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

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

How Much Does It Cost to See Mountain Gorillas in Congo? — Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, Congo, is a thrilling experience that allows you to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The trek begins with a briefing at 7:45 AM, after which you’ll be assigned a gorilla family for the day. Once you enter the dense Virunga forest, you’ll hike to find the gorillas. After the encounter, you’ll have one hour to observe and photograph these incredible creatures. You may also be lucky enough to spot other wildlife such as birds and primates while learning about the gorillas’ habitat and survival in Virunga.

Gorilla Trekking Costs in Virunga National Park

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Virunga National Park varies by season.

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

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we offer all-inclusive gorilla trekking packages with no hidden fees. The most important cost is the gorilla permit, which you need to secure before your trek. Our packages range from budget-friendly to luxury safaris and we can tailor the trip to suit your preferences.

For those starting in Kigali, Rwanda, we offer 2-day Congo Gorilla Trekking tours, starting at $1,100 per person for a group of two. This price includes your gorilla permit, transportation, accommodation, meals and guiding services.

Best Time to Visit Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks are located in the tropics, meaning they are covered in dense rainforests that receive unpredictable rainfall throughout the year. However, the best time for gorilla trekking in Congo is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to February and June to September. During these months, the trails are drier and easier to walk and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot the gorillas.

The wetter months from March to May and October to November bring thicker vegetation and slippery trails, which can make trekking more challenging. As such, most visitors avoid these months for trekking, though the lush surroundings during the rainy season offer a unique beauty.

Gorilla Safari Tour Packages in Congo

We offer a range of exciting safari tours in Congo, including:

• 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Congo
• 4 Days Nyiragongo and Gorilla Trekking in Congo
• 4 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Congo
• 6 Days Lowland and Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Congo

How to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Permit in Congo

Booking your gorilla trekking permit with Trek Africa Gorillas is simple. Once you confirm your trip and make the payment, we will secure your permit with Virunga National Park and send you a scanned receipt to confirm your trek for your chosen date. Afterward, you can book your international flights and pay the remaining balance for your services.

How to Access Congo for Gorilla Trekking

To start your gorilla trekking adventure in Congo, you’ll fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. From there, you’ll drive to Gisenyi town, where you’ll cross the border into Goma (DR Congo). The drive from Gisenyi to the park headquarters of Virunga National Park or Kahuzi-Biega National Park takes about 2 hours, depending on your destination. Our team will ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey across the border.

Other Activities to Experience in Congo

Chimpanzee Tracking and Habituation

Chimpanzee tracking is another popular activity in Virunga, giving you a one-hour encounter with chimpanzees. For a more immersive experience, the chimpanzee habituation trek allows you to spend a whole day with the chimpanzees, observing their natural behavior and interactions. These treks begin in the morning and you’ll be joined by researchers and trackers as you hike through the forest. Due to high demand, we recommend booking your chimpanzee tracking or habituation permit at least 3 months in advance.

Nature Walks in Virunga Forest

Virunga National Park, one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests, offers breathtaking nature walks through its dense vegetation. On these walks, you can explore the unique Virunga landscape, spot various bird species and, with a bit of luck, encounter other wildlife, including mammals and reptiles.

Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

For the ultimate adventure, hike the Nyiragongo Volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. With an elevation of 3,470 meters (11,380 feet), the volcano has erupted at least 34 times since 1882, with the most recent eruption in 2002. This once-in-a-lifetime hike is an unforgettable experience and can be part of your Congo mountain gorilla safari.

Bird Watching in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, thanks to its incredible biodiversity and varied landscapes. From lush forests and swamps to expansive grasslands, the park offers a wide range of habitats that attract over 706 species of birds. Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or a nature lover, birding in Virunga is a must-do activity during your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali. Don’t miss the chance to explore the park’s rich birdlife – contact us today to organize your bird watching safari!

Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Lowland gorilla trekking takes place in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, home to two gorilla families that are open for trekking. However, permits for this activity can be highly competitive, especially during peak seasons such as June, July, August, September, December and February. Due to limited availability, we recommend booking your lowland gorilla trekking permits at least 3-4 months in advance to secure your spot.

Where to Stay on Your DR Congo Mountain Gorilla Safari

Accommodation in Virunga National Park

Virunga offers a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury:

• Budget: Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp (around $90–$100 per night)
• Mid-Range: Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp (around $100–$200 per night)
• Luxury: Mikeno Lodge (around $200–$400 per night)

Let us know your preferences and we’ll help book the perfect accommodation for you.

Accommodation in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega also offers various accommodation options:

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

We’ll assist you in finding the ideal option based on your budget and preferences.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Congo with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we provide unmatched expertise and personalized services for tours in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Congo. As one of the leading tour operators in the region, we’re proud to offer reliable, professional services to help you plan the perfect DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali.

We are fully accredited members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and work closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to ensure the highest standards. Trek Africa Gorillas is run by Ugandans, so you’re dealing with a team that truly understands the region and its wildlife. We are highly recommended by our clients on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings.

Whether you’re booking a gorilla trekking safari in Congo or need more information, our website provides the latest and most reliable details to help you plan your trip. Contact us today to start planning your adventure!