Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Congo

Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Congo: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Trek

If you’re planning to visit Congo and wondering about your chances of seeing mountain gorillas during a trek in Virunga National Park, you’ll be pleased to know that the odds are highly in your favor. With a success rate of over 80%, the chances of spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat are excellent. In this guide, we’ll explain how gorilla trekking works in Congo and the likelihood of encountering gorillas on your adventure.

What to Expect from Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is one of Congo’s most popular and well-organized activities. Over the last two decades, there has never been a report of trekkers failing to see mountain gorillas, making it one of the most reliable trekking experiences in Africa.

The adventure begins early in the morning, with expert trackers venturing into the forest to locate where the gorillas spent the night. These trackers then guide you and your group along the forest paths, following the gorillas as they feed, interact, and relax in the wild. Throughout the trek, the trackers stay in constant communication with your guides, ensuring that you take the most efficient route to find the gorillas quickly, saving you time and effort.

The trek itself can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find them, you’ll have an unforgettable one-hour encounter to observe the gorillas, take photos, and learn more about their behavior and conservation efforts.

Where to Trek Gorillas in Congo

For gorilla enthusiasts visiting Congo, there are two main locations to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure:

1. Virunga National Park: Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Virunga is Congo’s most famous park for mountain gorilla trekking. It is also one of the oldest and most biodiverse tropical rainforests in Africa. Aside from gorilla trekking, the park offers a range of other activities, including hiking Nyiragongo Volcano, bird watching, nature walks, and chimpanzee tracking. Virunga is part of the Virunga Massif, a region that spans Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, home to all the world’s mountain gorillas.

2. Kahuzi Biega National Park: Lowland Gorilla Trekking

For a unique gorilla trekking experience, head to Kahuzi Biega National Park, located 30 km from Bukavu. This park is home to the Eastern Lowland Gorilla (also known as Grauer’s Gorilla), the largest gorilla species. Kahuzi Biega is one of the best places in the world to trek these incredible creatures, with 12 gorilla families in total. However, only two families are habituated for trekking: Chimanuka and Mugaruka, both named after dominant silverbacks. Chimanuka is particularly famous for its large family of over 36 members, making it one of the largest gorilla groups in the world.

How to Organize and Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Congo

Booking a gorilla trekking tour in Congo is made easy with Trek Africa Expeditions. We’re your trusted partner in organizing gorilla safaris to Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park. Our offices in Uganda handle all the logistics, including the availability of permits, accommodation, and transport to and from the parks, whether you’re flying into Kigali, Rwanda, or Entebbe, Uganda.

We operate a fleet of 4×4 vehicles stationed in Kigali and Uganda, driven by expert guides who are familiar with all routes to Virunga and Kahuzi Biega. You’ll travel in comfort and safety, knowing that our drivers are well-trained and knowledgeable about the region.

How Much Does It Cost to See Lowland Gorillas in Congo?

To trek the Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park, you’ll need a gorilla permit. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we make it easy for you to obtain this permit as part of your Congo gorilla tour. We take care of booking all the necessary services, including permits, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Since there are only two habituated gorilla families in Kahuzi Biega, it’s important to book your permit well in advance. We recommend booking at least 5 months ahead to ensure availability.

Here’s a breakdown of the gorilla permit fees for Kahuzi Biega National Park:

• Non-Residents: USD 400
• East African Residents: USD 200
• Congo Nationals: USD 20

How Much Does It Cost to See Mountain Gorillas in Congo?

If you’re dreaming of seeing mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, you’re probably wondering about the cost of this incredible experience. Gorilla trekking in Congo is an adventure like no other, and at Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer a range of packages that make it easy to plan your trip without any hidden costs. Let’s break down the essentials, including the cost of your gorilla permit and what you can expect on your trek.

Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park: What You Need to Know

Every day, visitors embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Virunga National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic locations for mountain gorilla encounters. The day begins with a briefing at 7:45 AM, where you’ll be assigned a specific gorilla group to track. Afterward, you’ll begin your trek through the Virunga forest, following experienced trackers as they locate the gorillas. Once you find them, you’ll enjoy a one-hour encounter to observe their behavior, take photographs, and learn about their habitat.

In addition to the gorillas, you may also spot other primates, birds, and diverse wildlife during your trek—each trek is unique, depending on the day’s sightings.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer all-inclusive gorilla tour packages that cater to all budgets, from luxury safaris to budget-friendly options. Our packages include transportation, accommodation, meals, guide services, and, most importantly, your gorilla permit.

For example, a 2-day gorilla trek from Kigali costs USD 1,100 per person (in a group of two), which includes your gorilla permit, transportation, accommodation, meals, and guide services.

How to Purchase Gorilla Trekking Permits in Congo

Once you’ve confirmed your trip with us and made payment for the permits, Trek Africa Expeditions will secure your gorilla permits for Virunga National Park. We’ll send you a scanned receipt to confirm your trek for the specified date. After that, you can proceed with booking your international flights and settle the remaining balance for your trip.

