If you’re a nature enthusiast based in Kigali, Rwanda and interested in trekking mountain gorillas, a DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali is the perfect opportunity for you. You’ll get the chance to visit the Virunga National Park, one of the oldest and most diverse tropical rainforests in Africa, and famous for mountain gorilla trekking in Congo.
Apart from the gorilla trekking activity, you’ll also have the chance to engage in other exciting activities such as hiking the Nyirangongo volcano, bird watching, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking and habituation. It’s worth noting that only three countries in the world are home to mountain gorillas, namely Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. Rwanda’s mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while Congo’s mountain gorillas are located in Virunga National Park.
All of these national parks are situated close to each other, forming what is known as the Virunga Massif. Don’t miss this chance to explore the beauty of the Virunga National Park and see these majestic animals up close in their natural habitat. Book your DR Congo gorilla safari from Kigali today!
If you’re looking to book a DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali, look no further than Trek Africa Expeditions. As a top destination management company for mountain gorilla trekking, we have offices in Uganda that take care of all the logistics, including checking availability of Virunga National Park gorilla permits, arranging accommodation in the park, and providing transportation to and from Kigali.
Our fleet of vehicles stationed in Kigali includes 4×4 vans and jeeps, driven by well-trained safari driver guides who are knowledgeable about the region. They know all the best routes to and from Kigali, ensuring you feel safe and comfortable throughout your journey.
Whether you prefer a budget or luxury safari, we have the experience and expertise to provide you with a memorable gorilla trekking experience in DR Congo. We’ll take care of everything, from arranging your park permits to booking your accommodations and transportation.
If you have any special requests or want a customized tour to suit your interests, budget, and schedule, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is always ready to assist you in planning your dream DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali.
Encountering mountain gorillas is an exciting experience that happens daily in the Virunga National Park located in Congo. The trek starts with a briefing at 7:45 am, followed by an allocation of a gorilla for your trekking day. You will then begin your walk into the Virunga forest to find the gorillas, spending one hour with them once you do. You’ll have a chance to take photos and see other attractions like birds and primates depending on your luck. You will also learn about the mountain gorilla habitat and how they survive in Virunga National Park.
Trek Africa Expeditions provides all-inclusive gorilla tour packages with no hidden costs, ranging from budget to luxury safaris. The most significant cost is the gorilla permit price that you will pay to secure your trek in Virunga National Park. We offer Gorilla tour packages that start in Kigali for the DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali. For a two-day trip from Kigali, the cost is USD 1100 per person in a group of two, which includes gorilla permits. For budget options, transportation, accommodation, meals, and guide services are also included.
With Trek Africa Expeditions, you can have the best gorilla trekking experience in Congo without worrying about the cost. Book your tour package with us today and create unforgettable memories.
When it comes to seeing mountain gorillas in DR Congo‘s Virunga National Park, obtaining gorilla permits is essential. Compared to other national parks in Uganda and Rwanda, such as Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes, gorilla trekking in Congo is much more affordable. The park offers both normal and discounted gorilla permits for trekking to see these magnificent creatures.
During the high season or peak season of December, January, February, June, July, August, September, and early October, the gorilla permit in Virunga National Park costs $400 per person per trek. These months attract many visitors as it is the holiday season for many travelers, and it is also a dry season which makes it easier to trek and walk through the trails in the Virunga forest. If you plan to visit Congo for gorilla trekking during these months, it is advisable to book your trek at least three months in advance to avoid missing out on the gorilla permits.
For discounted gorilla permits trekking in Congo Virunga National park, they are offered during the off-season months of early March, April, and May, then early October, November, and early December annually at $200 per person per trek. This offer runs from the 15th of March to the 15th of May and then from the 15th of October to the 15th of December. The advance booking of the discounted permits is the same as the normal permits, and it is recommended to book your spot in advance, at least three months before the trekking date.
To secure your permits, simply contact us and confirm your trip by making the payment. We will then secure your permits at the Virunga National Park Congo headquarters and send you a scan of the receipt to confirm your trek for your specified date. Once we confirm your permits, you can book your international flights and pay the balance for all your services. Plan your gorilla trek in Congo now and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Embark on a thrilling DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali and experience the unforgettable. Encounter rare mountain gorillas up close in the wild, explore the lush Virunga National Park, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the region. With the help of experienced guides, you can trek through the misty forests to discover these majestic creatures and witness their natural habitat. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the local communities and support their conservation efforts. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime on a DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali.
Exploring the Virunga National Park in Congo is incomplete without experiencing mountain gorilla trekking. Despite having a vast habitat, the park only has six families of mountain gorillas available for trekking. These include Kabirizi, Humba, Rugendo, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Munyaga, Nyakamwe, and Bageni gorilla groups. Among these, the Kabirizi group is the most popular and has over three dozen gorilla individuals. Booking your gorilla permit at least three months in advance is recommended to avoid missing out on the trek, especially for the Kabirizi group. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience on your Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali.
