Where to Go for Congo Gorilla Safaris?

A Democratic Republic of Congo safari to meet Congo Gorillas occurs in two safari destination areas which are both suitable for the giant apes during your Congo safaris.

These two parks to visit for Gorilla tracking in Congo are Virunga National Park which is Congo’s oldest national park located near Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Kahuzi Biega Park.

Let us discuss these destinations below.

1.   Virunga National Park

This park ranks as the oldest national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Africa. This UNESCO World Heritage site is also Africa’s most biodiverse protected area with more than 1000 animal species, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.

Virunga NP majorly protects the world’s endangered Mountain Gorillas with a 3rd of their population habituated for Gorilla trekking safari on Gorilla tours.

The Virunga National Park is found at the Eastern Congo Basin edge between Lake Albert and Lake Kivu.  It is the oldest wildlife-protected area in Africa formed in 1925 by King Albert I of Belgium as Albert National Park.

Additionally, Virunga National Park is also dubbed the “Park of Fire and Ice” because of its diverse habitats that range from the Rwenzori peaks to the savanna and the volcanic plains. Part of this park also stands at the Virunga volcanic Mountains together with Volcanoes National Park.

The Virunga volcanoes in this park include Mountain Nyiragongo which is an active volcano that last erupted in 2021, Mountain Nyamuragira, an active volcano and Mountain Mikeno volcano, a dormant mountain.

Various tourists have a preference for the Congo Gorilla safari in Virunga National Park because of the low cost of trekking compared to other Gorilla safari destinations.

The park has 10 habituated Gorilla families that tourists can track while for their Gorilla tours. These Gorilla families at Virunga National Park include Kabirizi, Lulengo, Bageni, Nyakamwe, Rugendo, Wilungula, Munyaga, Humba, Mapuwa, and Baraka Gorilla families.

The Virunga Foundation and the ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature) are responsible for conserving the Virunga National Park.

Other major attractions at Virunga National Park include the different monkey species for example the Golden Monkeys, the Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys, Central African Red Colobus Monkeys, and various unique bird species which are also unique tourist attractions.

However, Chimpanzee trekking is not so popular in the park because of the few number of Chimpanzees.

2.   Kahuzi Biega National Park

This is another ultimate place for a Congo Gorilla safari and is among the biggest protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is located on the western bank of Lake Kivu and it covers an area of 6000km2.

Kahuzi is the best and only safari destination for tracking the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in their natural habitat while on your Democratic Republic of Congo safaris. This UNESCO World Heritage site has about 250 Eastern Lowland Gorillas as its major tourist attraction.

Kahuzi Biega NP also has about 12 Eastern Lowland Gorilla families although only 3 are habituated for Lowland Gorilla trekking safaris. They include the Chimanuka, Bonane, and Mpungwe Gorilla families to view on your Gorilla tours.

The Lowland Gorillas are quite similar to the Western Lowland Gorilla groups at Odzala National Park in Congo Brazzaville found in Central Africa.

You can also explore other Kahuzi Biega NP animals during your Gorilla trekking safari trips for example Forest Elephants, Red-tailed Monkeys, Dent’s Mona Monkey, Central African Red Colobus, and numerous bird species.

Although there are also Chimpanzees protected in the park, they are not available for Chimpanzee trekking.

Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit Price/Cost | How Much is a Gorilla Permit in Congo

Various tourists inquire about how much a Gorilla trekking fee is: “How much is the Virunga Gorilla trek?” The Gorilla trekking fee is the same as the cost of the Gorilla tracking permits.

The Gorilla trek permit is a legal document that allows you to do Gorilla tours as you track either the Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega NP or the Congo Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park which is near Volcanoes National Park.

Therefore, tourists without a permit cannot trek the primates and below, we look at the Gorilla trekking permit costs according to categories;

Category	Non-Residents	Foreign Residents	Congolese Citizens
Cost/Fee	$400	$400	$200

However, travelers can sometimes get discounted permits for defined periods, especially in the wet season when travelers are few.

What is Included in the Gorilla Trekking Permit in Congo?

The Gorilla trek permit includes the cost of park entry fees. The permit is also inclusive of the professional guidance of armed rangers for Gorilla trekking/ Gorilla tracking while you spend 1 hour with the Gorillas during a Congo safari.

On the other hand, the Gorilla trekking permits exclude transportation costs and the cost of hiring porters which goes for about $10-$20.

Where to Buy a Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit

You can purchase your Gorilla trek permits from the ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature) which is responsible for pricing and selling Gorilla trek permits. Tourists can however purchase these permits through a licensed tour operator.

