Cost of Seeing Mountain Gorillas in Congo

Cost of Seeing Mountain Gorillas in Congo

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences you can have in the Congo. This activity begins with a briefing at 7:45 AM, after which you’ll be assigned to one of the park’s mountain gorilla families for the trek. From there, you’ll venture into the lush Virunga forest to find the gorillas. Once located, you’ll have a one-hour encounter with them, observing their natural behaviors in the wild. Depending on the luck of the trek, you may also spot other wildlife like birds and primates. This is an opportunity to learn about the gorillas’ habitat and their survival in Virunga National Park.

Gorilla Trekking Permits Price

• High Season (Mid-December to Mid-March and June to October): USD 400 per person

• Low Season (Mid-March to Mid-May and Mid-October to Mid-December): USD 200 per person

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer all-inclusive gorilla trekking packages with no hidden fees. The most important cost you will incur is the gorilla permit itself, which secures your spot for the trek in Virunga National Park. We provide a range of tour packages from budget-friendly safaris to luxurious experiences, tailoring each trip to your interests and preferences. For example, a 2-day gorilla trekking safari from Kigali costs USD 1,100 per person (based on two people sharing), which includes the permit, transportation, meals, accommodation, and a guide.

How to Secure Gorilla Trekking Permits in Congo

To secure your gorilla trekking permit in Virunga National Park, simply contact us to confirm your trip and make a payment for the permit. After receiving your payment, we’ll arrange the permit through the park’s headquarters and send you a scanned receipt as confirmation. Once your permits are secured, you can book your international flights and pay the remaining balance for your safari package. It’s recommended to book permits at least 3 months in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.

Other Activities to Experience in Congo

In addition to gorilla trekking, there are several other exciting activities to enjoy in Virunga National Park:

Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

For those interested in lowland gorilla trekking, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is the place to go. This park is home to two gorilla families open for trekking, making permits highly competitive, especially during peak seasons (June, July, August, September, December, and February). Due to the limited availability of permits, they can sell out as far as four months in advance. If you’re planning to visit, it’s recommended to book your gorilla trekking permits at least 3–4 months ahead to ensure your spot.

Chimpanzee Tracking and Habituation

Chimpanzee tracking and chimpanzee habituation are the second most popular activities in Virunga National Park. Chimpanzee tracking offers a one-hour encounter with these fascinating primates, while chimpanzee habituation gives you the rare opportunity to spend an entire day with them. Both treks begin in the morning, and you’ll be accompanied by trackers and researchers as you explore the forest in search of chimpanzees.

During chimpanzee tracking, you’ll observe their feeding habits and natural behaviors, while chimpanzee habituation allows you to follow them throughout the day, witnessing their interactions, and even watching them nest for the night. As with gorilla trekking, permits for chimpanzee tracking and habituation must be booked in advance.

Hike to Nyiragongo Volcano

The Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, standing at an impressive 3,470 meters (11,380 feet) tall. Hiking to the summit of Nyiragongo is an adventure of a lifetime. Since its last eruption in 2002, Nyiragongo has erupted at least 34 times since 1882. A hike to the summit rewards you with stunning views of the lava lake, offering a rare and incredible experience that you won’t want to miss during your safari.

Bird Watching in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions, with its varied landscapes ranging from dense forests to swamps and grasslands. This incredible diversity of habitats makes it a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering an exceptional opportunity to spot a wide range of bird species. With over 706 recorded bird species, a birding expedition in Virunga is an essential part of your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali. Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or a casual observer, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. Contact us today to arrange your bird watching safari in Virunga National Park.

Nature Walks in Virunga Forest

Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests, offering a unique landscape filled with dense vegetation and diverse wildlife. A nature walk through the Virunga forest on your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari provides the perfect opportunity to explore the park’s breathtaking beauty. You’ll learn about various tree species, spot birds, and, if you’re lucky, encounter mammals or reptiles along the way.

Best Time to Visit Congo for Gorilla Trekking

When is the best time to visit Congo for gorilla trekking? Both Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park are located in tropical rainforests, meaning they receive rainfall throughout the year. However, certain months are more favorable for trekking than others. The dry season—from December to February and June to September—is the ideal time to visit. During these months, the trails are drier, and the vegetation is not as dense, making it easier to spot gorillas and enjoy your trek. On the other hand, the wet season (March, April, May, October, and November) can make the trails slippery and more challenging, and the lush vegetation can make sightings less clear.

Where to Stay During Your Mountain Gorilla Safari in DR Congo

Accommodation in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets:

• Budget Options: Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp ($90–$100 per night per person)

• Mid-Range Options: Tchegera Island Camp, Lulimbi Tented Camp ($100–$200 per night per person)

• Luxury Options: Mikeno Lodge ($200–$400 per night per person)

Let us know your preferred style of accommodation, and we will book your stay accordingly.

Accommodation in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park also offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets:

• Budget Options: Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu, Lake Side Hotel Bukavu ($90–$100 per night per person)

• Mid-Range Options: Coco Lodge Bukavu ($100–$200 per night per person)

• Luxury Options: L’Orchids Safari Club ($200–$400 per night per person)

Contact us to help you choose the best accommodation option and book your stay.

How to Get to Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park is easily accessible from Kigali, Rwanda. You’ll fly into Kigali International Airport and then drive to Gisenyi, a town near the Rwanda-Congo border. From Gisenyi, you’ll cross the border into Goma, DR Congo, and then drive approximately two hours to the park headquarters where your trek will begin.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Congo with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer exceptional and professional travel services across Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, and Rwanda. We have established ourselves as a leading tour operator for gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Our team is made up of passionate experts who are dedicated to providing you with a seamless and unforgettable experience. We are proud members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and work closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Highly rated on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, our website is an excellent resource to help you plan your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali. With years of experience, we know the ins and outs of these regions and provide tailored packages that meet your interests and budget.

Contact us today to learn more about the costs of gorilla trekking in Congo and to plan your next adventure!