Gorilla Trekking in Congo (2026 – 2027)

Gorilla Trekking in Congo (2026 – 2027): A Guide to Your African Adventure

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Congo in 2026-2027, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) offers some of the best gorilla trekking opportunities in the world, with two incredible locations: Virunga National Park for mountain gorillas and Kahuzi Biega National Park for lowland gorillas. Here’s everything you need to know about these amazing wildlife encounters.

Virunga National Park: Home of the Mountain Gorillas

Virunga National Park is not just one of Africa’s oldest national parks but also one of the most biodiverse. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in eastern DR Congo, is renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking. But that’s not all—Virunga is also famous for its volcanic landscapes, including Nyiragongo Volcano (which you can hike), chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, and more.

In the world, only three countries are home to mountain gorillas—Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park share this remarkable treasure with Virunga National Park in DR Congo. All of these parks are part of the Virunga Massif, a mountain range that stretches across the borders of these three countries.

Kahuzi Biega National Park: The Best Place for Lowland Gorilla Trekking

For those seeking a different kind of gorilla experience, Kahuzi Biega National Park is the place to go. This park is known for its Eastern lowland gorillas (also called Grauer’s gorillas), the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. Located just 30 kilometers from the town of Bukavu, Kahuzi Biega is a hidden gem for those interested in lowland gorilla trekking.

The park was established in 1970, and the first lowland gorilla trekking took place in 1973. With only a handful of locations where you can see these remarkable creatures, Kahuzi Biega National Park stands out as one of the few places to experience Eastern lowland gorillas in the wild. The park is home to 12 gorilla families, but only two—Chimanuka and Mugaruka—are habituated for trekking. Chimanuka is particularly famous, with one of the largest gorilla families in the world, comprising over 36 gorilla individuals.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost in Congo?

If you’re asking, “How much is gorilla trekking in DR Congo in 2024?,” you’re in the right place. The cost of trekking in Congo depends on the type of gorilla you wish to see and the park you’ll visit. For lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park, prices are as follows:

• Non-residents: USD 400

• East African residents: USD 200

• Congo nationals: USD 20

When it comes to mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, the costs are:

• High season (Mid-December to mid-March, June to October): USD 400 per person

• Low season (Mid-March to mid-May, mid-October to mid-December): USD 200 per person

Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions

Planning your gorilla trekking safari has never been easier. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we handle all the logistics, including the gorilla permits, which are essential for trekking both lowland and mountain gorillas. We offer a hassle-free process for securing your permits, and we’ll confirm their availability, book them for you, and ensure everything is set for your trek.

We recommend booking your gorilla permits at least five months in advance, especially for Kahuzi Biega National Park, which only has two habituated gorilla groups for trekking.

All-Inclusive Gorilla Trekking Packages

Our all-inclusive gorilla tour packages are designed to give you the best value with no hidden fees. We offer options for budget safaris to luxury experiences—whatever fits your style.

For example, a 2-day trip from Kigali to Virunga National Park starts at USD 1,100 per person for a group of two. This includes the gorilla permit, transportation, accommodation, meals, and guide services.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Congo

The dry season is the best time to visit Congo for gorilla trekking. During these months—December, January, February, June, July, August, and September—the trails are drier, making it easier to hike through the forests. The vegetation is less dense, providing clearer views of the gorillas. This is the most popular period for trekking as conditions are more favorable.

When to Avoid Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Wet months, including March, April, May, October, and November, can make trekking more challenging. The trails become slippery, and the dense vegetation makes it harder to spot the gorillas. While trekking is still possible, these months are less popular for visitors due to the tougher conditions.

Low Season: Special Offers for Gorilla Trekking

If you prefer fewer crowds and lower costs, the low season might be ideal for you. During the wet months (from Mid-March to mid-May and Mid-October to mid-December), the price of gorilla permits drops to USD 200 per person per trek. This is a great time to book if you’re looking for an affordable option, though be prepared for a bit more rain during your adventure.

Where to Stay for Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Accommodation Options in Virunga National Park

When it comes to staying near Virunga National Park, there are options for every budget, from basic campsites to luxurious lodges:

• Budget: Tented camps like Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp offer affordable stays, ranging from USD 90-100 per person per night.

• Mid-range: Camps like Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp provide a comfortable experience at around USD 100-200 per person per night.

• Luxury: For a more luxurious experience, consider Mikeno Lodge, where prices range from USD 200-400 per night.

Accommodation Options in Kahuzi Biega National Park

For those visiting Kahuzi Biega National Park, the following accommodations cater to various budgets:

• Budget: Options like Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu, and Lake Side Hotel Bukavu offer affordable stays starting from USD 90-100 per night.

• Mid-range: Coco Lodge Bukavu provides a cozy experience for around USD 100-200 per person per night.

• Luxury: For a luxurious retreat, L’Orchids Safari Club is a top choice, with rates ranging from USD 200-400 per night.

Let us know your preferred accommodation style, and we’ll handle the booking and availability for you!

How to Get to Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Reaching Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park for gorilla trekking is straightforward. Begin your journey by flying into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. From Kigali, you’ll travel to Gisenyi, a town near the Rwanda-Congo border. From Gisenyi, it’s a short drive to Goma, DR Congo, where you’ll cross the border into Congo. Once in Congo, it’s about a 2-hour drive to the park headquarters of either Virunga or Kahuzi Biega National Park, where your gorilla trek will begin.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Tour in Congo with Trek Africa Expeditions

Trek Africa Expeditions is the ideal choice for organizing your gorilla trekking tour in Congo for 2026-2027. With years of experience in gorilla safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, we are highly rated on TripAdvisor and known for our exceptional service.

We specialize in combining gorilla trekking with eco-friendly safaris and high-end adventure tours. Our services support wildlife conservation, local communities, and biodiversity preservation. Along with gorilla trekking, we also offer experiences like chimpanzee tracking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters across the best African safari destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

Contact us today to plan your gorilla trekking adventure in Congo for 2026-2027, and let us create an unforgettable, sustainable travel experience for you.