Budget Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Budget Gorilla Trekking in Congo: Your Ultimate Guide

Are you planning a budget-friendly gorilla trekking adventure in Congo? If so, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know for an unforgettable experience in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

Where to Trek Gorillas in Congo?

In Congo, you have two amazing options for gorilla trekking:

1. Virunga National Park – Home to the mountain gorillas.
2. Kahuzi Beiga National Park – Famous for trekking the Eastern Lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas).

Let’s dive into more details about these two parks and what makes them so special.

About Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park and a biodiversity hotspot. It’s especially renowned for mountain gorilla trekking in Congo. This park is one of the best places in the world to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Visitors also enjoy activities like hiking Nyiragongo Volcano, chimpanzee tracking, nature walks, and birdwatching.

There are only three countries globally that house mountain gorillas: Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. In Congo, you can find them in Virunga National Park. This park forms part of the Virunga Massif, a group of parks located close to each other in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

About Kahuzi Beiga National Park

For an entirely unique experience, head to Kahuzi Beiga National Park, where you can trek the Eastern Lowland gorillas (also called Grauer’s gorillas), the world’s largest gorilla species. The park, located 30 km from Bukavu in Congo, is one of the only places in the world to trek these impressive animals. The park has 12 gorilla families, but only two—Chimanuka and Mugaruka—are habituated and open to visitors.

Chimanuka is particularly famous for having one of the largest gorilla families, with over 36 individuals, making it a highlight for visitors.

Organizing Your Budget Gorilla Trekking Trip

When it comes to budget gorilla trekking, Trek Africa Expeditions is your go-to partner. We specialize in creating affordable yet unforgettable trips to both Virunga and Kahuzi Beiga. Our team can help you plan and book your entire trip, including gorilla permits, accommodation, and transportation.

Trek Africa Expeditions operates in both Uganda and Kigali, offering 4×4 vehicles for your journey to and from the parks. Our experienced driver guides are well-versed in the routes and will ensure you have a safe and comfortable experience throughout.

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

To trek the Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park, you need a gorilla permit. We take the hassle out of the process by booking these permits for you in advance. It’s important to plan at least 5 months ahead as only two gorilla groups are available for trekking.

Here are the current gorilla trekking permit fees for Kahuzi Beiga National Park:

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

Note: It’s advisable to pay for your gorilla permit well in advance to ensure availability.

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

Gorilla trekking is an exciting daily adventure in Virunga National Park in Congo. The trek typically begins with a briefing at 7:45 AM, where you’ll be assigned to a gorilla group for your trek that day. From there, you’ll head into the Virunga forest to search for the gorillas. Once you find them, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to spend one hour with these magnificent creatures, taking photographs, learning about their habitat, and observing other wildlife such as birds and primates.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer all-inclusive gorilla tour packages with no hidden fees. The most essential part of your trip will be the gorilla permit. Our packages range from budget to luxury safaris, tailored to fit your preferences and budget. For example, a 2-day trip from Kigali to Virunga National Park starts at USD 1,100 per person for a group of two. This cost includes your gorilla permit, transportation, accommodation, meals, and guide services.

How to Purchase Gorilla Trekking Permits in Congo

Booking your gorilla trekking permit is easy with us. Once you confirm your trip and make payment, we’ll secure your permits at Virunga National Park‘s headquarters. We’ll then send you a scanned receipt confirming your trek date. After your permits are confirmed, you can book your international flights and pay the remaining balance for your trip.

What to Do and See on a Budget Gorilla Trekking Trip to Congo

While mountain gorilla trekking is the main activity in Virunga National Park, there are several other exciting experiences you can enjoy:

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Virunga is home to only 6 habituated gorilla families open for trekking. These include:

• Kabirizi Gorilla Group (the largest group with over 30 gorillas)
• Humba Gorilla Group
• Rugendo Gorilla Group
• Mapuwa Gorilla Group
• Lulengo Gorilla Group
• Munyaga Gorilla Group
• Nyakamwe Gorilla Group
• Bageni Gorilla Group

If you’re keen on trekking the Kabirizi group, be sure to book your permit at least 3 months in advance, as this group is particularly popular.

