How Much Does a Congo Gorilla Safari to Virunga National Park Cost?

How Much Does a Congo Gorilla Safari to Virunga National Park Cost?

Planning a gorilla safari in Congo’s Virunga National Park? Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of costs, covering everything from permits and visas to transportation, accommodation, meals, and service fees.

Overview of Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is the oldest and most diverse tropical rainforest park in Africa. It’s famous for mountain gorilla trekking, but the park also offers other exciting activities like the Nyiragongo volcano hike, bird watching, nature walks, and chimpanzee tracking. Mountain gorillas can only be found in three countries worldwide: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In the DRC, the gorillas reside in Virunga National Park, which forms part of the Virunga Massif alongside Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla Parks and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Virunga is home to 10 habituated gorilla families available for trekking. While the exact number of gorillas is uncertain due to regional instability, the last census estimated over 100 gorillas, including recent newborns.

Cost of a Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit

To trek gorillas in Congo’s Virunga National Park (or Kahuzi-Biega National Park), you need a gorilla trekking permit. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we help you secure permits, ensuring a smooth booking process so you can focus on your adventure. Permits should be booked well in advance—ideally at least 5 months before your visit.

• High Season (Mid-December to Mid-March, June to October): $400 per person
• Low Season (Mid-March to Mid-May, Mid-October to Mid-December): $200 per person

Our all-inclusive packages cover permits, transportation, accommodation, meals, and guide services, with no hidden costs. For example, a 2-day Congo Gorilla Safari starting from Kigali costs around $1,100 per person (based on a group of two), including everything you need for an unforgettable experience.

Best Time to Visit Virunga National Park for Gorilla Trekking

Virunga National Park has a tropical climate, so it can rain at any time of the year. However, the dry seasons offer the best trekking conditions:

• Dry Season (Best Time): December, January, February, June, July, August, and September.
  During these months, the trails are drier, making trekking easier. The vegetation is less dense, giving you clearer views of the gorillas.
• Wet Season: March, April, May, October, and November.
  These months have heavier rains, making the trails slippery and the vegetation thicker, which can make trekking more challenging. However, there’s a special offer during the wet season when permits cost only $200 per person.

How Much Does Accommodation Cost on a Gorilla Safari to Virunga National Park?

When planning a gorilla safari in Virunga National Park, there are several accommodation options to fit your budget and preferences, ranging from budget-friendly camps to luxury lodges. Here’s what to expect:

• Budget Accommodations: Options like Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp offer comfortable stays at rates between $90-$100 per night per person. These are great choices for travelers seeking a more affordable experience without compromising on the essentials.
• Mid-Range Accommodations: For a bit more comfort, mid-range options such as Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp are available. Rates typically range from $100-$200 per night per person.
• Luxury Accommodations: If you’re looking for a premium experience, consider staying at Mikeno Lodge, where rates range from $200-$400 per night per person. These stays offer enhanced amenities and spectacular views.

All accommodations are offered on a full-board basis, meaning your meals are included. Let us know your preferred option, and we’ll handle the booking and check availability for you.

Transportation Costs to Virunga National Park

Your Congo gorilla safari typically starts at Kigali International Airport, from where you’ll travel to Gisenyi town. From Gisenyi, you’ll cross the Rwanda-Congo border into Goma, and then drive to the Virunga National Park headquarters. The journey from Gisenyi to the park headquarters takes about 2 hours using a 4×4 vehicle, essential for the rough terrain.

The transportation costs include:

• Vehicle Hire: Ranges from $80-$150 per day for a 4×4 vehicle.
• Driver Guide Allowance: Typically $50 per day.
• Fuel Costs: Vary depending on the duration of the trip.

The total transportation cost can be reduced if you are traveling in a group, as the costs can be shared among the participants.

Why Book Your Congo Gorilla Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves on offering top-tier, professional tour and travel services across Uganda, Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania. We have established a strong reputation as one of the leading tour operators for Uganda and Rwanda, backed by highly positive reviews on TripAdvisor.

• Local Expertise: Our team consists of Ugandan experts who have extensive knowledge of the region. We provide the most up-to-date and accurate information to help you plan your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari with confidence.
• Exceptional Service: From your initial inquiry to the end of your tour, our dedicated office and field teams ensure every detail is taken care of, making your experience seamless and memorable.

Ready to start planning your Congo gorilla safari? Contact us today, and let’s create a personalized itinerary just for you!