Are you fascinated by the idea of embarking on a mountain gorilla trek in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but currently based in Uganda? Then you might want to consider this DR Congo mountain gorilla safari, which offers an exciting opportunity to explore Virunga National Park for gorilla trekking. Virunga National Park is a world-renowned destination, renowned for its diverse tropical rainforest and recognized as the oldest national park in Africa. It is best known for gorilla trekking in Congo, but there are other equally thrilling activities to indulge in, such as hiking the Nyiragongo volcano, birdwatching, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, and habituation. It is worth noting that there are only three countries in the world that are home to mountain gorillas, namely Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while Rwanda’s gorillas are located in Volcanoes National Park. All these national parks are situated in close proximity to each other, forming the Virunga Massif.
Looking to explore DR Congo’s mountain gorillas in style? Look no further than Trek Africa Expeditions, the ultimate provider of both budget and luxury safaris. Our Luxury DR Congo mountain gorilla safaris from Kigali offer the ultimate in opulence, including VIP treatment, high-end accommodations, and transportation in our luxury land cruisers. Whether you’re seeking an adventure or just want to relax in comfort, we’ve got you covered. Don’t see what you’re looking for on our website? No problem – simply send us an email and we’ll customize a tour to fit your specific interests, budget, and schedule.
Looking for a seamless and hassle-free way to book your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Uganda? Look no further than Trek Africa Expeditions! As a leading destination management company, we specialize in organizing unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experiences.
With our offices located in Uganda, we handle everything from checking the availability of Virunga National Park gorilla permits to arranging accommodation and transport to and from Uganda. All you need to do is send us your preferred travel dates, desired length of stay, and activities you wish to partake in Congo. Our team will then check availability and provide you with a comprehensive quote and itinerary.
Once you’ve decided to book with us, we’ll send you an invoice and secure your gorilla permits in advance. We’ll even send you a scan copy of your permit for your records and confirmation of your booking. And if you have any questions or concerns, our team is always available to provide immediate assistance via email info@trekafricatours.com. Trust us to handle all the details so that you can focus on enjoying an unforgettable mountain gorilla safari experience!
Are you wondering about the best and easiest way to experience mountain gorilla trekking in Congo from Uganda? The answer depends on your location within Uganda and your preferred mode of transportation.
If you are in Kabale, Kisoro, Kasese, or other southern parts of Uganda, you can drive to Congo by car in just 3-4 hours. However, if you are in the northern, western, eastern, or central parts of Uganda, we recommend taking a domestic flight from Entebbe to Kisoro or Kigali airports before driving to Virunga National Park for gorilla trekking.
At Trek Africa Expeditions, we make this journey stress-free by providing a fleet of 4×4 vans or jeeps and experienced safari driver guides stationed in both Uganda and Kigali. Our knowledgeable guides are well-versed in the best routes to and from Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda, ensuring that you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip.
Ready to unlock the best and easiest way to experience mountain gorilla trekking in Congo from Uganda? Contact us via email today, and we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan your unforgettable adventure.
Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every wildlife enthusiast should undertake. Virunga National Park in Congo is one of the few places in the world where visitors can witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer all-inclusive gorilla tour packages with no hidden costs for visitors who want to embark on this unforgettable adventure.
The daily gorilla trekking activity in Virunga National Park starts with a briefing at 7:45 am. Visitors are allocated a gorilla for their trek that day and then start their walk into the Virunga forest to find the gorillas. Once they find the gorillas, they spend one hour in their presence, during which they can take photographs and learn more about the mountain gorilla habitat and their survival in Virunga National Park. Visitors may also have the chance to see other attractions like birds and primates, depending on their luck.
The gorilla permit price is the most essential and priority cost that visitors will incur to secure their trek in Virunga National Park. Our tour packages range from budget safaris to luxury safaris, tailored to your interests.
For the DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Uganda, the number of days you will spend on your safari will be determined by your location in Uganda at the time of starting your trip. If you are starting from Entebbe/Kampala, you will need at least 4 days, where you will drive to Kisoro or Kabale for an overnight stay on day one. On day two, you will drive to Congo Virunga National Park, trek gorillas on day three, and then drive back to Kisoro/Kabale for an overnight stay. On the last day, day four, you will drive back to Kampala/Entebbe for drop-off to end the tour.