It’s important to note that gorilla permits in Congo are in high demand, so it’s always best to book several months in advance—ideally, 5 months ahead—to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.

Other Things to Do and See in Virunga National Park

While gorilla trekking is the highlight, Virunga National Park offers plenty of other amazing activities that can be added to your itinerary:

Chimpanzee Tracking and Habituation

Chimpanzee tracking is another top activity in Virunga National Park. You’ll have a one-hour encounter with the chimps, observing their behavior and interactions in the wild. For a more immersive experience, you can join a chimpanzee habituation trek, where you’ll spend a full day with the chimps as researchers work to habituate them. Like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking requires advance permit booking, ideally 3-4 months ahead.

Nature Walks Through the Virunga Forest

A nature walk through the dense Virunga rainforest is a must-do for nature lovers. You’ll be guided through one of the oldest tropical rainforests in Africa, learning about the unique flora and fauna that thrive in the area. Keep an eye out for birds, reptiles, and mammals, as this lush environment is teeming with life.

Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

For adventure seekers, hiking Nyiragongo Volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The volcano is one of the most active in the world, with an elevation of 3,470 meters (11,380 feet). The most recent eruption occurred in 2002, and trekking to the summit gives you a front-row view of the world’s largest lava lake.

Bird Watching

With over 706 recorded bird species, Virunga is a birdwatcher’s paradise. During a birding safari, you may spot a variety of tropical birds, ranging from forest dwellers to open-country species. This activity is perfect for nature enthusiasts who want to explore the diverse birdlife of the park.

Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park

For those interested in seeing Lowland Gorillas, the Kahuzi Biega National Park is the place to go. This park is home to the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, and it’s the only place where you can trek these gentle giants. However, with only two habituated families available for trekking, permits can be scarce, especially during peak seasons. Be sure to book your permit 3-4 months in advance to guarantee your spot.

What is the Best Time to Visit Congo for Gorilla Trekking?

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Congo, one of the most important factors to consider is the timing of your trip. Both Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park are located in the tropics, covered by lush tropical rainforests. While these parks are beautiful year-round, the weather can be unpredictable, with rains often arriving without warning. However, there are certain months that offer better trekking conditions and easier access to the gorillas.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Congo

The best time to visit for gorilla trekking in Congo is during the dry season, which runs from December to February and June to September. During these months, the trails are drier, making it easier to trek through the forest. Additionally, the vegetation is less dense, improving your chances of clear gorilla sightings.

On the other hand, the wet months of March, April, May, October, and November can be more challenging. The trails tend to get slippery, and the thick vegetation can make it harder to spot the gorillas. While the rainforest remains beautiful year-round, many travelers choose to avoid these wet months to make their trek more enjoyable and less strenuous.

Where to Stay on a DR Congo Mountain Gorilla Safari

When planning your mountain gorilla safari in Congo, you’ll have various accommodation options to suit your preferences and budget, ranging from budget to luxury options.

Accommodation in Virunga National Park

• Budget Options:
  • Bukima Tented Camp: $90-$100 per person per night
  • Kibumba Tented Camp: $90-$100 per person per night
• Mid-Range Options:
  • Tchegera Island Camp: $100-$200 per person per night
  • Lulimbi Tented Camp: $100-$200 per person per night
• Luxury Options:
  • Mikeno Lodge: $200-$400 per person per night

Accommodation in Kahuzi Beiga National Park

• Budget Options:
  • Hotel Begonias Bukavu: $90-$100 per person per night
  • Exodus Bukavu: $90-$100 per person per night
  • Lake Side Hotel Bukavu: $90-$100 per person per night
• Mid-Range Options:
  • Coco Lodge Bukavu: $100-$200 per person per night
• Luxury Options:
  • L’Orchids Safari Club: $200-$400 per person per night

Let us know what type of accommodation suits your needs, and we’ll help with availability and booking.

How to Access Congo for Gorilla Trekking

To embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Congo, you’ll typically fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. From there, you’ll drive to Gisenyi town, which is a short drive from the Rwanda-Congo border. After crossing the border, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Goma, where you’ll continue on to the park headquarters for either Virunga National Park or Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Congo with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer unmatched professionalism in organizing gorilla trekking safaris across Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, and Rwanda. With years of experience, we’ve become one of the leading tour operators for Uganda and Rwanda, and we are proud members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators), working closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Our team is highly recommended on platforms like TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings, thanks to our commitment to offering high-quality, personalized safari experiences. Our website is your go-to resource for the most up-to-date information, and our team, made up of local Ugandans, is dedicated to helping you plan an unforgettable trip.

For more information on gorilla trekking in Congo, contact us today—we’re here to help!