Sites for Gorilla Trekking in Congo Safari Tours: Where to Go for A Gorilla Safari in Congo?
Have you been wondering about where to see gorillas in Congo? There are 2 amazing sites for gorilla trekking tours in Congo and these include Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Below is a detail of the sites for Congo gorilla safaris:
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Initially, this park was called Albert National Park but it was renamed Virunga National Park in 1969 after the Democratic Republic of Congo got its independence from Belgium.
Found in eastern Congo, Virunga National Park sits on the edge of DR Congo between Lake Kivu and Lake Albert.
Globally, Congo Virunga National Park is renowned for gorilla tracking tours as well as the 2 active volcanic mountains: Mount Kiragongo, an active volcano, and Nyamurangira.
This great, biodiverse park of Congo is one of the few sites to enjoy gorilla trekking tours on Earth. The others are Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Not only is Virunga National Park known for gorillas, but it’s also home to chimpanzees and golden monkeys. More still, over 169 mammal species can be spotted, especially on nature walks.
While tracking gorillas in Congo’s Virunga National Park, you can encounter some of the rare animals on earth, such as:
- Dent’s Mona Monkeys
- Central African Red Colobus
- Okapis and,
- Black and white colobus monkeys
- Giant forest hog, etc.
For bird lovers, be expectant to spot several amazing birds, including some Central African bird species.
GORILLA FAMILIES IN CONGO’S VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK
There are 10 habituated mountain gorilla families in Virunga National Park, and these include.
- Kabirizi
- Bageni
- Lulengo
- Rugendo
- Nyakamwe
- Wilungula
- Humba
- Munyaga
- Mapuwa, and
- Baraka
Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega Park is the best destination to have a lowland gorilla trekking experience in East Africa destinations.
Covering about 6000 km² on the western banks of Lake Kivu, Kahuzi Biega National Park is one of the biggest protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Due to its unique, thrilling biodiversity, Kahuzi Biega National Park is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! This stunning park in DR Congo is home to over 250 Eastern lowland gorillas and about 5 gorilla family groups are habituated and open for Congo gorilla safari tours.
Habituated gorilla groups in Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park are:
- Mpungwe Group
- Nganwa Group
- Chimanuka Group
- Bonnani Group
- Mugahuka Group
Please note that the Democratic Republic of Congo Eastern lowland gorillas are very similar to the Western lowland gorillas of Odzala National Park in Congo Brazzaville of Central Africa. All these live in lower altitudes except the mountain gorillas.
During your gorilla expedition in Kahuzi Biega National Park, lucky visitors can encounter the following during nature walks:
- Forest Elephants—one of the rare endangered species in Africa
- Dent’s Mona Monkey
- Red-tailed Monkeys
- Central African Red Colobus and
- Colorful bird species, e.g. Albertine Owlet, Congo Peafowl, etc.
There are chimpanzees in Kahuzi Biega National Park but they’re not open for chimpanzee trekking tours.
How Much Is a Gorilla Permit in Congo? | How Much Does It Cost to See Gorillas in Congo? | How Much Is Gorilla Trekking in DRC?
Most travelers intending to have gorilla tours in Congo ask how much the gorilla trekking fee is or how much the Virunga gorilla trek is!
Below is the cost of the gorilla tracking permit in Congo:
- Non-Residents: $400
- Foreign Residents: $400
- Congolese Citizens: $200
You can’t undertake a gorilla trek in Virunga National Park without a gorilla tracking permit! Therefore, we advise you to book your Congo gorilla permits in advance as they’re limited.
A gorilla permit in Congo is the cheapest among all countries for gorilla tracking tours.
What Is Included in the Gorilla Trekking Permit in Congo?
The permit for a gorilla trek in Congo Virunga Park includes the park entrance fees as well as fees for armed park rangers who escort you into the jungle.
Note that it excludes transport fees, accommodation, and charges for porters if you need one!
Where and How to Buy a Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit?
Gorilla trekking permits in Congo can directly be bought from Virunga Park headquarters in Goma or booked through your tour operator. You can reach the park headquarters by call or email.
Usually, travelers intending to undertake gorilla tours in Congo book their permits through reliable local tour operators. A tour operator can help you out if you are interested in last-minute Congo gorilla permits.
Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money? | Is Gorilla Trekking Worth It in Congo?
Given the fact that gorilla trekking safaris are more expensive compared to other safaris in Africa, most travelers end up inquiring whether gorilla tours are worth the money!
Undeniably, gorilla Congo safaris are worth the money, and below is why:
- Mountain gorillas cannot live in captivity: A huge portion of the revenue collected goes into conserving their habitats threatened by man.
- A big percentage of revenue is also used to pay park rangers who monitor these giants in the jungle. Rangers protect these cool giants from poachers!
