Is It Safe to Travel to Congo DRC: a guide to gorilla trekking and travel safety ?

April 25, 2025
Monumental Expeditions & Safaris
Africa, bird watching, Filming safaris, Gorilla trekking, Hiking, virunga national park

Is it safe to travel to Congo DRC? This is a common question for travelers eyeing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for its unmatched wildlife experiences, especially gorilla trekking safaris. While some regions remain unstable, many parts of Congo—particularly in the east—are safe and open for tourism.

Safe Places to Visit in Congo

Kahuzi-Biega National Park – Ideal for trekking Eastern Lowland Gorillas
Bukavu Town – A peaceful town near Kahuzi-Biega
Kinshasa – The capital city, safe for business and travel

Is Gorilla Trekking in Congo Safe?

Despite past challenges such as civil unrest and Ebola outbreaks, Congo has made significant progress. Areas like Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega are now open and safe for gorilla trekking. The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Congo is more affordable than in Uganda or Rwanda, making it a great choice for travelers on a budget.

Book with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris

Plan your trip with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, your trusted tour operator in Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. Enjoy:

Permit booking and processing
Transportation from Kigali or Uganda
Professional driver-guides and 4×4 safari vehicles
Customizable safari packages (budget, mid-range, luxury)

Visa Requirements for DR Congo

All travelers need to apply for a DR Congo visa in advance. Prices vary from $100 to $400 depending on duration. You’ll also need a yellow fever card and an invitation letter—Monumental Expeditions can assist with both.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Congo

2-Day Gorilla Safari from Kigali starts at USD 1100 per person (group of 2), including:

Gorilla permit
Transport & accommodation
Meals and guide services

When to Visit

The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry season (Dec–Feb & Jun–Sep) when trails are more accessible and visibility is better. Avoid the rainy months if possible.

How to Get There

Fly into Kigali International Airport (Rwanda), drive to Gisenyi, then cross the border into Goma, DRC. From there, it’s about 2 hours to the park headquarters.