Gorilla Trekking Congo
Do you intend to go gorilla trekking in Congo from Kigali? The Democratic Republic of the Congo is considered one of the best places in Africa to go gorilla trekking because it has both mountain and Eastern Lowland gorillas in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park.
Why is Congolese gorilla trekking seen as unsafe?
Since these are the same locations that are home to dangerous rebel groups and diseases, many tourists have chosen not to go gorilla trekking in either national park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to the country’s recent history of unprecedented disasters, including the civil and rebel wars, Ebola, and other diseases.
However, given that the government, local authorities, national and international security, and health organizations have collaborated to restore peace to the country, the DR Congo is currently returning to better times, and the majority of its regions and national parks are now open for tourism-related businesses and activities. Because gorilla trekking permits in Congo are less expensive than in Uganda and Rwanda, tourists have already begun choosing to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo rather than Uganda or Rwanda.
We can also arrange for you to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for gorilla trekking in either Virunga National Park for mountain gorilla trekking or Kahuzi Beiga National Park for lowland gorilla trekking. Monumental Expeditions and Safaris has already made reservations for gorilla trekking in Congo from Kigali. Budget, mid-range, and luxury travel packages are among the options we offer; these can also be tailored to your specific requirements; simply send us an email, and we will make the necessary reservations.
Where in the Congo can I go gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is conducted in either Kahuzi Beiga National Park for low-land gorilla trekking or Virunga National Park for mountain gorilla trekking.
Concerning Virunga National Park
The oldest and most varied tropical rain forest in Africa, Virunga National Park is mostly known for mountain gorilla trekking in the Congo. Other activities offered here include hiking the Nyirangongo volcano, bird watching, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, and habitat development. It should be mentioned that there are only three nations in the world where mountain gorillas are found.
These nations include Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Volcanoes National Park is home to Rwandan mountain gorillas, whereas Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are home to Ugandan gorillas, and Virunga National Park is home to Congolese mountain gorillas. The so-called Virunga Massif is where all of these national parks are located in close proximity to one another.
About the National Park of Kahuzi Beiga
In terms of lowland gorilla trekking, Kahuzi Beiga National Park was established in 1970, and the first walk was conducted in 1973. The goal of the trek was to preserve the Grauer’s gorilla, the largest gorilla species in the world. The largest of the four gorilla subspecies is the Eastern Lowland gorilla, also called Grauer’s gorilla. Trekking with Eastern Lowland gorillas takes place in Kahuzi Biega National Park in Congo, which is 30 kilometers from Bukavu town and accessible by plane and road.
Since the park was gazetted in 1970 and the first lowland gorilla trekking took place there in 1973, it ranks highly in terms of lowland gorilla trekking because this kind of trekking is exclusively conducted here. Only two of the twelve gorilla families in the park are habituated and accessible for trekking by tourists. Both the Chimanuka and Mugaruka families are named after a prominent silverback. Chimanuka is well-known to many tourists since it is home to more than 36 gorillas, making it one of the largest gorilla families in the world.
What is the cost of gorilla trekking in the Congo?
Similar to gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, gorilla trekking in the Congo is conducted in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park. To trek the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park and the mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, you must have a gorilla permit. To help you organize your gorilla safari effectively, Monumental Expeditions and Safaris offers pertinent information on how to book a gorilla permit for Congo.
Choosing one of our Congo gorilla trips will save you the trouble of arranging your gorilla permit. After you have paid, we will check if gorilla permits are available for the dates you have specified, arrange and buy them for you, and schedule all services on your behalf. A gorilla permit is typically required several months in advance. Since there are only two groups available for trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park, we always recommend planning at least five months in advance or before your arrival. Always pay your gorilla permit cost in advance when scheduling a gorilla trip so that we can obtain it for you.
The following is the cost of a lowland gorilla trekking permit in Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park:
Non-residents: $400
Residents of East Africa: USD 200
Congolese nationals: USD 20
A gorilla permit costs USD 400 per person per trek during the high season months of mid-December to mid-March and June to October, and USD 200 during the low season months of mid-march to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December each year. Gorilla trekking is a daily activity in Congo’s Virunga National Park.
We at Monumental Expeditions and Safaris offer all-inclusive gorilla tour packages that don’t include any additional fees for any of our guests. The gorilla permit fee is the most important and crucial expense you will have to pay to guarantee your trek in Virunga National Park. We customize your vacation based on your interests, so you can choose from any of our travel packages, which range from luxury safaris to low-cost safaris. For the DR Congo mountain gorilla safari, we do offer gorilla tour packages that begin in Kigali. In addition to gorilla permits, a two-day trip from Kigali costs USD 1100 per person in a group of two. For a more affordable option, transportation, lodging, meals, and guide services are all included.
When is the best time to travel from Kigali to the Congo to go gorilla trekking?
Because of its tropical location, Congo experiences tropical weather and climate all year round. Because of this, both the Virunga and Kahuzi Beiga National Parks are susceptible to unpredictable rains at any time of day or week. The best months to visit Congo for gorilla trekking are the dry season months, which fall in December, January, February, June, July, August, and September.
The trails are always easier to walk on during these months because they are drier than during the wet months, and the vegetation is not fully grown, making it easier to spot gorillas. March, April, May, October, and November are other slightly wet months, and most tourists avoid going to see gorillas during these times since the vegetation is fully grown and the trails are considerably slick, making trekking much more difficult.
There is a special offer for tourists who want to go gorilla trekking in Congo’s Virunga National Park during the low-season wet season. The gorilla permit costs USD 200 per person per trek during the months of mid-March to May and mid-October to mid-December (15 March to 15 May and 15 October to 15 December each year).
Accommodations in the Congo for Gorilla Trekking
Virunga National Park lodging options. Budget, mid-range, and luxury are all included in this. Mid-range possibilities include Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp, with prices ranging from $100 to $200 per person per night, and budget options include Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp, among others, with rates between $90 and $100 per person per night. Mikeno Lodge is one luxury alternative; nightly rates there run from $200 to $400 per person. Tell us which choice works best for you, and we’ll check for availability and make the appropriate reservation.
Kahuzi Beiga National Park offers lodging. Budget, mid-range, and luxury are all included in this. Among the less expensive choices are the Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu, and Lake Side Hotel Bukavu. Coco Lodge Bukavu is one of the mid-range options; rates range from 90 to $100 per person each night. The cost per person is between $100 and $200 per night, and then L’Orchids Safari Club is a luxury choice; nightly rates range from $200 to $400 per person. Tell us which choice works best for you, and we’ll check for availability and make the appropriate reservation.
How can one get to the Congo to go gorilla trekking?
The Eastern Congo’s Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Virunga National Park are the destinations for gorilla trekking from Kigali. You will fly to Kigali International Airport and then take a flight to Gisenyi town. From Gisenyi town, you will drive to the park headquarters of Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park, where you will begin the gorilla trek. It takes about two hours to drive from Gisenyi town to the park headquarters. From Gisenyi town, you will cross the Rwanda-Congo border to Goma town in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Why choose Monumental Expeditions and Safaris to reserve a gorilla trek in the Congo?
Monumental Expeditions and Safaris has a wealth of experience planning incredible gorilla safaris in Rwanda and Uganda. On Trip Advisor, we have excellent ratings and reviews as well. To give you the best and most memorable African safari experience, we combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that support local communities, conserve wildlife, and preserve biodiversity.
These safaris include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, mountain hiking, boat cruise excursions, and cultural encounters. Popular and fantastic African safari destinations include Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia. Please get in touch with us to make reservations for Gorilla Trekking in Congo from Kigali.