How to Buy a Gorilla Permit in Congo?

Travelers outside the Democratic Republic of Congo can purchase Congo Gorilla permits online through the park management for their Gorilla tours.

It is through a simple process that requires you to send an inquiry to Virunga’s tourism office in Goma at visit@virunga.org after which you will receive a quick response with options of available days.

Afterward, you will receive instructions on how to make payments. Your permit will then be reserved following your first payment and a scanned copy of your passport will also be required.

However, using a trustworthy local tour operator to book a permit in Congo is the best and most flexible option, more so if they are organizing all your logistics and preparing accommodations for your Gorilla tours. Your tour operator will thus ask for your passport details, Gorilla trekking date, and a deposit to pay for the permit.

Additionally, using a local tour operator is more flexible as they are more resourceful in planning for even last-minute Congo Gorilla permits.

How long is Gorilla Trekking in Congo?

Both the Mountain Gorillas in Congo’s Virunga National Park and the Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega or Volcanoes National Park travel far distances while in the jungle as they look for food or a nesting place.

Meeting a family during your Gorilla tours will thus take between 2 to 6 hours as you search for these giant apes during your Congo safari.

The adventure begins with a briefing at 8 a.m. at the Virunga National Park headquarters for about 30 minutes. Afterward, at least 2 armed rangers will guide your group of 8 trekkers into the rainforest to trek a Gorilla family.

When you meet the Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park, you are allowed to spend with them 1 full amazing hour, an amazing moment for the best photography. While on the way, you will meet other wildlife like a Golden Monkey Community. Although there are some Chimpanzees at Virunga, there is no Chimpanzee trekking in the park.

Low Land & Mountain Gorillas Trekking Rules and Regulations for Congo Gorilla Safaris

Gorilla tracking rules and regulations are purposed to meet the conservation purposes of Gorillas and also protect tourists.

You are therefore advised to respect and follow the rules while on your Congo Gorilla tour/Gorilla safari. These rules are the same for travelers trekking in Virunga National Park, Kahuzi Biega NP, Volcanoes National Park, and Uganda’s Bwindi.

Guidelines before you visit the Gorillas in Congo;

1. Carry your Gorilla permit as proof of payment to trek Congo Gorillas.
2. Only those who are above 15 years old are allowed to track Gorillas in Congo.
3. If you have an infectious disease like cough, cold, or flu, you are not allowed to trek Gorillas as they can easily catch these illnesses.
4. For conservation purposes, only a maximum of 8 people are allowed to trek a Gorilla family in a day to prevent behavioral disturbances or stressing the Gorillas.
5. Avoid littering in the park. Keep your rubbing and later dump it when you return to your lodge.
6. Any human waste should be buried in a hole at least 30cm deep as it may spread diseases to Gorillas.
7. Follow the safety instructions given by your guide and ranger during this adventure.

Guidelines while you are with the Congo Gorillas;

1. Silence or low voices will allow you to discover more wildlife while in the park, but it is also a respectable way to explore a Gorilla habitat.
2. While with the Gorillas, keep a safe distance of at least 7 meters for safety purposes.
3. It is prohibited to take flash photography as the flashlight may threaten the Gorillas of danger and thus charge at you.
4. You are only allowed 1 hour with the Gorillas upon meeting them to minimize the stress from humans.
5. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while with the Gorillas as it may cause them to fall sick.
6. If you feel like sneezing or coughing, keep your mouth and nose covered always to avoid spreading sickness to the Gorillas.
7. Avoid touching the Gorillas because they are still wild animals and they can attack you.

What is the Best Time for Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris | What are the Best Months for Safari in Congo?

Gorilla tours in Congo safaris can be done all year round, ranking it as a great destination for the Democratic Republic of Congo Gorilla safaris. Though, the best time is in the dry season or dry months of the year which are from around December to February and from June to August.

The dry season makes the trekking trails drier in the national parks thus making tracking Gorillas easier. Additionally, it is also an ideal time for photography because of the clear skies that provide good lighting in Virunga National Park.

If you are keen enough, you also meet other primates for example a Golden Monkey community.

However, the dry season is also the peak season/high season where most services like lodging are more expensive. Additionally, it may take longer to find Gorillas while trekking in the dry season because they move deep into the forests to look for food.

On the other hand, the wet months from March to May and September to November have heavy rainfall thus making trails muddy and slippery. However, it is the low season where lodges give discount rates thus reducing costs during your Congo tour.