For a 4-day trip from Uganda, our budget option costs USD1500 per person in a group of two, which includes gorilla permits, transportation, accommodation, meals, and guide services. With Trek Africa Expeditions, you can embark on a hassle-free, all-inclusive gorilla trekking tour in Virunga National Park. Contact us today to book your adventure!
Mountain gorilla trekking in DR Congo’s Virunga National Park is a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience for wildlife enthusiasts. The most crucial factor when planning a gorilla trek in Congo is acquiring gorilla permits, which are mandatory for any trekker. Compared to other gorilla trekking parks in Uganda and Rwanda, Congo’s Virunga National Park offers cheaper and more affordable gorilla trekking experiences.
The park offers both normal and discounted gorilla permits for mountain gorilla trekking. During the high season, which runs from December to February and June to October, the cost of gorilla permits is 400 USD per person per trek. The high season coincides with holiday seasons for many travelers and is also a dry season, making it easier for trekkers to navigate the forest trails. It’s essential to book your trek in advance, preferably three months early, to secure your permits during these peak seasons.
Discounted gorilla permits are offered during the off-season months of March, April, May, and early December, November, and October, at 200 USD per person per trek. The offer runs from 15th March to 15th May and 15th October to 15th December annually. Similar to normal permits, advance booking for discounted permits is crucial to secure your spot for gorilla trekking.
Once you confirm your trip with Trek Africa Expeditions by making payment for the permits, they will secure your permits at the Virunga National Park headquarters and send you a receipt scan to confirm your trekking date. After securing your permits, you can book your international flights and pay the balance for all the other services provided by Trek Africa Expeditions. With their all-inclusive gorilla tour packages, you don’t have to worry about hidden costs as they cater to all the essential aspects of your trip, from accommodation to transportation and guide services. So, pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Congo’s Virunga National Park.
Virunga National Park is home to a limited number of mountain gorillas, with only six families open for gorilla trekking activity. These include Kabirizi, Humba, Rugendo, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Munyaga, Nyakamwe, and Bageni gorilla groups. Among them, Kabirizi is the largest group with over three dozen gorilla individuals, making it a popular choice among tourists for gorilla trekking.
If you’re planning a Congo mountain gorilla safari from Uganda, you shouldn’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the major activities done in Virunga National Park, and it’s an opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
To trek the Kabirizi gorilla group, you’ll need to book your gorilla permit at least three months in advance to secure your spot. While the gorilla trekking activity is limited to one hour, you’ll have a chance to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat and even take photographs.
Overall, mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is a must-do experience on your Congo safari from Uganda. It’s an opportunity to not only see these incredible animals but also to support conservation efforts and contribute to the local economy.
Apart from mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and habituation are the next popular activities to experience in Virunga National Park during your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Uganda. Chimpanzee tracking offers a one-hour encounter with the chimpanzees while chimpanzee habituation provides an entire day of interaction with these intelligent primates. Both treks start in the morning, and you’ll be accompanied by trackers and researchers as you venture through the Virunga forest to locate the chimpanzees. You’ll have the opportunity to observe and learn about their habits, feeding patterns, and natural behaviors. If you opt for the chimpanzee habituation trek, you’ll spend the day with them until they nest for the night.
There are several chimpanzee groups in Virunga National Park, and the experience is equally fascinating regardless of the group you encounter. However, just like gorilla trekking, you’ll need to book your chimpanzee tracking or habituation permit at least three months in advance to avoid missing out on this incredible adventure. Don’t hesitate to secure your spot and enjoy the chance to spend time with these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.
Virunga National Park is home to one of the oldest tropical rainforests in Africa, characterized by dense vegetation and a stunning landscape. When you embark on a nature walk through this forest during your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Uganda, you will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Virunga landscape and learn about the various tree species that thrive in this ecosystem. Additionally, you may spot various bird species and even catch a glimpse of some mammals and reptiles if you are keen enough.
As you traverse through the forest, your expert guide will provide you with insightful information about the flora and fauna that call Virunga National Park their home. The sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves will provide a soothing ambiance as you immerse yourself in the beauty of this natural wonder. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the tranquility and natural splendor of the Virunga Forest.
