How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Congo

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Are you dreaming of a trip to Africa and interested in trekking gorillas in Congo? You’re in the right place! Congo is one of only three countries in the world where you can trek the endangered Mountain Gorillas—the other two being Uganda and Rwanda. Booking your gorilla trekking adventure in Congo is made simple with Excursia Adventures, your go-to partner for seamless safari planning.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Congo with Excursia Adventures

Booking your gorilla trekking trip in Congo is easy with Excursia Adventures. Our offices are based in Uganda, where we manage all logistics, including securing permits for both Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park. We also arrange accommodation and transportation to and from Kigali or Uganda.

Our fleet of 4×4 vehicles in Kigali and Uganda ensures safe and comfortable transport to the trekking sites in Congo. Whether you’re starting your journey from Kigali, Rwanda, or Uganda, our professional, knowledgeable driver-guides will take care of all the details and ensure you feel secure throughout your trip.

Where to Trek Gorillas in Congo

The only place to trek mountain gorillas in Congo is Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Virunga is Africa’s oldest national park and one of the most biodiverse tropical rainforests. Aside from gorilla trekking, visitors to Virunga can also enjoy a variety of other activities, such as hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano, bird watching, and seeing golden monkeys and chimpanzees.

If you’re looking to explore gorilla trekking in Congo, Virunga National Park is your destination!

Gorilla Trekking Costs in Congo

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park typically begins with a briefing at 7:45 AM, followed by a trek into the Virunga Forest to find the gorillas. Once located, you’ll spend one hour with these magnificent creatures, capturing unforgettable memories with photos and learning about their habitat.

As for costs, the most significant expense is the gorilla trekking permit. Our all-inclusive packages cater to a range of budgets, from luxury safaris to more affordable options. For example, a 2-day trip from Kigali costs $1100 per person (for a group of two), which includes the gorilla permit, transportation, accommodation, meals, and guide services.

How to Secure Your Gorilla Trekking Permits in Congo

Once you confirm your trip with us, we’ll handle all the necessary arrangements, including securing your gorilla permits for Virunga National Park. Upon receipt of your permit payment, we’ll send you a confirmation receipt, and you’ll be all set for your trek. Once your permits are confirmed, it’s time to book your international flights, and you can pay the remaining balance for your services.

Additional Things to Do on a DR Congo Gorilla Safari

1. Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that can be added to your gorilla trekking safari. Located in Virunga National Park, Nyiragongo is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, standing at 3,470 meters (11,380 feet). Its most recent eruption occurred in 2002, and it remains one of the park’s top attractions.

2. Bird Watching

The diverse landscapes of Virunga Forest—from forests to swamps to grasslands—make it a paradise for bird lovers. With over 706 species of birds, you’re in for an exciting birding experience on your DR Congo gorilla safari. Whether you’re trekking or enjoying a nature walk, keep your binoculars handy to spot some of the park’s rare bird species.

3. Lowland Gorilla Trekking

For an entirely different experience, lowland gorilla trekking is available in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. With only two families open for trekking, permits can be limited and highly competitive, particularly during peak seasons like June, July, August, September, December, and February. To secure your spot, it’s recommended to book your lowland gorilla permits at least 3-4 months in advance.

When is the Best Time to Visit Congo for Gorilla Trekking?

Planning to trek gorillas in Congo? The best time to visit Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park is during the dry season, which typically falls in December, January, February, June, July, August, and September. While Congo’s tropical rainforests can experience unpredictable rain showers year-round, these months offer the driest conditions, making trekking easier and more enjoyable.

During the dry season, the trails are less slippery, and the vegetation is not as thick, which makes it easier to spot gorillas. The wet season, from March to May and October to November, tends to have more rainfall and lush, dense vegetation, making the trek more challenging. Most visitors prefer to avoid these months due to the slippery trails and difficulty in seeing gorillas.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Congo

There are various accommodation options in and around Virunga National Park to suit all budgets, from budget-friendly camps to luxurious lodges. Here’s a quick guide to where you can stay:

• Budget Accommodation:
  • Bukima Tented Camp
  • Kibumba Tented Camp
    Prices range from $90 to $100 per night per person.
• Mid-Range Accommodation:
  • Tchegera Island Camp
  • Lulimbi Tented Camp
    Prices range from $100 to $200 per night per person.
• Luxury Accommodation:
  • Mikeno Lodge
    Prices range from $200 to $400 per night per person.

Let us know your preferred accommodation style, and we’ll handle all bookings and availability for you!

How to Access Congo for Gorilla Trekking

To trek gorillas in Congo, you’ll typically fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. From there, you will travel to Gisenyi, a town near the Rwanda-Congo border. After crossing the border, you’ll continue on to Goma, in DR Congo, which is about a 2-hour drive from Gisenyi. From Goma, it’s a short drive to the park headquarters of Virunga National Park or Kahuzi-Biega National Park, where your gorilla trekking adventure will begin.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Gorilla Trekking Trip in Congo

At Excursia Adventures, we offer unmatched and professional tour services across Uganda, Rwanda, Congo, and Tanzania. As one of the leading tour operators, we specialize in organizing gorilla trekking safaris in Congo. Our dedicated team, both in the office and in the field, ensures that your trip runs smoothly from start to finish.

We are proud members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and work closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Our company is highly recommended on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, and our website provides the most up-to-date and reliable information for planning your Congo gorilla trekking safari.

Ready to book your gorilla trekking adventure in Congo? Contact us today for more information and to get started with your booking!