Safari Trip to Congo

Safari Trip to Congo

If you’re interested in a truly unique experience of trekking mountain gorillas, a safari trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo is an unforgettable journey. Explore Virunga National Park, where you can observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, or head to Kahuzi-Biega National Park to track the rare lowland gorillas.

Where to Trek Gorillas in Congo

In DR Congo, you have two main options for gorilla trekking:

• Virunga National Park: Famous for mountain gorilla trekking.
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park: Known for lowland gorilla trekking, offering a different but equally fascinating experience.

About Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park and one of its most biodiverse, with tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, and rare wildlife. Visitors flock here for mountain gorilla trekking, though the park also offers unique activities like hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, and nature walks. Virunga is part of the Virunga Massif, which spans three countries: DR Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. Each of these countries is home to mountain gorillas, with Uganda hosting them in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park, and Congo in Virunga.

About Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is renowned for Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking. Established in 1970, it was the first park to offer lowland gorilla trekking, which started in 1973. Home to the largest gorilla subspecies, Grauer’s gorilla, this park provides a rare opportunity to observe these magnificent animals. Located just 30 km from Bukavu, it’s accessible by road and air. The park hosts 12 gorilla families, with two habituated groups, Chimanuka and Mugaruka, open to visitors. Chimanuka is the most popular, known for its large family of over 36 gorillas.

Why Book Your Congo Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions

Trek Africa Expeditions specializes in both budget and luxury safaris to Congo, catering to all levels of comfort. Our luxury safari packages offer VIP treatment, high-end lodges, and guided tours in luxury vehicles. Not seeing the perfect trip on our site? Contact us, and we’ll customize a tour that meets your needs, interests, and budget.

How to Organize and Book a Safari Trip to Congo

Trek Africa Expeditions simplifies the planning process for your Congo safari. We manage all logistics, from checking gorilla permit availability in Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks to securing accommodations and arranging transportation. With our bases in Uganda and Kigali, Rwanda, we’ll ensure seamless travel to and from Congo, either from Kigali or Uganda. Our well-maintained 4×4 vehicles and experienced guides will make your journey comfortable and safe, offering local expertise along the way.

Cost of Trekking Gorillas in Congo

Lowland Gorilla Permits in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

To track lowland gorillas, you’ll need a permit:

• Non-Residents: $400 USD
• East African Residents: $200 USD
• Congolese Citizens: $20 USD

Trek Africa Expeditions assists with the entire permit booking process, ensuring you secure a spot to visit these incredible gorillas.

Mountain Gorilla Permits in Virunga National Park

Mountain gorilla trekking is available daily in Virunga National Park, starting with a morning briefing before you embark on your trek. Once you reach a gorilla family, you’ll have an hour to observe and photograph these majestic animals. Trek Africa Expeditions offers all-inclusive gorilla tour packages, covering permits, transportation, lodging, and meals.

Our packages range from budget to luxury, with customizable itineraries. For example, a 2-day trip from Kigali, Rwanda, starts at $1,100 per person (for groups of two), covering all essential costs, including gorilla permits, accommodations, meals, and guide services.

How to Get Gorilla Trekking Permits in Congo

Once you confirm your trip and make the necessary payments with Trek Africa Expeditions, we’ll handle the permit process directly with Virunga National Park. We’ll send you a receipt to confirm your reserved trekking date, allowing you to proceed with flight bookings and final trip preparations.

Top Activities and Sights on a DR Congo Gorilla Safari

Mountain Gorilla Trekking: This is the highlight of any visit to Virunga National Park. With six habituated gorilla families open to trekking, you have a good chance of encountering these gentle giants. Popular groups include the Kabirizi group, the park’s largest, with over 30 members. Book your permit at least 3 months in advance to secure your spot.

In addition to gorilla trekking, Virunga also offers:

• Nyiragongo Volcano Hikes: For an exhilarating experience, climb to the summit of this active volcano.
• Bird Watching: Spot diverse bird species unique to this region.
• Chimpanzee Tracking: Join researchers and guides as you observe chimpanzee families in their natural environment.