Nyiragongo Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers on a DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Uganda. With an elevation of 3,470 m (11,380 ft), hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The volcano has erupted at least 34 times since 1882, and the most recent eruption was in 2002.
The hike to the summit of Nyiragongo Volcano takes about 5-6 hours, depending on your fitness level. During the hike, you will be accompanied by experienced guides who will help you navigate through the challenging terrain. The climb can be strenuous, but the reward is worth it when you reach the top and see the boiling lava lake, which is one of the largest in the world.
As you stand on the edge of the crater, you will feel the heat and hear the roar of the molten lava. The view of the surrounding landscape is also breathtaking. You can spend the night at the summit and enjoy the mesmerizing view of the lava lake under the starry sky. It is truly an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.
If you plan to hike the Nyiragongo Volcano, it is essential to book your permit in advance to avoid missing out. Also, make sure you have the right gear and clothing for the hike, as the temperature can drop at the summit.
If you’re an avid bird watcher, a visit to Virunga National Park on your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Uganda is a must-do activity. The park boasts a diverse range of habitats and landscapes, from forests to swamps and grasslands, attracting a vast number of bird species. With over 706 recorded bird species, a birding safari in Virunga Forest provides the opportunity to observe and identify a wide variety of birds. Contact us at info@trekafricatours.com to organize your bird watching safari in Virunga National Park.
Booking a DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Uganda requires careful consideration of your budget and timing. Virunga National Park in Congo offers both normal and discounted gorilla trekking permits, but the availability of permits can be limited, and they often sell out quickly in advance. To avoid disappointment, it is advisable to book your trek at least 3 months in advance. Trek Africa Expeditions can help you secure your gorilla permits by checking availability, reserving them, and making payment on your behalf. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park – contact us today to book your safari.
If you’re planning a trip to Virunga National Park for mountain gorilla trekking, you’ll want to consider the best time to visit. The park is located in the tropics, with tropical rainforest vegetation and unpredictable rainfall. However, there are still optimal months to visit.
The dry season, which occurs in December, January, February, June, July, August, and September, is the best time to visit. During these months, the trails are drier and easier to walk, and the vegetation is not fully grown, making it easier to spot the gorillas.
On the other hand, the wet season, which falls in March, April, May, October, and November, may not be the best time to visit. The trails are much slipperier and harder to navigate due to the fully grown vegetation.
However, Virunga National Park offers discounted gorilla permits for tourists who want to visit the gorillas during the rainy months at only USD 200. This discounted price is mainly to accommodate budget travelers who wish to trek the gorillas during the low tourist turnout.
Getting to Virunga National Park in Congo for mountain gorilla trekking is accessible from Uganda via two main routes. Travelers who prefer flying can take a flight from Entebbe Airport to either Kisoro or Kigali Airports. From Kisoro Airport, you can cross the Cyanika border and connect to Gisenyi town. From there, cross the Rwanda-Congo border to Goma town in DR Congo and drive towards Bukima until you reach the park headquarters of Virunga National Park, which is approximately a 2-hour drive from Gisenyi town.
Alternatively, for those who prefer to drive, you can drive to Kigali from any location in Uganda through Kabale or Kisoro and cross the Uganda-Rwanda border at either Katuna or Cyanika. From Goma town, cross the Rwanda-Congo border and proceed to Virunga National Park where you will start your gorilla trekking experience.
It is important to note that Virunga National Park is the only place in Congo where mountain gorilla trekking is conducted. Therefore, tourists planning to embark on this adventure should plan accordingly and arrange their transportation well in advance
There are several accommodation options available in Virunga National Park, ranging from budget to luxury. If you are on a budget, you can stay at Bukima Tented Camp or Kibumba Tented Camp, among others, for a fare of around 90-100 dollars per person per night. For mid-range options, Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp are good choices, with fares ranging from 100-200 dollars per person per night. For luxury accommodations, Mikeno Lodge is an excellent choice, with fares ranging from 200-400 dollars per person per night. Just let us know your preference and we will check availability and make the booking for you. Feel free to contact us at info@trekafricatours.com for more information or to book your trip..