The Cost of a Congo Gorilla Trip to Virunga National Park

The Cost of a Congo Gorilla Trip to Virunga National Park

The Cost of a Congo Gorilla Trip to Virunga National Park — Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Virunga National Park, Congo? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, including permits, visas, transportation, accommodation, meals, and tour service fees. Virunga National Park is the oldest and one of the most biodiverse tropical rainforests in Africa, renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking experiences. In addition to gorilla trekking, visitors can enjoy hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano, bird watching, nature walks, and chimpanzee tracking.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs in Virunga National Park

For gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, you’ll need a gorilla trekking permit, which is required to participate in this unforgettable experience. Trek Africa Expeditions can help you book your permit and other safari arrangements. The cost of a permit in Virunga depends on the season:

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

We recommend booking your permit at least five months in advance to ensure availability. As part of our all-inclusive Congo gorilla tour packages, we handle all the logistics, from securing permits to organizing transportation, accommodation, and meals. A 2-day budget gorilla trekking trip starting from Kigali costs around $1,100 USD per person in a group of two, which includes your gorilla permit, transportation, accommodation, meals, and guide services.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

Congo experiences tropical weather, and Virunga National Park is no exception. Although rain can occur at any time, the best time to visit is during the dry seasons, which make trekking easier and gorilla sightings more frequent. The dry months are:

• December to February
• June to September

During these months, the trails are drier, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot gorillas. However, if you’re visiting during the wet season (March to May, October to November), take advantage of the reduced gorilla permit prices, which drop to $200 USD.

Accommodation Costs in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park offers a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury. Here are some choices:

• Budget Lodges: Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp (Prices range from $90–100 USD per night per person).
• Mid-Range Lodges: Tchegera Island Camp, Lulimbi Tented Camp (Prices range from $100–200 USD per night per person).
• Luxury Lodges: Mikeno Lodge (Prices range from $200–400 USD per night per person).

All accommodation options are available on a full-board basis, and we can help secure reservations based on your preferences.

Transportation Costs to Virunga National Park

To reach Virunga National Park, most travelers fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. From there, it’s a 2-hour drive to Gisenyi town, where you’ll cross the Rwanda-Congo border into Goma, DR Congo, and then head to the park’s headquarters. Transportation costs include:

• Vehicle Hire: $80–150 USD per day.
• Driver-Guide Allowance: $50 USD per day.
• Fuel Costs: Varies based on trip length.

Transportation costs can be shared among travelers, reducing individual expenses.

Why Book Your Congo Gorilla Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions specializes in organizing incredible gorilla trekking experiences in Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. We’re highly rated on TripAdvisor for our commitment to eco-friendly, high-end adventures that not only provide unforgettable experiences but also support biodiversity conservation and local communities. Our tours include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, cultural encounters, and more across Africa’s top safari destinations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

Contact us today to plan your Congo gorilla trip to Virunga National Park and experience the magic of African wildlife.