Chimpanzee Tracking and Habituation in Virunga National Park

Besides mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and habituation are among the most popular activities in Virunga National Park. With chimpanzee tracking, you’ll get a one-hour encounter to observe these fascinating primates. For a more immersive experience, the chimpanzee habituation trek allows you to spend an entire day with the chimpanzees, watching them interact, feed, and socialize, ending as they nest for the night.

Both activities begin in the early morning, guided by experienced trackers and researchers who will help you learn about chimpanzee behavior and ecology. To ensure availability, it’s recommended to book your chimpanzee tracking or habituation permit at least three months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Nature Walks in the Virunga Forest

A nature walk through the Virunga Forest reveals the incredible biodiversity and beauty of one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. This dense tropical forest is home to a unique landscape, and as you explore, you’ll discover various tree species, spot vibrant birds, and possibly encounter small mammals or reptiles. A nature walk is the perfect complement to a mountain gorilla safari in DR Congo, offering a peaceful and scenic experience.

Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

Hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that should not be missed. Nyiragongo is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, standing at an elevation of 3,470 meters (11,380 feet). Known for its dramatic lava lake, the volcano has erupted multiple times, with the most recent major eruption in 2002. Adding the Nyiragongo hike to your Congo safari offers an unforgettable view of one of nature’s most powerful forces.

Bird Watching in Virunga National Park

Virunga’s diverse landscapes—including forests, swamps, and grasslands—make it a bird-watching paradise, with over 706 recorded bird species. A birding expedition here is a must for any nature enthusiast, offering a chance to observe rare tropical birds and enjoy the serene natural environment.

Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

For lowland gorilla trekking, head to Kahuzi-Biega National Park, home to the Grauer’s gorilla. With only two gorilla families available for trekking, permits are in high demand, particularly during peak travel months (June–September, December, and February). We recommend booking your permits 3–4 months in advance to secure your spot for this extraordinary experience.

Best Time to Visit Congo for Gorilla Trekking

The ideal time for gorilla trekking in Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks is during the dry seasons—December to February and June to September. During these months, trails are drier, making trekking easier, and vegetation is less dense, allowing for clearer gorilla sightings. The wet season (March–May, October–November) can be challenging due to muddy trails and denser foliage, though some travelers still enjoy this quieter time.

Accommodations in Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks

Virunga National Park:

• Budget options: Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp ($90–100 per night).
• Mid-range options: Tchegera Island Camp, Lulimbi Tented Camp ($100–200 per night).
• Luxury options: Mikeno Lodge ($200–400 per night).

Kahuzi-Biega National Park:

• Budget options: Hotel Begonias, Exodus Bukavu, Lake Side Hotel ($90–100 per night).
• Mid-range options: Coco Lodge Bukavu ($100–200 per night).
• Luxury options: L’Orchid Safari Club ($200–400 per night).

Simply let us know your preferred accommodation level, and we’ll handle the booking for you.

Getting to Congo for Gorilla Trekking

To access Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks for gorilla trekking, fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. From Kigali, drive to Gisenyi, then cross the Rwanda-Congo border into Goma, DR Congo. From Goma, it’s about a 2-hour drive to the park headquarters. Trek Africa Expeditions can arrange all transport for a seamless and stress-free journey.

When to Book Your Safari Trip to Congo

Congo offers both regular and discounted gorilla trekking permits in Virunga National Park. However, permits can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. To secure your spot, we recommend booking at least three months in advance. Contact Trek Africa Expeditions to check availability, and we’ll handle the entire process to secure your permits.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Congo Safari

Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted and professional tour operator in Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, and Rwanda. As members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and partners with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, we are committed to offering reliable and quality safari experiences. Our website provides up-to-date information to help you plan your Congo gorilla safari, and our knowledgeable Ugandan team ensures a seamless experience from start to finish. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, reflecting our dedication to customer satisfaction.

Let us help you start planning your unforgettable Congo safari—contact us today!