Price of Gorilla Trekking Trip to Virunga National Park, Congo

Price of Gorilla Trekking Trip to Virunga National Park, Congo

Planning a gorilla trekking trip to Virunga National Park in Congo? Here’s everything you need to know about the costs and what’s included in your tour package.

A gorilla trekking trip to Congo includes the following:

• Congo Gorilla Permit
• Tourist Visa
• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Service fees for Trek Africa Gorillas

Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s most biodiverse and oldest national parks, renowned for mountain gorilla trekking. Beyond gorilla trekking, the park offers additional activities like Nyiragongo volcano hikes, bird watching, nature walks and chimpanzee tracking. The park is part of the Virunga Massif, which also includes Uganda‘s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda‘s Volcanoes National Park, making this region the only place on Earth to see mountain gorillas in the wild.

Virunga currently has 10 habituated gorilla families available for tracking. While the exact number of gorillas in the park is uncertain due to regional instability, the last census estimated the population at over 100, with about 7 newborn gorillas.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permit in Virunga National Park

If you’re planning to trek mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, you’ll need to secure a gorilla trekking permit. The cost of the permit depends on the season:

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

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we handle all the details for you. From checking permit availability to booking and purchasing your gorilla permits, we ensure a smooth process. To guarantee your trek, we recommend securing your permits at least 5 months in advance.

Our all-inclusive gorilla tour packages cover the gorilla permit, transportation, accommodation, meals and guide services. Whether you’re looking for a budget or luxury safari, we’ll tailor your trip to meet your preferences. For example, a 2-day trip from Kigali to Virunga costs around USD 1100 per person for a group of two, including everything from gorilla permits to meals and guide services.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park has a tropical climate, with rain being a common occurrence year-round. However, some months are better for trekking than others:

• Dry Season (Best Time to Visit):
  • December, January, February
  • June, July, August, September

During these months, the trails are drier, making gorilla trekking more comfortable. The vegetation is also less dense, offering better visibility when tracking the gorillas.

• Wet Season (Low Season):
  • March to May
  • October to November

While trekking is still possible, the trails can be slippery and the dense vegetation can make spotting gorillas more difficult. However, if you’re looking to save on costs, the low season offers a special deal with permits priced at USD 200 per person, making it a more affordable option for gorilla trekking.

Accommodation Options and Costs for Virunga Gorilla Safari

When planning a gorilla safari to Virunga National Park, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets. From budget-friendly tents to luxury lodges, there’s something for everyone:

• Budget Accommodations: Options like Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp offer comfortable stays at $90 to $100 per night per person. These camps provide a great base for your gorilla trekking adventure.
• Mid-Range Accommodations: For a bit more comfort, consider Tchegera Island Camp or Lulimbi Tented Camp, with rates ranging from $100 to $200 per night per person. These camps offer a balance of comfort and affordability.
• Luxury Accommodations: For a more indulgent stay, Mikeno Lodge is a top choice, with prices ranging from $200 to $400 per night per person. These luxury options offer stunning views and world-class amenities.

All accommodation prices are based on full board, including meals. Once you let us know your preferred accommodation style, we’ll check availability and handle the booking for you.

Transportation Details and Costs to Virunga National Park

Reaching Virunga National Park involves some travel logistics. Here’s what you need to know about the transportation costs:

• Flight to Kigali: You’ll fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda.
• Travel to Gisenyi: From Kigali, you’ll take a short drive to Gisenyi, a town located near the Rwanda-Congo border.
• Crossing the Border: After Gisenyi, you’ll cross the border into Goma, DR Congo, before heading to the Virunga National Park headquarters.
• Drive to the Park: The drive from Gisenyi to the park headquarters takes about 2 hours by 4×4 vehicle.

Transportation costs include:

• Vehicle Hire: Typically ranges from $80 to $150 per day, depending on the type of vehicle and trip duration.
• Driver/Guide Allowance: About $50 per day.
• Fuel Costs: Depending on the number of days you’ll be in Congo, fuel costs are included in the overall price.

Group tours may reduce costs as the transportation fees can be shared among participants.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Virunga Gorilla Safari?

Trek Africa Gorillas organizes unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. With highly-rated reviews on TripAdvisor, we are trusted for creating exceptional safaris.

We offer eco-friendly and luxury safari experiences that not only provide an incredible adventure but also support wildlife conservation and local communities. In addition to gorilla trekking, our safaris include options like chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises and cultural experiences—all designed to give you a well-rounded and memorable African safari.

Let Trek Africa Gorillas plan your dream gorilla safari in Virunga National Park, Congo. Contact us today for more information on pricing and to book your adventure!