Safe Places to See Gorillas in Congo

Safe Places to See Gorillas in Congo

Congo is home to two incredible gorilla trekking destinations:

1. Virunga National Park – Known for mountain gorillas.
2. Kahuzi-Biega National Park – Famous for Eastern Lowland gorillas.

Both parks are considered safe for gorilla trekking, with expert guides and established conservation efforts ensuring both visitor safety and wildlife protection.

How to Get to Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Both Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park are located in the eastern part of Congo. The journey typically involves:

1. Flying into Kigali International Airport (Rwanda).
2. Driving to Gisenyi Town, near the Rwanda-Congo border.
3. Crossing into Goma Town, DR Congo.
4. Driving approximately 2 hours from Gisenyi to the park headquarters for either Virunga or Kahuzi-Biega.

This route is the most convenient and widely used by travelers.

How to Visit Gorillas in Congo

The best way to start your gorilla trekking adventure in Congo is by flying into the country. Gorilla permits are required and can be booked directly through the parks or with the help of trusted tour operators like Trek Africa Gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking Permits in Congo

The cost of gorilla permits varies depending on the park and the season:

Virunga National Park

• High season (Mid-December to Mid-March; June to October): $400 per person per trek.
• Low season (Mid-March to Mid-May; Mid-October to Mid-December): $200 per person per trek.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park

• Foreign non-residents: $400 per person.
• East African residents: $200 per person.
• Congolese nationals: $20 per person.

Booking permits several months in advance is highly recommended, especially for Kahuzi-Biega, which only has two habituated gorilla families available for trekking.

About Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking experiences but there’s so much more to explore, including:

• Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
• Chimpanzee Tracking and Habituation
• Birdwatching and Nature Walks

Virunga is part of the Virunga Massif, a region shared by Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, which is home to the world’s entire population of mountain gorillas.

About Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is the ultimate destination for trekking the Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas), the largest gorilla subspecies. Located about 30 km from Bukavu town, the park can be accessed by both road and air.

Key Highlights of Kahuzi-Biega:

• Home to 12 gorilla families, with 2 habituated groups available for trekking:
  • Chimanuka Family – One of the world’s largest gorilla families with 36 individuals.
  • Mugaruka Family – Known for its dominant silverback.
• Offers a unique trekking experience found nowhere else in the world.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost in Congo?

The cost of gorilla trekking in Congo depends on the park and your chosen package:

1. Virunga National Park:
   • High Season: $400 per person.
   • Low Season: $200 per person.
2. Kahuzi-Biega National Park:
   • Non-Residents: $400 per person.
   • East African Residents: $200 per person.
   • Congolese Nationals: $20 per person.

Best Time to Visit Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Congo, located in the tropics, experiences a tropical climate year-round. Both Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park share similar weather patterns, with unpredictable rainfall possible at any time. However, the dry seasons are considered the best time to visit for gorilla trekking.

Best Months for Gorilla Trekking in Congo

• Dry Season: December, January, February, June, July, August and September.
  • During these months, trails are drier and easier to navigate and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot gorillas.
• Wet Season: March, April, May, October and November.
  • Trekking during the wet season is more challenging due to slippery trails and dense vegetation. However, it’s a great option for budget travelers since gorilla permits are discounted.

Low-Season Gorilla Trekking Offer

If you’re visiting during the wet season (March to May and October to December), Virunga National Park offers a special discounted gorilla permit at $200 per person per trek. This is significantly lower than the regular $400 permit cost during the dry season.

Where to Stay in Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Accommodation options near Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park cater to all budgets, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury lodges.

Accommodations in Virunga National Park

1. Budget:
   • Bukima Tented Camp
   • Kibumba Tented Camp
   • Rates: $90–$100 per person per night.
2. Mid-Range:
   • Tchegera Island Camp
   • Lulimbi Tented Camp
   • Rates: $100–$200 per person per night.
3. Luxury:
   • Mikeno Lodge
   • Rates: $200–$400 per person per night.

Accommodations in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

1. Budget:
   • Hotel Begonias Bukavu
   • Exodus Bukavu
   • Lake Side Hotel Bukavu
   • Rates: $90–$100 per person per night.
2. Mid-Range:
   • Coco Lodge Bukavu
   • Rates: $100–$200 per person per night.
3. Luxury:
   • L’Orchid Safari Club
   • Rates: $200–$400 per person per night.

Let us know your preferences and we’ll check availability and handle all bookings for you.

Gorilla Tour Packages with Trek Africa Gorillas

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we offer all-inclusive gorilla tour packages tailored to your preferences. Whether you prefer a budget-friendly safari or a luxury adventure, we’ll handle all the details, including:

• Gorilla permit bookings.
• Accommodation.
• Transportation.
• Meals and guide services.

Popular Gorilla Tour Options:

• 2-Day Gorilla Tour from Kigali: Starting at $1,100 per person for a group of two, including permits, transportation, accommodation and meals.
• Custom tours starting in Kigali or other major cities, tailored to your interests and budget.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Congo with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we are passionate about providing safe, eco-friendly and unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences. Here’s why travelers choose us:

• Expertise and Reliability: With years of experience organizing gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, we ensure every detail is covered for a hassle-free experience.
• Highly Rated: Our team is highly rated and reviewed on TripAdvisor for delivering exceptional service.
• Eco-Friendly Tourism: We focus on preserving biodiversity, conserving wildlife and uplifting local communities.
• Customizable Safaris: We combine gorilla trekking with other adventures, such as:
  • Chimpanzee trekking.
  • Big Five safaris and game drives.
  • Mountain hiking.
  • Boat cruises and cultural encounters.
  • Safaris to popular African destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia.

Feel free to contact us for more information about planning your Congo gorilla trekking adventure. We’ll ensure your trip is safe, memorable and tailored to your preferences.