- More still, huge revenue goes back into developing communities around Mountain Gorilla National Parks. For instance, it helps in building schools, health centers, roads, as well as rural electrification.
- This adventure is worth the money! Imagine that feeling of encountering these incredible humanlike primates in their charming natural habitat. Many travelers rank it as the best safari experience in Africa.
How Long Is Gorilla Trekking in Congo?
In all national parks for gorilla trekking safari tours in Congo, the gorilla trek can take about 2-8 hours.
The duration of the mountain gorilla trek depends on the movement of gorillas in the jungle. This trek starts with the briefing at 8 a.m. at the park control center and normally lasts for 30 minutes.
During the briefing, a ranger will share with you the park’s history and biodiversity as well as dos and don’ts to follow while undertaking this adventure.
Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations for Congo Gorilla Safaris
Mountain gorilla tracking rules are put in place to protect the endangered mountain gorillas as well as tourists who visit them.
On your Congo gorilla tour in Virunga National Park, these are the guidelines to follow:
- Persons below 15 years are not allowed to undertake a gorilla trek.
- Only 8 persons are allowed to visit a gorilla group per day. This helps to reduce stress on gorillas.
- It’s illegal to undertake a gorilla trek if you have contagious diseases, e.g., flu and cough.
- You must follow the rangers’ instructions while tracking the endangered gorillas.
- Never make noise while on a gorilla tracking trail. Noise frightens gorillas!
- It’s illegal to litter the park. Live the pack with what you came in with.
- Eating, drinking, or smoking near the endangered gorillas is illegal. Gorilla can grab them from you!
- You’re not allowed to touch gorillas—they’re still wild animals, although habituated!
- Keep a safe distance of about 7-10 m from gorillas.
- Don’t use a flash camera while taking photos; it stresses gorillas.
- Tourists are limited to one hour with gorillas.
- On rare occasions, if a mountain gorilla charges at you, crouch down, don’t run, and avoid looking directly into its eyes!
The above gorilla tour trekking rules in Congo also apply in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Park and Mgahinga National Park as well as Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
What Is the Best Time for Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris? What Are the Best Months for Safari in Congo?
The best time to go gorilla trekking in DR Congo is during the dry season—June to August and December to February.
During the above months, less rainfall is received in DRC; thus, little rainfall inconveniences in Virunga National Park. The trails for tracking gorillas are usually dry and easy to hike.
March to May are wet months and rainfall can be received in most hours of the day. However, in these months, it’s easier to spot mountain gorillas as they don’t move to higher altitudes in search of food. Also, lodges give out discounts as it’s a low season.
Packing List for Congo Gorilla Safaris What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking Safari in Congo?
It’s not wise to travel with big luggage for your Congo gorilla safari! This applies even when you are on Rwanda gorilla safaris in Volcanoes National Park.
Here are the essential items you should have on your gorilla tours in Congo:
- A camera—It must have enough storage space.
- Insect repellents for instance, while visiting Virunga Park in eastern Congo.
- Sturdy hiking boots are ideal during nature walks.
- A light backpack helps to keep your day essentials during the gorilla hike.
- Sun protection gear, i.e. A sunhat, sunscreens, and sunglasses
- Bottled water keeps you hydrated during gorilla tracking.
- Garden gloves
- Rain jacket
- Some energy-giving snacks
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
Wear for Congo Safaris – What Do You Wear to a Gorilla Safari in Congo? | What to Wear for Congo Gorilla Trekking?
If you’re visiting DRC for a Congo gorilla safari, consider putting on comfortable, eco-friendly clothes.
These include:
- Long-sleeved shirts & trousers
These have to be in khaki, grey, or brown colors. Bright colors such as red stress mountain gorillas.
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers safeguard from biting insects and cuts in the jungle during nature walks.
Keep you stable in case you encounter slippery areas along the gorilla track. More still, it protects your feet from cuts and piercing objects.
Will safeguard you from direct sunshine as you trek gorillas, especially in the dry season.
Safeguards your eyes from strong direct tropical sunlight
It’s of great use in case rain finds you in the jungle while on gorilla tours in Congo.
Protect your eyes from the strong sunlight during the gorilla tracking.
Is Gorilla Trekking in Congo Safe? | Is It Safe to See Gorillas in Congo? | Is Congo Gorilla Trekking Safe?
Is it safe to travel to Congo? is a common inquiry we normally get from our clients planning to undertake Congo gorilla safaris. This fear arises because the DRC is among the African countries that have been politically insecure for quite a long time.
Regardless of the above fact, gorilla tours in Congo are safe! Here are the reasons supporting this statement.
- During your gorilla trekking safari in Virunga National Park, you’ll be escorted by armed rangers. These ensure that you’re safe.