Chimpanzee Tracking and Habituation

Beyond gorillas, you can track chimpanzees or take part in chimpanzee habituation. On a tracking tour, you’ll spend one hour with the chimps, while habituation allows you to spend an entire day with them. Both activities provide unique insights into their behavior, feeding, and social structure. To participate, you’ll need to secure your permit well in advance (at least 3 months).

Nature Walks Through Virunga Forest

Virunga is one of the oldest tropical rainforests in Africa, filled with dense vegetation and diverse wildlife. A nature walk through the park allows you to discover breathtaking landscapes, unique tree species, and vibrant birdlife. You may also spot some mammals and reptiles along the way.

Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

For an adventurous experience, hike the Nyiragongo Volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Standing at 3,470 meters (11,380 feet), the volcano is known for its lava lake and frequent eruptions. The most recent eruption occurred in 2002, making this an unforgettable activity for thrill-seekers.

Bird Watching

Virunga is home to more than 706 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The park’s varied habitats, including forests, swamps, and grasslands, attract a wide range of bird species, offering fantastic opportunities for birding enthusiasts.

Lowland Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo

Lowland Gorilla Trekking takes place in Kahuzi Beiga National Park, home to the rare Eastern Lowland Gorillas. This thrilling experience is guaranteed once you secure your gorilla permit. However, since the park only has 2 habituated gorilla families open for trekking, permits are in high demand—especially during peak seasons like June, July, August, September, December, and February. In fact, permits often sell out up to 4 months in advance, so it’s highly recommended to book your trekking permits at least 3-4 months ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Best Time to Visit Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Both Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park are located in tropical regions, making them susceptible to unpredictable rainfall throughout the year. However, the dry season is the best time to visit, with the months of December, January, February, June, July, August, and September being particularly ideal. During these months, the trails are drier, making the trek easier, and the vegetation is less dense, improving the chances of spotting gorillas.

In contrast, the wetter months—March, April, May, October, and November—are less favorable. The trails become slippery, and the vegetation becomes thick, which can make trekking more challenging. As such, many travelers avoid visiting during these months.

Where to Stay on Your DR Congo Mountain Gorilla Safari from Kigali

Virunga National Park Accommodations
Whether you’re looking for a budget, mid-range, or luxury option, Virunga National Park offers a variety of accommodations:

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

Let us know your preferred accommodation type, and we’ll check availability and make the reservation for you.

Kahuzi Beiga National Park Accommodations
Kahuzi Beiga also offers diverse accommodation options:

• Budget: Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu, Lake Side Hotel Bukavu (USD 90-100 per night per person)
• Mid-range: Coco Lodge Bukavu (USD 100-200 per night per person)
• Luxury: L’Orchids Safari Club (USD 200-400 per night per person)

We’ll help you choose the best accommodation based on your preferences and budget.

How to Access Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Both Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Virunga National Park are located in the eastern part of Congo. To get there, fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. From Kigali, you’ll travel to Gisenyi, a town close to the Rwanda-Congo border. From Gisenyi, you’ll cross into Goma, DR Congo, and then drive for about 2 hours to reach the park headquarters of either park, where your gorilla trek will begin.

When to Book Your DR Congo Gorilla Safari

Gorilla trekking permits in Virunga National Park are available year-round, with occasional discounts offered. However, due to the high demand, especially for budget permits, we recommend booking your gorilla safari at least 3 months in advance. This allows us to secure the necessary permits and ensure availability for your preferred dates.

Why Book Budget Gorilla Trekking in Congo with Trek Africa Expeditions

Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted tour operator specializing in Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, and Rwanda safaris. With a dedicated team of professionals and years of experience, we are proud to be recognized as one of the leading operators in the region. We are members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and work closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to ensure that your trip is seamless and memorable.

Our website is your go-to resource for reliable, up-to-date information on your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves on offering personalized service and expertise, ensuring you get the best experience possible. Trust us to organize your dream gorilla trekking adventure in DR Congo!