A primates safari in Congo offers a unique opportunity to witness some of the world’s most fascinating primates, including the majestic Mountain Gorillas and chimpanzees in Virunga National Park, as well as Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. These parks are home to a variety of primate species, including the rare and beautiful Golden Monkeys, which you may encounter on your trek through the dense forest. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure is highly sought after by travelers, who often describe the experience as unforgettable, magical, and truly life-changing.
Absolutely. The cost of a primate safari in Congo is not only an investment in an extraordinary travel experience but also a contribution to the conservation of endangered species. By participating in primate tourism, you’re supporting the protection of these animals and their natural habitats. Without the income generated from tourism, many of these habitats would be at risk of destruction.
In addition to helping conservation efforts, the money you spend on permits and park entrance fees directly benefits local communities, especially those living near the forests where the primates reside. Many local communities, including the Batwa pygmies, play a key role in protecting these primates, and a portion of your fees goes toward improving their livelihoods through infrastructure projects such as building schools, hospitals, and agricultural support. Knowing that your adventure helps both conservation and local communities makes the cost well worth it.
The cost of a primate safari in Congo varies depending on the primates you wish to see, the length of your trip, and the specific locations you plan to visit. For example:
In addition to permit costs, you will also need to budget for transportation, accommodation, and guiding services. Popular primate safari options include:
Booking your primate safari in Congo is straightforward, but it’s essential to secure your trekking permits in advance due to high demand. Once you’ve confirmed your travel dates, reach out to us to check permit availability for your chosen dates in Virunga National Park or Kahuzi-Biega National Park. We’ll guide you through the payment process, and once your payment is received, your permits will be secured, and we’ll send you a copy for your records.
It’s recommended to book your permits at least 2-3 months ahead of your trip as they sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.
Congo’s tropical rainforest climate means unpredictable rains throughout the year, but the best time for a primate safari is during the dry seasons. These months—December, January, February, June, July, August, and September—offer easier trekking conditions as the forest trails are drier, and the vegetation is less dense, making primate sightings clearer.
The wet seasons (March, April, May, October, and November) are generally avoided by travelers due to slippery trails and thick vegetation that can make trekking more challenging.
To reach the trekking sites in Kahuzi-Biega and Virunga National Parks, you will typically fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. From there, you’ll travel to Gisenyi town and cross the border into Goma, DR Congo. Virunga National Park is about a two-hour drive from Gisenyi. After your trek in Virunga, you can continue to Kahuzi-Biega National Park for Lowland Gorilla trekking.
At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves on our professional team, both in the office and in the field, to ensure all your safari needs are met. We are highly recommended on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings, and our website provides up-to-date and reliable information to help you plan your tour. As a locally owned and operated Ugandan company with years of experience exploring Congo, we know the region inside out and are committed to delivering the best safari experience possible. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable primate safari in Congo.