- Congo gorilla safaris are done on fully habituated mountain gorilla families. It’s rare for gorillas to charge.
- Armed park rangers always patrol the park daily to drive out any possibility of poachers.
Always inquire from the tour operator about your safety on a Congo gorilla safari tour.
Which Country is Safest for Gorilla Trekking?
Even though all gorilla tours in Africa are thought to be safe, gorilla treks in Uganda as well as Rwanda are considered the safest.
In Congo, these expeditions are safe; however, this country is prone to several rebel groups. Always seek travel advice before visiting Congo.
How Hard Is Congo Gorilla Trekking? | How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking Congo?
This is another common query for travelers coming for gorilla tours in Congo on their Congo safaris.
Well, Congo gorilla safaris are fairly challenging but they can be done by every person with a minimum level of fitness.
The trek involves going through a thick tropical rainforest, challenging hillsides, as well as valleys. In case your fitness level is low, there are porters to assist you with your backpack and give you a push on the trail.
On spotting mountain gorillas, you’ll forget all the hardships you have gone through on the trail. This experience is memorable!
It’s ideal you try raising your body fitness level before your Congo safari tour!
How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost in Congo? | How Much Does It Cost to Go on a Safari in Congo?
No travel company has a fixed rate for Congo gorilla safari tours!
This is because the cost of gorilla tours in Congo is influenced by several factors, such as:
- The accommodation class you choose to use
- Duration of your trip
- Transport means you wish to use
- Your group size and
- Activities you wish to undertake on your Congo safari tour, etc.
- A 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Congo can cost about $1200 per person.
Why Go for Congo Safaris? | Why Do Tourists Visit the Congo? | Is Congo Good for Tourists?
There are several reasons why travelers visit the Democratic Republic of Congo on top of their safaris in other East African destinations, for instance, the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda.
The following are the reasons why tourists visit Congo:
- DR Congo is one of the few areas in Africa to spot mountain gorillas. Other areas include Uganda in its Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks as well as Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.
- Among the East African destinations, DRC is the only place to have a lowland gorilla trekking experience.
- This country boasts several amazing natural wonders. For example, the Congo River (the 2nd longest river in the world) and Nyiragongo Volcano, which holds the largest lava lake in the world.
- DRC boats unique wildlife species that are hard to spot in other East African destinations. Among these include Okapis, gorillas, as well as Pygmy chimps.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo is also an ideal destination for incredible mountain hiking adventures in Africa. On your Congo tours, you’ll get a chance to hike Nyiragongo, an active volcano that is capped with the world’s largest lava lake.
- Congo is also a paradise for bird lovers. It holds one of the highest checklists of birds in Africa, including bird species in West Africa.
What Wildlife Is in the Republic of the Congo? | What Animals Live in the Republic of the Congo?
Due to many habitats in the Democratic Republic of Congo, such as thick rainforests, seasonally flooded forests, and grasslands, DR Congo is home to hundreds of wildlife species.
Among these include:
Primates
Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys in Virunga National Park are the key primates in the DRC. Among others include Bonobos, Red-tailed Monkeys, Dent’s Mona Monkey, etc.
Note:
- Globally, mountain gorillas can only be spotted in Volcanoes Park, Rwanda, and Mgahinga, as well as Bwindi National Parks of Uganda.
- In Africa, the golden monkey only lives in Virunga National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park, as well as the Volcanoes Park of Rwanda.
A golden monkey is one of the most beautiful monkeys in Africa.
Other Notable Animal Species in Congo:
- Elephants
- Leopards—rare
- Lions—rare
- Okapis
- White Rhinos
- Giraffes
- Antelopes and,
- Spotted Hyenas, etc.
Can You See Gorillas in Congo?
Yes, you can see mountain gorillas in the DR Congo. These gentle giants in the Democratic Republic of Congo are best encountered by undertaking a Congo gorilla safari trip in Virunga National Park.
Travelers interested in Eastern lowland gorilla trekking should visit Kahuzi Beiga National Park.
You must be at least 15 years old and free from contagious diseases such as flu or cough.
Are There Any Gorillas in the Congo? | Is the Gorilla from Congo Real?
Yes, there are mountain gorillas in Congo, and they make up the major attractions of this country.
Congo has 2 gorilla species, i.e., the mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
A gorilla is a key tourist attraction in Africa.
Congo Gorilla Population: How Many Gorillas Are Left in the Congo? | How Many Gorillas Are in Congo?
The Democratic Republic of Congo holds about 604 mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area within eastern Congo. On this total, Congo Virunga National Park has about 1/3 of the population.
The other remaining total lives in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, and Uganda’s Mgahinga Park.
About 250 lowland gorillas live in Congo’s Kahuzi Biega park.