Besides mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and habituation are the next most popular activities to do in Virunga National Park on your DR Congo safari from Kigali. Chimpanzee tracking offers a one-hour encounter with these primates, while chimpanzee habituation provides an entire day of interaction with them. Both experiences begin in the morning with a team of trackers and researchers guiding you through the Virunga forest to locate chimpanzees. You will have the opportunity to observe and discover their habits, feeding patterns, and natural behavior. Those on the chimpanzee habituation trek will spend the whole day with the primates until they nest for the night. However, just like with gorilla trekking permits, for chimpanzee tracking and habituation, it is essential to book your permit in advance, preferably at least three months before the intended trekking date to secure your spot.
Virunga National Park is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. One of the most captivating activities to undertake on your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali is taking a nature walk through the dense vegetation of the Virunga Forest. This forest is one of the oldest tropical rain forests in Africa and offers a unique and breathtaking landscape. During your walk, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about various tree species, spot beautiful birds, and if you’re lucky enough, you might even catch a glimpse of some mammals and reptiles. A nature walk through Virunga Forest is a must-do activity that shouldn’t be missed!
Exploration of the diverse habitats and landscapes of Virunga Forest makes it a must-visit location for bird enthusiasts on their DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali. The forest is home to more than 706 recorded bird species, making bird watching a fascinating and rewarding experience. The different habitats such as forests, swamps, and grasslands attract a variety of bird species, providing ample opportunities to observe and learn about them. With proper guidance, one can spot and see the different bird species that inhabit the Virunga Forest.
If you are looking for an adventure of a lifetime on your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali, hiking the Nyirangongo Volcano should be on your bucket list. Located in the Virunga National Park, the Nyirangongo Volcano stands tall at an elevation of 3,470 m (11,380 ft) and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The volcano has erupted at least 34 times since 1882, with the most recent eruption happening in 2002.
The hike to the summit of the Nyirangongo Volcano offers an unforgettable experience. As you climb, you will witness breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a spectacular sight of the world’s largest lava lake. The hike is challenging and takes approximately 4-6 hours to reach the summit, but it is definitely worth the effort.
Safety is a top priority, and all hikers are accompanied by experienced guides. It is also advisable to book your hike in advance and ensure that you are well-prepared with appropriate hiking gear and clothing. So, if you are seeking an unforgettable adventure and stunning views, the Nyirangongo Volcano Hike is an experience you won’t want to miss.
If you’re planning a mountain gorilla trekking safari in Virunga National Park, it’s important to consider the best time to visit. The park, located in the tropics, is covered in tropical rainforest vegetation, making it prone to uncertain rains any time of day or week. However, there are still ideal months to visit. The dry season, occurring in December, January, February, June, July, August, and September, makes it easier to walk through the drier trails, with less vegetation obstructing clear sightings of the gorillas. On the other hand, the wet season, from March to May and from October to November, brings fully-grown vegetation and slippery trails, making trekking harder.
Despite the challenging trekking conditions during the wet months, Virunga National Park still offers a discounted gorilla permit fee of USD 200 to budget travelers during this time, which is much lower than the regular price of USD 400. Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your preferences and budget.
Virunga National Park offers a variety of accommodations that cater to different budget ranges. For budget travelers, Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp are great options with nightly fares ranging from 90-100 dollars per person. If you’re willing to spend a little more, mid-range options such as Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp are available with nightly fares ranging from 100-200 dollars per person. For those seeking luxury, Mikeno Lodge is an excellent option with nightly fares ranging from 200-400 dollars per person.
When planning your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali, let us know your budget and preferences, and we will check for availability and book the perfect accommodation for you.
Accessing Virunga National Park in Congo for mountain gorilla trekking from Kigali is an adventure in itself. After arriving at Kigali International Airport, you will make your way to Gisenyi town, which is the border town with DR Congo. From there, you will cross the border to Goma town in DR Congo and drive towards Bukima. The park headquarters of Virunga National Park is located here, and this is where your gorilla trek will begin. The drive from Gisenyi town to the park headquarters takes approximately 2 hours. It’s an exciting journey that you’ll never forget, and our team can assist you in arranging for a seamless and stress-free transfer.
If you are planning to embark on a DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali, it is important to consider when to book your gorilla trek. Although discounted permits are available throughout the year, it is recommended to book your trek at least three months in advance, as permits can sell out quickly. To secure your permits, it’s best to contact Trek Africa Expeditions as early as possible. Our team will check the availability of gorilla permits in Virunga National Park, reserve them, and pay for them on your behalf. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience – book your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari today!