoy watching the Mountain Gorillas for one full hour which is a lifetime experience.

What to Expect On a Gorilla Trip to Congo

Each tourist should go on a Congo safari knowing what they hope to discover. There can be long and uncomfortable plane journeys and in 4x4s though meeting the gorillas will make it worth the experience.

You should know that DR Congo is stabilizing and it will soon be more accessible and popular to tourists who seek a true Congo safari.

Why Visit Virunga National Park- Mountain Gorilla Tracking

Virunga National Park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the shores of Lake Kivu. This park is fond of Mountain Gorillas and it is part of the Virunga Massif that extends to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park of Uganda.

This means that Mountain Gorilla trekking tours can either be done in the Virunga massif or in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is situated in southwestern Uganda having almost half of the world’s surviving mountain Gorillas.

Tourists who visit Virunga National Park can expect to enjoy Congo Gorilla tracking adventures though it requires you to have a Congo Gorilla trekking permit. Virunga National Park is one of the best destinations for Mountain Gorilla trekking as it is less crowded and you can see other animal species if lucky on the trail.

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

You can apply for a DR Congo visa through Virunga National Park and you can do this online once you have purchased your Democratic Republic of Congo Gorilla permit. This process is easy and takes about 48 hours for your paperwork to be done.

Tourists can also enter the Democratic Republic of Congo through the border crossing between Gisenyi in Rwanda and Goma in DR Congo. There are two border crossings that you can use and make sure that you use the right one.

However, you can also fly to Kigali and then travel to Gisenyi by car. Be mindful the roads are poor and you may take some hours to reach the destination since driving will be slow. This is the easiest way to get to Virunga National Park.

There is no need to worry about border crossing as it is easy and quick. You will get stamped out of Rwanda, you need to show your yellow fever card, get your temperature checked, and get stamped into DR Congo.

Things to Note about Border Crossing to Congo

Border crossing is easy as there is a short walk of just 10 minutes to Goma. However, there are many things you need to consider and be having.

1. Always make sure that your paperwork is in order so that customs and immigration personnel have easy work.
2. You need to have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate
3. A 4WD vehicle is recommended as the roads can be bumpy and it is not advisable to travel on these routes at night.
4. Virunga National Park is managed by the authorities of the Congolese National Park and the Institute of Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) in partnership with the Africa Conservation Fund.

Top Gorilla Trekking Companies in Congo

These top Gorilla trekking companies will offer you the best Congo safari packages that you can choose from for a better experience. These companies can also further tailor the packages and include wildlife safaris and community experiences.

The top Gorilla trekking tour operators include;

1. Congo Gorilla Safaris and Tours
2. Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
3. Wild Gorilla Safaris
4. Africa Safaris Tours

Congo Gorilla Tours – Gorilla Trekking Safaris 2023-2024

These Congo safaris offer you the best adventures of seeing Mountain Gorillas, Eastern Lowland Gorillas, and Nyiragongo active volcano experiences. However, we can further tailor the Congo safari trips to future cultural tours and wildlife safaris.

2 days Congo Gorilla tour

3 days Eastern Lowland Gorillas

3 Days Congo Safari Tour

4 Days Gorilla & Nyiragongo Hike

6 Days Congo Gorilla trekking

8 Days Gorilla Trek & Okapi Safari

Tips for Planning Gorilla Trekking in Congo’s Virunga National Park

Congo Gorilla tours or Gorilla safaris in Virunga National Park are exciting though the experience can leave you worn out. That’s why, you need to know a few things before meeting a Gorilla family in the jungle.