What to Wear for Congo Gorilla Trekking? | Wear for Congo Safaris

A Democratic Republic of Congo safari will also require you to wear comfortably and conveniently. Below, we look at the best attire for your Gorilla trekking safari.

Light long-sleeved shirts and trousers that are neutral colored; to blend easily with nature. Use Khaki, brown, or green as bright colors may stress the apes.

Long sleeves and trousers will also protect you from biting insects and bugs and keep you warm if it is cold.

Light hiking boots: to easily penetrate the slippery trails while on nature walks, keep your feet dry, and protect your ankles from being hurt.

A hat or cap; will protect your head from the strong tropical sunlight of Congo.

Garden gloves: to keep your fingers/hands from dirt and itchy thorny plants during nature walks to look for wildlife.

Sunglasses: protect your eyes from strong sunlight rays thus reducing the glaze for clearer views.

A poncho or rain jacket; in case the unpredictable rain falls during your adventure.

What to Pack and Carry for Congo Gorilla Safaris?

There are important things to carry while on Congo Gorilla safaris in Virunga Park or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Below are some of the things to carry for your Congo safari.

A camera with extra batteries and memory cards; to allow you to take the best photos and moments with the Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park.

Binoculars: will help you zoom the distant sightings for closer and clearer sightings.

Walking sticks; to give you support while trekking Gorillas in Congo, more so on rough trails. They are a third leg while for nature walks in the national parks.

Gorilla trek permits: Your Gorilla tracking permits are as important as the trek because you present them at the park headquarters as proof of payment.

Insect repellent; to repel or kill bugs and insects for your safari adventure like nature walks.

Sunscreen: will protect your skin from being damaged by the hot sunshine.

Light backpack; to carry your belongings safely for example insect repellent, documents, and cameras, among others.

Bottled water; will help you stay hydrated all the time.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Congo Safe? | Is Congo Gorilla Trekking Safe? | Is it Safe to See Gorillas in Congo?

Trekking Gorillas in Congo is as safe as other Congo safari adventures. The Mountain Gorilla trekking experience in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega NP is especially safer when you use a reputable and reliable tour operator in Congo.

While for the Mountain Gorilla tours, armed rangers will escort and be with you all the time and they shoot in the air to scare animals away if they are charging at a tourist, although this is rare.

Additionally, you only trek habituated Gorillas that are used to human presence.

Virunga National Park is also near the UN peacekeepers in Goma that keep the park safe, and the Government of Congo deploys trained security personnel who ensure the safety of tourists.

How Hard is Congo Gorilla Trekking

Various tourists commonly ask this question as they prepare for their Gorilla tours. Gorilla tracking/Gorilla trekking for tourists on Congo safaris is a thrilling adventure for every traveler’s bucket list planning to visit Congo.

Although it needs you to be fit, Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is not very hard. As the Gorillas move deep into the forest, you will search for them while trekking the hills, steeps, and valleys can sometimes be challenging.

In case you have problems walking, hire porters to carry you using sedan chairs. Therefore, Gorilla tracking in Congo may be a little challenging but upon meeting the Gorillas, you will forget every struggle you spent in finding them.

Watching our close cousins for an hour is an experience of a lifetime, making the Gorilla tour worth undertaking.

How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost? | How Much Does it Cost to Go on a Safari in Congo? | How Much is Gorilla Trekking in DRC?

The cost of a Gorilla trekking experience or a safari in Congo at Virunga National Park usually depends on different influences. We discuss the aspects that determine the cost of your Congo Gorilla safari below.

1. Gorilla trekking permits

You will need a Mountain Gorilla trekking permit to track Gorillas and it costs $400, thus affecting the cost of your Congo Gorilla safari.

2. Accommodation costs

The many accommodation facilities in the country are categorized into luxury, midrange, and budget. A luxury lodge costs more than a midrange or budget.

Below is the estimated cost for your accommodation facilities.

v Luxury: $250 to $500 per person per night depending on two sharing

v Mid-range: $100 to $200 per person per night depending on two sharing

v Budget: $30 to $90 per person per night depending on two sharing

3. Mode of transport

The best way to reach Virunga NP and Kahuzi Biega NP is through air transport and using a 4×4 safari vehicle which can be hired at a starting cost of about $80-$100.

These land cruisers however range from $150 to $250 per day and costs are usually exclusive of fuel.

4. Hiring porters

In case you have heavy things like a Camera or travel bags, you may need to hire porters while you go for your trekking adventure. Paying each porter ranges between $10-$20 per trek.

