Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo

Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo: A Unique African Adventure

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure, DR Congo is one of Africa’s top destinations. It is home to both Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, making it a unique location for an unforgettable trekking experience.

Is Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo Safe?

For many years, DR Congo faced challenges such as civil wars, rebel groups and the Ebola outbreak, which made tourists hesitant to visit. These challenges often affected areas that are home to the gorillas. However, in recent times, DR Congo has made significant strides in restoring peace and safety. The government, along with local authorities and international organizations, have worked hard to ensure the security of tourists and many of the parks, including those for gorilla trekking, are now open for visitors.

Today, DR Congo offers a safe environment for gorilla trekking and many travelers are choosing it over Uganda and Rwanda due to the more affordable gorilla trekking permits. Trek Africa Gorillas is excited to help you plan your trip to DR Congo, where we can book safaris for both Mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park and Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Beiga National Park. We offer a range of budget, mid-range and luxury tour packages, all customizable to meet your preferences. Get in touch with us today to book your next adventure!

Where to Do Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo?

You can experience gorilla trekking in DR Congo in two main parks:

• Virunga National Park – Home to Mountain gorillas.
• Kahuzi Beiga National Park – Known for its Eastern Lowland gorillas.

Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse parks. Famous for Mountain gorilla trekking, the park also offers other exciting activities such as hiking the Nyiragongo volcano, chimpanzee tracking and bird watching. It’s important to note that the Virunga Massif region is home to the world’s last remaining Mountain gorillas, with populations found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park. These three parks are located in close proximity to each other, making the region a unique destination for gorilla lovers.

Kahuzi Beiga National Park

Kahuzi Beiga National Park is the only place where you can trek the Eastern Lowland gorillas (also known as Grauer’s gorillas), the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. This park, located about 30 km from Bukavu, offers a unique experience as it is the only destination for Lowland gorilla trekking. The park is home to 12 gorilla families, with two habituated families—Chimanuka and Mugaruka—open to trekkers. Chimanuka is especially famous for having one of the largest gorilla families, with over 36 individuals.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo Cost?

For gorilla trekking in Virunga and Kahuzi Beiga National Park, you will need a gorilla permit. Prices for the permits vary depending on the park and the season.

Kahuzi Beiga National Park (Lowland Gorilla Trekking):

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

Virunga National Park (Mountain Gorilla Trekking):

• High Season (Mid-December to Mid-March, June to October): USD 400 per person
• Low Season (Mid-March to Mid-May, Mid-October to Mid-December): USD 200 per person

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we make it easy to secure your gorilla trekking permits. Simply choose from our gorilla tour packages and we’ll handle the permit booking, ensuring everything is arranged well in advance. We recommend booking at least 5 months ahead of your trip, especially for Kahuzi Beiga National Park, where only two gorilla families are available for trekking.

Our all-inclusive tours cover everything from transportation and accommodation to meals and guide services. For a budget-friendly option, we offer a 2-day gorilla safari starting from Kigali for a Virunga National Park trekking experience at USD 1100 per person (group of two). This includes gorilla permits, transport, lodging, meals and more.

The Best Time to Visit DR Congo for Gorilla Trekking

When planning your gorilla trekking adventure in DR Congo, timing is essential to make the most of your experience. Located in the tropics, Congo has a tropical climate year-round, which means you can expect rain at any time. However, certain months are better than others for gorilla trekking.

Dry Season (Best Time to Visit)

The best time to trek gorillas in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park is during the dry season. This occurs in the months of December, January, February, June, July, August, and September. During these months:

• Trails are drier, making hiking easier.
• Vegetation is less dense, offering clearer views of the gorillas.
• The weather is more favorable for trekking and wildlife viewing.

Wet Season (Low Season)

The wet season from March to May and October to November sees more rainfall. While trekking is still possible, the trails can be slippery and the lush vegetation can make spotting the gorillas more difficult. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, this is the time when gorilla permits are discounted.

• Low Season Special: From Mid-March to Mid-May and Mid-October to Mid-December, you can book gorilla trekking permits for just USD 200 per person, a significant discount from the high season rates.

Where to Stay for Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo

Accommodation options near the gorilla trekking sites in Virunga and Kahuzi Beiga National Parks cater to all budgets. Here’s a breakdown:

Virunga National Park Accommodation Options:

• Budget:
  • Bukima Tented Camp
  • Kibumba Tented Camp
  • Price: USD 90-100 per night per person
• Mid-Range:
  • Tchegera Island Camp
  • Lulimbi Tented Camp
  • Price: USD 100-200 per night per person
• Luxury:
  • Mikeno Lodge
  • Price: USD 200-400 per night per person

Kahuzi Beiga National Park Accommodation Options:

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

Let us know your preferred type of accommodation and we’ll check availability and handle your booking.

How to Access DR Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Congo takes place in both Virunga and Kahuzi Beiga National Parks, located in the eastern part of the country. Here’s how to get there:

1. Fly into Kigali International Airport, Rwanda.
2. Travel from Kigali to Gisenyi, a town near the border with Congo.
3. Cross the Rwanda-Congo border into Goma, DR Congo.
4. From Goma, it’s about a 2-hour drive to the park headquarters of Virunga or Kahuzi Beiga National Park, where your trekking adventure will begin.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we pride ourselves in crafting incredible gorilla trekking safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. With years of experience, we ensure every detail of your trip is taken care of, providing a seamless and unforgettable adventure.

Here’s why you should choose us:

• Expert Planning: We offer expert guidance on organizing gorilla trekking tours, ensuring the best experience in DR Congo.
• Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: We prioritize eco-tourism and responsible travel to help conserve wildlife and support local communities.
• Comprehensive Safaris: In addition to gorilla trekking, we offer a range of exciting activities like chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, boat cruises, mountain hiking and cultural encounters.
• Trusted and Reliable: Our services are highly rated on platforms like TripAdvisor, so you can rest assured your trip will be well-organized and enjoyable.

Feel free to contact us for more information on booking your gorilla trekking safari in DR Congo. Let us help you create a memorable African adventure!