1. When going for a Gorilla tour or Gorilla safari, you should at least have some physical fitness levels as the terrains can be challenging sometimes to navigate on Gorilla safaris.
2. Always keep yourself warm during Gorilla safaris as you will be tracking Gorillas in high altitudes.
3. Be aware that Gorilla safaris are good all year throughout but the best time for tracking Gorillas in Virunga National Park is in the dry season.
4. When planning for a Gorilla tour or Gorilla safari, use the services of a reputable tour operator in terms of bookings. The operator will give you the necessary information concerning the Gorilla tour or Gorilla safari.
5. When on Congo safaris, especially on a Gorilla trek, carry the right essential items to use when tracking Gorillas.
6. Also, use the services of a porter during Gorilla tracking to help you lift heavy equipment.
7. You should always buy your Gorilla tracking permits in advance before departing for your Congo tour.
8. Take the necessary vaccinations before going for the Congo Gorilla trek, especially Yellow fever.
9. Apply for the Congo Visa in advance if you are planning to go for Congo safaris, especially Gorilla trekking.
10. You should book accommodation near the starting point of the Gorilla trek. When going for a Gorilla trekking tour in Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks, then book accommodation in Goma and Bukima.

What Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit DR Congo?

Tourists can visit the Democratic Republic of Congo at any time of the year though the best time is in the dry season from June to September. Be aware that the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo particularly Virunga National Park has a wet climate meaning that it can rain at any time.

The forest trails tend to become slippery from June to September as there is less rain. Short and long rains are either from March to April or from October to November.

This time is fruitful for Gorilla tours as you can get lodge or hotel deals and the gorilla tracking permit fees may be reduced as well. On your Gorilla trekking tours, don’t forget to bring waterproof clothing.

How Much Does It Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Congo? | How Much Does It Cost to See Gorillas In Congo? | How much is Gorilla Trekking in DRC?

There is no specific cost for Congo Gorilla trekking and it all depends on the number of days you will be spending, the accommodation type, and other activities to accompany a Gorilla trekking tour.

Keep in mind that a Congo Gorilla permit in Virunga National Park costs $400 per person per trek. This is the same cost for trekking Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park which is a half price for Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda.

Is Gorilla Trekking In DRC Safe? | Is It Safe to See Gorillas in Congo? | Is It Safe to Gorilla Trek in DRC?

Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo is safe and secure. There are many strict procedures to follow when gorilla trekking to keep safe in the rainforest.

On the Gorilla trek, you are escorted by armed rangers to protect you at all times. Also, the Gorilla groups that you trek are fully habituated meaning that they recognize human presence.

Virunga National Park is near UN peacekeepers meaning that the park is well protected making Mountain Gorilla trekking safe.

Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money?

Yes, Gorilla trekking is worth the money as it offers extraordinary experiences as you get to meet the endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat on a Gorilla tour. You will be with one of the few gorillas left in the world and you get to see some of their behaviors like their feeding patterns.

How Much Does It Cost to Trek Gorillas in Virunga National Park?

A Congo Gorilla permit in Virunga National Park costs $400 per person per Gorilla tour. However, the cost can become half price in the wet season or low season and it becomes $200.

How Much Does A Gorilla Safari Cost? | How Much Does It Cost To Visit Gorillas? | How Much Does It Cost to Trek With Gorillas?

A Gorilla tracking permit costs $400 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, $ 700 in Uganda, and $1500 in Rwanda if you want to trek in Volcanoes National Park.

It is very hard to get discounted gorilla tracking permits in all these gorilla trekking destinations.

Also, the cost of the Gorilla safari will depend on the accommodation style, the number of days you will spend on the Gorilla tour, and other activities to accompany the Gorilla trekking tour.

Can I Extend My East African Safari with a Trip to Congo (DRC)?

Most tourists don’t visit DR Congo alone, but they make an extension to a thrilling wildlife safari in Kenya and Tanzania. A short flight gets you to Kigali International Airport, and from there, you can drive to the Democratic Republic of Congo border and on to Virunga National Park.

You can then track Gorillas the following day. A gorilla trek in the Democratic Republic of Congo can be combined with a Rwanda holiday with sightings of the Big Five in Akagera National Park on wildlife safaris and Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Wildlife safaris are epic in Akagera Park as this park has wildlife densities not comparable to any other national parks in East Africa.

In summary, Congo Gorilla safaris will take you to Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park to see the endangered Gorillas. You meet them face to face, which is a thrilling adventure of a lifetime within the national parks.

Please Inquire About the Best Congo Gorilla Tours