Therefore, a 3-day Gorilla trekking safari ranges between $2000-$5000 if you consider the above Congo Gorilla safari aspects.

Why Go for Congo Gorilla Trekking? | Why Go for Congo Safaris?

A Gorilla trek in Congo is an incredible experience and a must-have on every traveler’s bucket list. There are viable reasons why you should go on Congo Gorilla safaris.

Read below to discover why Congo safaris are necessary.

1. Congo Protects Mountain Gorillas

For your Congo Gorilla safari, visit Congo’s Virunga National Park which is home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas that you can only find in 3 countries which are DR Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda.

Your Gorilla tours will allow you to view some of the Mountain Gorillas which are part of the only 1,063 individuals remaining in the world.

2. Congo also Protects the Eastern Lowland Gorillas

Mountain Gorilla trekking can be combined with a trek to meet the Eastern Lowland Gorillas at Kahuzi Biega NP. Kahuzi Biega’s Gorillas are different from Mountain Gorillas because they live in the lowlands of the tropical rainforests of Congo.

3. Trekking Gorillas in Congo Contribute to the Conservation of Gorillas

Trekking these giant apes allows you to contribute to the conservation of the endangered species when you buy a Gorilla trekking permit. The money collected is used to treat Gorillas and pay rangers who protect the giant apes from poachers and smugglers.

4. Gorilla Trekking Contributes to Supporting Local Communities

10% of revenue collected from Gorilla trekking permits is used to support local communities to improve their daily lives. It contributes to building schools, hospitals, and also houses.

Additionally, the local people get jobs in parks like being porters or local guides.

What Wildlife is in the Republic of the Congo?

The Democratic Republic of Congo boasts amazing wildlife covering flora and fauna. There is a large biodiversity of rainforests, grasslands, and seasonally flooded forests, and is considered among the richest African countries with flora.

There are many wildlife in the Democratic Republic of Congo that are rare and endemic species for example the Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Wild Bonobos that live within the forests, south of the Congo River.

These forests protect over 1,000 bird species, 280 reptile species, various butterflies, and over 400 mammal species like the endangered Gorillas, Bongo, Forest Buffalo, and Okapi.

Many of these wildlife species in Congo are threatened animals, especially Gorillas that you can view during Gorilla tracking, Golden Monkeys, Chimpanzees, and Okapis in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Keen tourists can also view other animals like the Giant Forest Hog, Leopards, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Grant’s Zebras, Monkey species, several antelope species, Bush Pigs, and snake species, among others.

Can you See Gorillas in Congo?

Yes, you can see Gorillas in DR Congo while on your Gorilla tours. Congo has two destinations Gorillas while for Gorilla tracking and these are the renamed Virunga National Park in eastern Congo known for the endangered Gorillas.

You will also find them at Kahuzi Biega NP famous for the eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking.

You will require a Gorilla tracking permit if you are at least in the minimum age of 15 years category and free from illnesses, especially airborne.

Are there any Gorillas in the Congo?

There are Gorillas in Congo, and they are among the major attractions in the country. Congo protects both Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas thus an ideal destination for trekking Gorillas.

However, Mountain Gorillas are also found in Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Bwindi National Park, and Mgahinga National Park and they are the only places to find Gorillas in East Africa.

How Many Gorillas Are Left in the Congo?

About a third of the estimated 1,603 surviving Mountain Gorilla population in the world live in the renamed Virunga National Park. Others can however be seen in Uganda and Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park.

Other than the Mountain Gorillas, the Democratic Republic of Congo likewise protects the Eastern Lowland Gorillas at Kahuzi Biega NP which is great for Congo safaris.

Their population is estimated to be around 250 individuals that live between 2,100 to 2,400m above sea level.

The Democratic Republic of Congo does not have the Western Land Gorillas but you can see them in Odzala National Park.

Discover other Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park which protects one Gorilla group.

Is the Gorilla from Congo Real?

Absolutely, the Gorilla from Congo is real. DR Congo ranks among the few countries with Gorillas and it protects 2 species of Gorillas in the wild. These include the Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla Beringei Beringei) and the Eastern Land Gorillas (Gorilla Beringei Graueri).

The Gorillas have popularized tracking Gorillas in DR Congo where visitors go to meet families headed by a Silverback.

What is the Best Safari Park in Congo?

DR Congo has many unique safari parks with incredible adventures for your Congo safaris. There are 9 national parks all offering breathtaking attractions and amazing safari activities.

