Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Are you considering a gorilla trekking safari in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and wondering about the age requirements? If you’re planning to travel with your children, you’ll be pleased to know that gorilla trekking is possible with your son or daughter! DR Congo is widely regarded as one of Africa’s top destinations for gorilla trekking, as it is home to both Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. The country is gradually opening up to tourism, with local authorities, national and international security forces, and health organizations working together to ensure the safety of travelers.

Exploring Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park and one of its most biodiverse tropical rainforests, famous primarily for mountain gorilla trekking. In addition to trekking, visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking Nyiragongo Volcano, bird watching, nature walks, and chimpanzee tracking. It’s noteworthy that only three countries in the world are home to mountain gorillas: Uganda (in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park), Rwanda (in Volcanoes National Park), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (in Virunga National Park). These parks are located close to one another in the Virunga massif.

The park is protected by a dedicated team of 689 rangers who undergo extensive training and risk their lives daily to safeguard its remarkable wildlife, including the last remaining endangered mountain gorillas.

Minimum and Maximum Age for Gorilla Trekking in Virunga

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is 15 years. There is no specified maximum age limit, as long as individuals feel fit and able to participate in the trek. The park authorities enforce this age requirement strictly, so please ensure that all participants are 15 years or older. However, if a traveler is turning 18 just before the trek, they may be allowed to participate.

Children aged 15 pay the same permit fee as adults, and they are typically grouped with their family during the trek for easier management and care.

If you’re traveling with minors, we encourage you to provide us with copies of their passports before booking and securing gorilla permits. While younger children cannot trek with the gorillas, they can still join you for a memorable experience. During your trek, we can arrange various activities to keep them engaged, such as nature walks around your accommodation, games, or community visits, allowing them to enjoy their time while you embark on your adventure.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Virunga National Park, Congo

If you’re considering a gorilla trekking adventure in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), you’ll want to know about the cost of permits required for trekking. Gorilla trekking in Congo takes place primarily in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Just like in Uganda and Rwanda, you’ll need a gorilla permit to trek Mountain gorillas in Virunga. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we make the process simple and hassle-free by providing essential information for booking your gorilla permits and planning your safari.

Booking Your Gorilla Permit

When you choose one of our Congo gorilla tours, we take care of checking the availability of gorilla permits for your desired dates. Once you make your payment, we’ll book and purchase the permits on your behalf, along with all other services needed for your trip. We recommend securing your gorilla permit several months in advance—ideally, at least three months ahead of your planned trek. It’s essential to pay the permit fee in advance to ensure that we can acquire it for you in time.

Permit Costs

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is available daily, and the cost of a gorilla permit varies by season. The prices are as follows:

• High Season (mid-December to mid-March and June to October): $400 per person per trek.
• Low Season (mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December): $200 per person per trek.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer all-inclusive gorilla tour packages with no hidden costs. The most critical expense to plan for is the gorilla permit fee, along with the cost of a Congo visa (which must be applied for in advance). Our tour packages cater to a range of budgets, from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences, allowing us to tailor your trip according to your preferences.

Getting to Virunga National Park

Gorilla trekking takes place in Virunga National Park, located in eastern Congo. To get there, you will typically fly into Kigali International Airport and then travel to Gisenyi. From Gisenyi, you will cross the Rwanda-Congo border into Goma, DR Congo, and drive to the Virunga Park headquarters where your gorilla trek will begin. Both Rwanda and Congo tourist visas are required, and it’s important to apply for your Congo visa well in advance, as it cannot be obtained at the border. We provide 4×4 vehicles for your safari, ensuring a comfortable journey with our professional guides who will share their knowledge along the way.

Accommodation Options in Virunga National Park

Accommodation in Virunga National Park ranges from budget to luxury options. Here’s a brief overview:

• Budget Options: Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp, with rates ranging from $90 to $100 per night per person.
• Mid-Range Options: Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp, with rates ranging from $100 to $200 per night per person.
• Luxury Options: Mikeno Lodge, with rates ranging from $200 to $400 per night per person.

All rates are based on a full board basis. Let us know your preferred accommodation style, and we’ll check availability and book your stay in advance.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Gorilla Trekking Trip?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in creating unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. Our high ratings on TripAdvisor speak to our commitment to providing exceptional service. We combine gorilla trekking with eco-friendly and immersive wildlife adventures that help preserve biodiversity, support wildlife conservation, and uplift local communities. Along with gorilla trekking, we offer activities such as chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters, ensuring you have a memorable African safari experience.

If you have any questions about the age limit for gorilla trekking in Congo or need more information, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!