DR Congo Gorilla Trek from Uganda

DR Congo Gorilla Trek from Uganda

Are you eager to embark on a thrilling adventure to trek mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo? If you’re based in Uganda, our DR Congo gorilla trip offers an incredible opportunity to visit Virunga National Park, renowned for its breathtaking diversity and status as Africa’s oldest national park. Virunga is famous for its mountain gorilla trekking but it also boasts a variety of other activities, including hiking Nyiragongo Volcano, bird watching, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking and habituation experiences.

Mountain gorillas are found in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, you can see them in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Rwanda, they inhabit Volcanoes National Park, while in Congo, they reside in Virunga National Park. All these parks are part of the Virunga Massif, making gorilla trekking an accessible and unforgettable experience.

Tailored Gorilla Safaris with Trek Africa Gorillas

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we specialize in both budget and luxury gorilla safaris from Uganda to the DR Congo. For those seeking a luxurious experience, our high-end safaris from Kigali are perfect. Enjoy the comfort of our luxury land cruisers, stay in upscale lodges and receive VIP treatment throughout your journey. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for on our website, simply reach out to us via email and we’ll customize a tour that fits your interests, budget and schedule.

How to Organize and Book Your DR Congo Gorilla Safari

Organizing and booking your DR Congo gorilla safari is seamless with Trek Africa Gorillas. Our offices in Uganda are dedicated to checking the availability of all services, including gorilla permits for Virunga National Park, accommodations and transport arrangements. To get started, simply send us your planned travel dates, the number of days you wish to spend on your safari and the activities you want to pursue in Congo. We’ll respond with availability, a quote and all necessary details.

Once you’re ready to book, we’ll send you an invoice for payment to secure your gorilla permits. After purchasing, you’ll receive a scanned copy for your records, confirming your mountain gorilla safari.

Getting to Virunga National Park from Uganda

Your journey to Congo will depend on where you are in Uganda. If you’re in the southern regions, such as Kabale, Kisoro or Kasese, the drive to Virunga National Park will take about 3-4 hours. For those located in northern, western, eastern or central Uganda, we recommend taking a domestic flight from Entebbe to Kisoro or Kigali, which will shorten your travel time to Congo. However, road travel is still an option from any part of Uganda, influencing the overall duration of your trip.

Trek Africa Gorillas operates a fleet of vehicles stationed in Uganda and Kigali, ready to drive you to Virunga National Park for your gorilla trekking adventure and back. Our 4×4 vans or jeeps are driven by well-trained safari guides who are knowledgeable about the regions of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. With us, you can feel safe and comfortable during your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari.

Travel Routes and Border Crossings

Mountain gorilla trekking is exclusive to Virunga National Park, located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. If you prefer to fly, you can book a flight from Entebbe Airport to either Kisoro or Kigali Airports.

• From Kisoro Airport: After landing, cross the Cyanika border into Rwanda, then head to Gisenyi town. From Gisenyi, you’ll cross the Rwanda-Congo border into Goma and drive approximately 2 hours to reach the park headquarters of Virunga National Park.
• By Road: If you’re driving, head to Kigali from your location in Uganda via Kabale or Kisoro. Cross the Uganda-Rwanda border at either Katuna or Cyanika and then proceed to Goma before crossing into Virunga National Park for your gorilla trek.

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

If you’re considering a gorilla trekking adventure in the Democratic Republic of Congo, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Trekking is a daily activity in Virunga National Park, where your day begins with a briefing at 7:45 AM. After receiving a briefing, you’ll be assigned a gorilla group for the trek, leading you deep into the Virunga forest. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have an hour to observe and photograph them, learn about their habitat and possibly spot other wildlife such as birds and primates. At Trek Africa Gorillas, we offer all-inclusive gorilla tour packages with no hidden costs, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.

Gorilla Permit Prices and Seasonal Discounts

Gorilla permits are essential for trekking in Virunga National Park. Compared to the prices in Uganda and Rwanda, gorilla trekking in Congo is notably more affordable.

During the peak season—specifically in December, January, February, June, July, August, September and early October—the cost of a gorilla permit is USD 400 per person per trek. This is when the park sees a higher influx of visitors due to the dry season, which makes trekking conditions more favorable. We recommend booking your permits at least three months in advance if you plan to visit during these busy months.

In the off-peak months of early March, April, May, early October, November and early December, discounted permits are available for USD 200 per person per trek. These permits are offered during specific periods, running from March 15 to May 15 and October 15 to December 15. Again, booking in advance is crucial to secure your spot.

Once you confirm your trip and make the necessary payment, we will secure your permits from Virunga National Park headquarters and send you a scanned receipt for your records. You can then book your international flights and settle any remaining balance for your services.

Understanding the Costs

The most significant cost to consider when planning your gorilla trek is the price of the gorilla permit. Our tour packages cater to various budgets, from budget-friendly options to luxurious experiences, all tailored to meet your interests and needs.

If you’re traveling from Uganda, a typical trip spans at least four days. You’ll begin in Entebbe or Kampala, spend the first night in Kisoro or Kabale, drive to Virunga National Park on the second day, trek the gorillas on the third and return to Kampala/Entebbe on the final day. For this four-day trip, the cost is approximately USD 1,500 per person for a group of two, which includes gorilla permits, transportation, accommodation, meals and guide services.

What to Expect on Your DR Congo Gorilla Safari from Uganda

The highlight of your safari will undoubtedly be the mountain gorilla trekking experience. Virunga National Park is home to several gorilla families but only six are open for trekking: the Kabirizi, Humba, Rugendo, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Munyaga, Nyakamwe and Bageni groups. The Kabirizi group is particularly popular, known for its size, with over 30 individuals. If you’re keen on trekking this specific group, be sure to secure your permit at least three months in advance.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary adventure to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat! Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable journey to Virunga National Park.

Where to Stay on a DR Congo Mountain Gorilla Safari from Uganda

When planning your mountain gorilla safari in Virunga National Park, you’ll find a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Budget Options:
For those looking to keep costs down, budget-friendly choices include Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp, with prices ranging from $90 to $100 per night per person.

Mid-Range Options:
If you’re seeking a bit more comfort, consider Tchegera Island Camp or Lulimbi Tented Camp, with rates between $100 and $200 per night per person.

Luxury Options:
For a more upscale experience, Mikeno Lodge offers luxurious accommodations, with prices ranging from $200 to $400 per night per person.

Let us know your preferred accommodation style and we’ll check availability and make the necessary bookings for you. Feel free to email us anytime and we’ll respond promptly!

When to Book Your DR Congo Mountain Gorilla Safari from Uganda

Congo offers both standard and discounted gorilla trekking permits, making it essential to choose your booking timing based on your budget. Due to the lower costs of permits, they can sell out quickly, so we recommend booking your trek at least three months in advance.

Contact Trek Africa Gorillas early to check the availability of gorilla permits in Virunga National Park. We can help you reserve and pay for your permits to ensure they are secured on your behalf.

Why Book Your DR Congo Gorilla Trip from Uganda with Trek Africa Gorillas

Established in 2019, Excursia Adventures is dedicated to providing exceptional tour and travel services across Uganda, Congo, Tanzania and Rwanda. We have built a reputation as a leading tour operator, with a professional team ready to handle all your requests and inquiries.

We are proud members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and maintain a close relationship with Uganda Wildlife Authority. Our strong presence on platforms like TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings highlights our commitment to excellent service.

As a Ugandan-owned and operated company, our team has extensive local knowledge, ensuring you receive authentic experiences and expert advice. Visit our website for the latest information and to start planning your unforgettable DR Congo mountain gorilla safari today!