There’s no Western lowland gorilla in the Democratic Republic of Congo; they’re only found in Odzala National Park.
What Is the Largest Gorilla in the World?
Out of the 4 gorilla species in the world, the Grauer’s gorilla (Eastern lowland gorilla) is the largest.
Mature ones can weigh about 100-120 kg. They are bigger than mountain gorillas and live in lower altitudes.
Among East African destinations, these can only be spotted in Kahuzi Biega Park of DRC.
Which Is the Best Safari Park in Congo? | What Is the Best Safari Park in Congo?
Prominently known for gorilla tours, Virunga National Park is the best park in DR Congo. In this stunning park, you’ll enjoy the Nyiragongo hike.
Other amazing national parks in Congo are:
- Kahuzi Biega National Park—known for Eastern lowland gorilla trekking.
- Garamba NP
- Upemba NP
- Salonga NP—home to Bonobos, another key tourist attraction of Congo
Which Country Is Best for Gorilla Trekking? | What Country Has the Most Gorillas?
Uganda holds almost half of the 1,063 remaining mountain gorillas on Earth! These dwell in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. Bwindi alone is home to over 459 mountain gorillas, which is about 50% of the world’s total.
The other country to go for standard gorilla tracking tours in Africa is Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park.
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700, and that of Rwanda Volcanoes National Park is $1500 and $400 in Congo. Therefore, there price to visit gorillas in Uganda is almost half the price of Rwanda.
Does Congo Have Safari? Is There a Safari in Congo?
Yes, there are safaris in Congo! Although Congo safaris are prominent for gorilla tours, there are several other wonderful adventures you can undertake while on your Congo vacation trip.
These include:
- Volcano hiking adventures, i.e. Nyiragongo hike
- Chimpanzee trekking tours and
- Birding tours, etc.
Congo Hotels: Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Congo?
On your gorilla trekking tour in Congo, you have various choices of accommodations to choose from. These include budget, mid-range, as well as luxury safari lodges.
Most of the lodges in Congo offer standard accommodation and they are set in areas offering panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains to guests.
Best Luxury Hotels in Congo, Luxury Lodges in Congo
These offer the best accommodation as well as services to guests on Congo gorilla safaris. Most of them have swimming pools, hold ensuite rooms, and have air-conditioned rooms, etc.
They include:
- Mikeno Lodge
- Buhoma Lodge
- Orchids Safari Club
- Lac Kivu Lodge
- L’Orchis Safari Club
Popular Midrange Congo Hotels
Midrange hotels in Congo offer standard, comfortable accommodation. These hotels are taken to be 3-4 star hotels.
These include:
- Lake Side Hotel Bukavu
- Hotel Begonais Bukavu
- Coco Lodge Bukavu
- Panorama Hotel
- Kumbuka Tented Camp
- Lulimba Tented Camp
Top Budget Congo Hotels
Usually, these hotels are used by travelers undertaking budget Congo gorilla safaris.
They include:
- Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelter
- Exodus Bukavu
- Mont Kahuzi Hotel
- Ngila Lodge Virunga
- Hotel Elizabeth
- Kibumba Tented Camp and Lodge
- Hotel Begonias Bukavu
Best Travel Congo Companies, Congo Tour Operators, and Congo Travel Agencies to Use on Your Congo Safaris
If you’re coming for your Congo safari tour, it’s ideal to book your trip with a reputable tour operator.
Here are the best Congo safari companies to book your Congo gorilla safaris with:
- Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Congo Gorilla Safaris & Tours
- Africa Safaris Tours
Best Congo Gorilla Safari Packages: Popular Congo Tours for You
Congo gorilla safaris can be combined with Rwanda safari tours in Volcanoes National Park as well as Uganda safaris. The choice is yours!
The following are some of the best Congo holiday packages/Congo tour packages you should try out:
- 3-Day Lowland Gorilla Safari in Congo
- 3-Day Nyiragongo Hike Congo Safari
- 3-Day Congo Safari Mountain Gorilla Trek
- 5 Days Congo Safari: Gorillas and Nyiragongo hike mountain hike
- 10 Days Congo Safari: Uganda & Rwanda, Lake Kivu, Wildlife, and Chimpanzee Trekking
- 12 Days Uganda-Rwanda-Congo Safari, Gorillas, Chimpanzee trekking, Lake Kivu and Wildlife Safari
In conclusion, gorilla trekking safaris in Congo provide a unique chance to interact directly with two distinct gorilla species: the mountain gorillas and the endangered lowland gorillas.
For outstanding safari memories, most travelers combine their Congo safaris with either Rwanda tours or Uganda wildlife tours.
If You’re Ready to Undertake Congo Safaris, Let’s Travel Together for the Ultimate Congo Safari in Africa Experience. Inquire Now!
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