How to See Gorillas in Congo?

How to See Gorillas in Congo? – Exploring Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

How to See Gorillas in Congo? — Are you interested in experiencing the thrill of seeing gorillas in their natural habitat in the Congo? If you are searching for the best ways to embark on this adventure, Trek Africa Expeditions offers a variety of Congo Gorilla Safari options departing from Kigali. In the DRC, you can witness the majestic mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park or encounter the rare lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

To participate in gorilla trekking in the DRC, it is essential to secure a gorilla trekking permit well in advance, ideally at least three months before your planned visit. The permit costs $400 per person per trek and serves as a guarantee for your opportunity to trek and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.

Highlights of Activities While Visiting Congo

• Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park: Explore the dense forests of Virunga, home to one of the world’s largest populations of mountain gorillas.
• Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park: Trek through the rugged terrain to encounter the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, known for their impressive size.
• Hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano: Challenge yourself with a hike to the summit of this active volcano for a chance to see its fiery lava lake.
• Visiting Goma City: Experience the vibrant culture and history of Goma, a city nestled on the edge of Lake Kivu.
• Exploring Lake Kivu: Enjoy the serene beauty of this large freshwater lake, shared between Rwanda and the DRC.

Where and How to See Gorillas in Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to three different gorilla species across various national parks.

• Mountain Gorillas: These can be found in Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its biodiversity.
• Eastern Lowland Gorillas: These reside in Kahuzi Biega and Maiko National Parks, offering a unique trekking experience.
• Western Lowland Gorillas: These can be observed in Lesio Louna National Park in the northern region, where trekking can be done by boat.

About Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park, the oldest national park in Africa, is a lush tropical rainforest teeming with diverse wildlife and famous for mountain gorilla trekking. Beyond gorilla trekking, visitors can engage in other activities such as hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano, bird watching, nature walks, and chimpanzee tracking. Virunga is part of the Virunga Massif, a region shared with Uganda and Rwanda, which is home to the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. Uganda’s gorillas reside in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while Rwanda’s can be found in Volcanoes National Park.

About Kahuzi Biega National Park

Established in 1970, Kahuzi Biega National Park is a premier destination for trekking the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas. These gorillas are the largest of the four gorilla subspecies and can only be observed in this park. Located about 30 kilometers from Bukavu town, the park offers an exclusive experience with 12 gorilla families, of which only two are habituated for trekking: the Chimanuka and Mugaruka groups. Chimanuka is particularly famous for being one of the largest gorilla families, consisting of over 36 individuals.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Gorilla trekking in the DRC is an extraordinary experience offered in both Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park. To participate, a gorilla trekking permit is required. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we handle all aspects of permit booking for you, ensuring a hassle-free planning process. Due to the limited number of habituated groups, it is recommended to book your permit at least five months in advance.

• Lowland Gorilla Trekking Permit (Kahuzi Biega National Park):
  • Non-Residents: USD 400
  • East African Residents: USD 200
  • National Citizens of Congo: USD 20
• Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permit (Virunga National Park):
  • High Season (Mid-December to Mid-March, June to October): USD 400 per person per trek
  • Low Season (Mid-March to Mid-May, Mid-October to Mid-December): USD 200 per person per trek

Gorilla trekking in Virunga is a daily activity, and Trek Africa Expeditions offers all-inclusive tour packages that cater to various budgets, from budget-friendly options to luxury safaris. We also offer tours starting from Kigali, Rwanda, making it convenient for travelers to access the DRC. For instance, a 2-day trip from Kigali, including gorilla permits, transportation, accommodation, meals, and guide services, costs approximately USD 1,100 per person for a group of two.

Best Time to Visit Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Congo’s tropical climate ensures that it experiences warm temperatures and rain throughout the year. Both Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks share similar weather patterns, making it crucial to choose the right time for your gorilla trekking adventure.

The best periods to visit Congo for gorilla trekking are during the dry seasons. These months—December, January, February, June, July, August, and September—offer drier trails and less dense vegetation, which enhances the visibility of gorillas and makes trekking easier. The dry conditions also mean that the trails are less slippery and more manageable.

In contrast, the wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, can be more challenging. During these months, the vegetation is lush and trails can be muddy and slippery, making gorilla trekking more difficult. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you might consider visiting during the wet season. Gorilla trekking permits are offered at a reduced rate of $200 per person during these months (from March 15 to May 15 and October 15 to December 15).

Where to Stay for Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Accommodations in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets:

• Budget Options: Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp provide comfortable stays with rates ranging from $90 to $100 per night per person.
• Mid-Range Options: Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp offer more amenities with rates between $100 and $200 per night per person.
• Luxury Options: Mikeno Lodge provides a high-end experience with rates ranging from $200 to $400 per night per person.

Please let us know your preferences, and we can check availability and make reservations for you accordingly.

Accommodations in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Similarly, Kahuzi Biega National Park offers various lodging options:

• Budget Options: Hotels such as Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu, and Lake Side Hotel Bukavu offer stays ranging from $90 to $100 per night per person.
• Mid-Range Options: Coco Lodge Bukavu provides a comfortable mid-range experience with rates between $100 and $200 per night per person.
• Luxury Options: L’Orchids Safari Club offers premium accommodations with rates ranging from $200 to $400 per night per person.

Let us know your accommodation preferences, and we will ensure to book the best option for you.

How to get to Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Congo involves traveling to either Kahuzi Biega National Park or Virunga National Park, both located in the eastern part of the country. The most convenient way to access these parks is by flying into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. From Kigali, you will travel to Gisenyi, a town near the Rwanda-Congo border. After crossing the border into Goma, DR Congo, you will drive approximately two hours to reach the park headquarters of either Kahuzi Biega or Virunga National Park, where your gorilla trek will begin.

Why Book a Congo Gorilla Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions

Trek Africa Expeditions is highly experienced in organizing exceptional gorilla safaris to both Uganda and Rwanda. We are well-regarded on TripAdvisor for our eco-friendly and luxurious safari experiences. Our safaris are designed to offer unforgettable adventures while contributing to wildlife conservation and community upliftment. In addition to gorilla trekking, we offer diverse experiences such as chimpanzee trekking, Big Five safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters.

Our expertise extends to organizing safaris across popular African destinations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia. Contact us to learn more about booking a gorilla safari in Congo and to explore the incredible experiences we can offer.