Virunga National Park protects Mountain Gorillas and the active Mount Nyiragongo for a Nyiragongo hike to watch the world’s largest lava lake. Kahuzi Biega NP among the best destinations protects the Eastern Land Gorillas.

Likewise, DR Congo has many savannah parks great for animal viewing for example Garamba and Upemba National Parks.

Which Country is Best for Gorilla Trekking?

Uganda is considered the best country for a Gorilla trekking experience or a Gorilla tour (Gorilla safari) experience. The country protects half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorilla population that you can meet in the wild.

Additionally, this country has 2 destinations for the Mountain Gorilla trekking experience and these are Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both these destinations are home to 20 Gorilla families that are fully habituated for Congo Gorilla safaris.

A Gorilla tracking permit in Uganda costs $ 700, making it an affordable destination for your trips.

Rwanda is another remarkable destination for Gorilla holidays in Volcanoes National Park. It has 12 Gorilla families and a permit costs $ 1500.

Congo Gorilla safaris could have been the best because a permit goes for half price of Rwanda and Uganda, but its security is sometimes unstable.

Is There a Safari in Congo? | Does Congo Have Safari?

There are safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and you can plan your trips in the country. This safari destination has 9 national parks and wildlife reserves rich in unique wildlife species.

The most popular safaris in Congo include Congo Gorilla safaris that allow you to trek the gentle giant apes whether the Mountain Gorillas or the Land Gorillas.

Safaris in Congo also lead you to a Nyiragongo hike to explore the active volcano and its distant breathtaking views.

You can either choose short or long safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo for a more rewarding experience.

Congo Hotels | Hotels in the Congo | Where to Stay During Your Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris

There are many Congo hotels/lodges for tourists to stay in during their Gorilla trekking safari. These hotels in Congo are divided into Luxury, midrange, and budget hotels.

The hotels in Congo provide comfortable accommodations and most of them provide serene panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains.

Luxury Hotels in the Congo/Luxury Lodges in Congo

5-star hotels provide the best accommodation and services for travelers on Congo Gorilla safaris. The well-decorated en suite rooms provide comfortable accommodation with a group of well-trained staff who attend to your every need.

Examples include: Mikeno Lodge and Orchids Safari Club, etc.

Midrange Congo Hotels/Lodges in Congo

Tourists on Congo Gorilla safaris also have an option of staying in mid-range Congo hotels which likewise provide comfortable accommodation. These are considered 3 to 4-star hotels.

Examples include; Bukima Tented Camp, Kubumba Tented Camp, Lulimba Tented Camp, Tchengera Island Camp, Hotel Begonais Bukavu, Coco Lodge Bukavu, etc.

Budget Congo Hotels for your Congo Gorilla Safaris

These are comfortable lodges for travelers on budget Congo Gorilla safaris.

Examples include; Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelter, Mont Kahuzi Hotel, Exodus Bukavu, Ngila Lodge Virunga, etc.

List of Best Travel Congo Companies, Congo Tour Operators, And Congo Travel Agency to Use for Congo Safaris

If you are planning for your Congo safari/Gorilla tour holidays, then it is likewise best to use a reputable Congo tour operator. Travel Congo companies or Congo tour operators have the best experience in providing unmatched Congo Gorilla safari packages and give you the most comfortable and best experiences.

Discover the best Congo tour operators for your safaris below;

1. Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
2. Wild Gorilla Safaris
3. Congo Gorilla Safaris and Tours
4. Africa Safaris Tours

Best Congo Gorilla Safari Packages/Congo Tours

Below are some of the best packages to book for your Gorilla tours in Congo

a)    3 Days Congo Safari Mountain Gorilla Trek

b)    3 Days Nyiragongo Hike Congo Safari

c)     3 Days Low land Gorilla Safari in Congo

d)    5 Days Congo Safari –Gorilla safari & Nyiragongo Hike Mountain Climbing

e)     10 Days Congo Safari –Uganda & Rwanda, Lake Kivu, Wildlife, Chimpanzee Trekking

f)      12 Days Uganda Rwanda Congo Safari, Gorillas, Chimpanzee Trekking, Lake Kivu & Wildlife Safari

Conclusively, Congo Gorilla safaris will lead you to Virunga National Park which is home to the Mountain Gorillas, and Kahuzi Beiga National Park, home to the Eastern Lowland Gorillas. Get to meet these giant apes close for a personal experience during your trips.

Additionally, you can combine your Mountain Gorilla trekking safaris in Congo together with other Congo tours to provide exceptional safari memories.

Inquire and Book with us Your Gorilla Safaris in Congo Today!