Gorilla Trekking in Congo From Kigali

Gorilla Trekking in Congo From Kigali

Planning to experience gorilla trekking in Congo from Kigali? The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a prime destination for gorilla enthusiasts, offering a rare chance to see both the Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the majestic Mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Congo Safe?

While safety concerns have historically impacted tourism in the DRC—due to civil unrest, rebel activities, and health outbreaks like Ebola—the situation has improved significantly. The Congolese government, alongside local authorities and international agencies, has worked diligently to enhance security and health measures, especially in protected areas. As a result, Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks have reopened for tourism, with gorilla trekking emerging as a popular, more affordable alternative to Uganda and Rwanda.

Trek Africa Expeditions offers carefully organized gorilla trekking tours from Kigali to Congo. Whether you’re interested in trekking Eastern Lowland gorillas or Mountain gorillas, we provide tailored packages that include budget, mid-range, and luxury options to suit your needs. Contact us to book a trip and explore these remarkable gorillas in their natural habitat.

Top Gorilla Trekking and Adventure Tours in the DRC

Here are some of our popular Congo gorilla safari packages:

• 2 Days Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
• 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Congo
• 4 Days Nyiragongo & Gorilla Trekking
• 5 Days Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
• 6 Days Lowland and Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Gorilla trekking in the DRC is available in Virunga National Park for Mountain gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega National Park for Eastern Lowland gorillas. Each park offers unique trekking experiences in the heart of Congo’s breathtaking landscapes.

Virunga National Park

Renowned as Africa’s oldest national park, Virunga is home to a diverse ecosystem of tropical rainforests and abundant wildlife. It’s best known for Mountain gorilla trekking, along with other activities such as the Nyiragongo volcano hike, birdwatching, nature walks, and chimpanzee tracking. The Virunga Massif, a mountain range straddling Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, is one of the only places in the world where Mountain gorillas can be found.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Established in 1970, Kahuzi-Biega National Park was created to protect the Grauer’s gorilla, the world’s largest gorilla species. Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking began here in 1973 and remains exclusive to this park, making it one of the top destinations for lowland gorilla encounters. Located around 30 kilometers from Bukavu, Kahuzi-Biega is accessible by road and air. The park is home to 12 gorilla families, with two habituated groups—Chimanuka and Mugaruka—open for trekking. The Chimanuka family is especially famous as one of the largest, with over 36 members.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Congo Cost?

Gorilla trekking in Congo takes place in two main parks: Virunga National Park, home to the mountain gorillas, and Kahuzi Biega National Park, known for its unique Eastern Lowland gorillas. Just like in Uganda and Rwanda, trekking here requires a permit, which Trek Africa Expeditions can help you secure. With our assistance, you can avoid the hassle of permit booking. We will confirm availability, book your permits, and handle all other necessary arrangements to make your experience seamless. For the best chance at securing your preferred dates, we recommend booking at least five months in advance, as there are only two habituated lowland gorilla groups available for trekking in Kahuzi Biega.

Congo Gorilla Permit Prices:

• Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Kahuzi Biega National Park):
  • Non-Residents: $400
  • East African Residents: $200
  • National Citizens of Congo: $20
• Mountain Gorillas (Virunga National Park):
  • 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

Trek Africa Expeditions offers a range of inclusive gorilla trekking packages to fit any travel style, from budget-friendly options to luxurious experiences. Our tours include everything needed for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, including permits, transportation, accommodation, meals, and expert guides. One popular option is our 2-day Congo gorilla trekking tour from Kigali, starting at $1,100 per person for a group of two. This budget-friendly package includes the gorilla permit, transportation, meals, and accommodation.

Best Time to Visit Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Congo’s tropical climate means unpredictable rains throughout the year, particularly in Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks. However, the dry seasons, occurring from December to February and June to September, are the ideal months for gorilla trekking. During these months, trails are drier, making hiking more manageable, and vegetation is less dense, improving gorilla visibility.

The wetter months—March, April, May, October, and November—can make trekking more challenging as trails become slippery and vegetation is dense. For those open to visiting during the low season, Virunga National Park offers a special discount on gorilla permits, reducing the price to $200 per person between mid-March and mid-May and from mid-October to mid-December.

Accommodation Options in Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Accommodation options around both Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks range from budget to luxury, ensuring options to suit various budgets and preferences.

• Virunga National Park:
  • Budget options include Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp, with rates from $90-$100 per night.
  • Mid-range options such as Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp range from $100-$200 per night.
  • Luxury stays like Mikeno Lodge range from $200-$400 per night.
• Kahuzi Biega National Park:
  • Budget choices like Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu, and Lake Side Hotel Bukavu are available from $90-$100 per night.
  • Mid-range options like Coco Lodge Bukavu range from $100-$200 per night.
  • Luxury options like L’Orchids Safari Club are priced from $200-$400 per night.

Let us know your preferred style, and we’ll help you find and secure accommodations that best suit your needs.

How to Access Congo for Gorilla Trekking

For travelers beginning in Kigali, reaching Congo’s gorilla trekking sites is straightforward. After arriving at Kigali International Airport, you’ll head to Gisenyi, Rwanda, where you’ll cross the border into Goma, DR Congo. From there, it’s about a two-hour drive to the park headquarters of either Kahuzi Biega or Virunga National Park, where your trek will begin.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Congo with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions has extensive experience organizing unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. Our high ratings and positive TripAdvisor reviews reflect our commitment to delivering eco-friendly and high-quality safaris. We emphasize conservation and community support, integrating gorilla trekking with other enriching experiences like chimpanzee tracking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hikes, cultural encounters, and more in Africa’s most iconic destinations, including Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia.

To book your Congo gorilla trekking adventure, or for more information, feel free to contact us at Trek Africa Expeditions. Let us make your dream safari a reality!