Gorilla Trekking in Congo from Kigali

Experience Gorilla Trekking in Congo from Kigali

Are you dreaming of trekking mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo? If you’re based in Kigali, Rwanda, we have the perfect adventure for you! Our Congo gorilla trip from Kigali offers an incredible opportunity to visit Virunga National Park, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. As Africa’s oldest national park, Virunga is famous for mountain gorilla trekking, but it also offers a range of other activities, including hiking Nyiragongo volcano, bird watching, nature walks, and chimpanzee tracking.

Mountain gorillas are found in three countries worldwide: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Rwanda, you can trek in Volcanoes National Park, while Uganda boasts gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In contrast, Congo’s mountain gorillas inhabit Virunga National Park, making this area a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Travel Options with Trek Africa Expeditions

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer both budget and luxury options for your gorilla trekking experience in Congo. Our luxury trips ensure you travel in comfort, using top-of-the-line land cruisers and staying in upscale lodges, where you’ll receive VIP treatment throughout your journey.

Here are some popular Congo gorilla trips from Kigali:

• 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Congo
• 4 Days Nyiragongo & Gorilla Trekking
• 5 Days Gorillas & Nyiragongo Hike
• 6 Days Gorillas & Nyiragongo Hike

How to Organize and Book Your Congo Gorilla Trip from Kigali

When it comes to planning your mountain gorilla safari in Congo, look no further than Trek Africa Expeditions. With our offices located in Uganda, we specialize in securing all necessary services, including gorilla permits for Virunga National Park, accommodations, and transportation to and from Kigali.

Our fleet of 4×4 vans and Jeeps, stationed in Kigali, is ready to take you on your journey to Virunga National Park. Our experienced safari driver-guides are well-versed in the routes and logistics between Kigali and Congo, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip.

What’s the Cost of Seeing Mountain Gorillas in Congo?

Gorilla trekking is a daily highlight in Virunga National Park, with treks starting early in the morning. After a briefing at 7:45 am, you’ll be assigned a gorilla group and embark on your trek into the lush forest. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable hour in their presence, capturing stunning photographs and observing their natural behaviors.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we provide all-inclusive gorilla tour packages, ensuring transparency with no hidden costs. The most significant expense is the gorilla permit, which varies depending on the season. For instance, during peak season months like December, January, February, June, July, August, September, and early October, the permit costs $400 per person. This season sees many visitors, as it’s typically drier and easier for trekking.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, discounted permits are available during the off-season months of early March, April, and May, as well as early October and November, priced at $200 per person. It’s essential to book your permits well in advance—ideally at least three months ahead of your planned trek—to secure your spot.

How to Secure Your Gorilla Permit

Once you confirm your trip with us and make your permit payment, we’ll handle the booking directly with Virunga National Park’s headquarters. You’ll receive a scanned copy of your permit as confirmation. After your permits are secured, you can arrange your international flights and settle any remaining balances for your safari services.

Activities on Your DR Congo Gorilla Safari from Kigali

Mountain gorilla trekking is the highlight of any Congo safari, but there’s so much more to explore! In Virunga, you’ll find only six gorilla families available for trekking: the Kabirizi, Humba, Rugendo, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Munyaga, Nyakamwe, and Bageni groups. Kabirizi is particularly popular due to its large size, with over 30 members, making it a favorite among visitors. If you’re interested in trekking this group, be sure to book your permit early—at least three months in advance—to avoid missing out on this incredible experience.

Chimpanzee Tracking and Habituation in Virunga National Park

If you’re planning a mountain gorilla safari in DR Congo from Kigali, you won’t want to miss the incredible experience of chimpanzee tracking and habituation. These activities rank as some of the most popular in Virunga National Park, offering a unique opportunity to observe our closest relatives in their natural habitat.

Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzee tracking allows you to spend an exhilarating hour observing these fascinating creatures. The trek begins in the morning, accompanied by knowledgeable trackers and researchers who will guide you through the dense Virunga forest in search of chimpanzees. You’ll get a chance to witness their feeding habits and natural behaviors up close.

Chimpanzee Habituation

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the chimpanzee habituation trek provides an entire day spent with these remarkable animals. This extended encounter allows you to observe the chimps as they go about their daily lives, including feeding, socializing, and building nests for the night. As with gorilla trekking, it’s important to secure your permit in advance—ideally, three months before your trip—to ensure you don’t miss out.

Nature Walks in Virunga Forest

Exploring Virunga National Park’s lush landscape on a nature walk is another highlight of your safari. As one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests, the park boasts an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. During your walk, you’ll have the opportunity to discover various tree species, spot colorful birds, and, with a bit of luck, encounter mammals and reptiles native to the region.

Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano

No trip to Virunga National Park would be complete without hiking the stunning Nyiragongo Volcano. Standing at 3,470 meters (11,380 feet), it is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Since its first recorded eruption in 1882, Nyiragongo has erupted numerous times, with the most recent event occurring in 2002. The hike to its summit offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable adventure.

Bird Watching

Virunga National Park is also a paradise for bird lovers, home to more than 706 recorded species. The diverse habitats, including forests, swamps, and grasslands, make bird watching a must-do activity during your visit. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a casual observer, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot and learn about the park’s avian inhabitants.

Best Time to Visit Virunga for Gorilla Trekking

Given its tropical rainforest environment, Virunga National Park experiences unpredictable rainfall throughout the year. However, the best months for gorilla trekking are during the dry seasons: December to February and June to September. During these months, the trails are drier and easier to navigate, making your trek more enjoyable. Although the rainy season (March, April, May, October, and November) tends to deter many visitors due to muddy trails and dense vegetation, Virunga does offer discounted gorilla permits at $200 during this time, making it a budget-friendly option for those willing to brave the elements.

Accommodation Options for Your Congo Trip

When it comes to lodging in Virunga National Park, you have a variety of options to suit your budget. For budget travelers, camps like Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp offer affordable accommodations ranging from $90 to $100 per night. If you prefer mid-range options, consider Tchegera Island Camp or Lulimbi Tented Camp, with rates between $100 and $200 per night. For a more luxurious stay, Mikeno Lodge offers an upscale experience, with prices ranging from $200 to $400 per night. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll assist you in securing the best accommodations.

Getting to Virunga for Gorilla Trekking from Kigali

To embark on your mountain gorilla trekking adventure, fly into Kigali International Airport. From there, you’ll travel to Gisenyi, where you will cross the Rwanda-Congo border into Goma, DR Congo. The drive from Gisenyi to Virunga National Park’s Bukima headquarters takes approximately two hours, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Planning Your Congo Gorilla Trip

Congo offers both standard and discounted gorilla trekking permits throughout the year. Given the popularity of these permits, especially during peak seasons, we recommend booking your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali at least three months in advance. Contact Trek Africa Expeditions to check the availability of permits and secure your spot.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Congo Trip?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service and personalized experiences. Our professional team is dedicated to making your trip memorable, and we are proud members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). Our close collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority ensures that you receive the best guidance and support during your safari. Highly rated on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings, our website offers reliable and up-to-date information to help you plan your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali. With a local Ugandan team who knows the ins and outs of the region, you can trust us to deliver an unforgettable adventure.