Are there Chimpanzees in Congo

Are there Chimpanzees in Congo? This is a question asked by many travelers interested in seeing primates on Congo, yes there are chimpanzees in Congo, and these are found in Virunga National Park is which is also best known as home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas, the Park is also home to Chimpanzees which live in the eastern tropical forests and the common chimpanzees include the Eastern chimpanzees which are also found in the Ubangi River in the Central African Republic of Congo.

Chimpanzees in Virunga National Park live in groups of about 20 to 80 members, trekking chimpanzees is easy given the fact they are very social primate species to humans unlike the gorillas. Only four people are allowed to visit the chimpanzee group in Virunga National Park per day and this means you will have to limit the tourists who visit the chimps per day for trekking.  Booking of chimpanzee permits is done to Mikeno Lodge and you will have to acquire a chimpanzee permit and accreditation from local government and Park Authorities for you to be allowed to trek Chimpanzees in Virunga National Park. Eco Adventure Safaris will help you organize all the required permissions for you to trek Chimpanzees in Virunga National Park

CONGO GORILLA TOURS

• 2 Days Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
• 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Congo
• 4 Days Nyiragongo and Gorilla Trekking in Congo
• 4 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Congo
• 5 Days Nyiragongo Hike and Gorilla Trekking
• 6 Days Low Land and Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Congo
• 6 Days Gorilla Trekking and Nyiragongo Hike in Congo

Is it safe to trek Chimpanzees in Virunga National Park?

Yes it is safe to trek Chimpanzees in Virunga National Park. Generally the Democratic Republic of Congo has for the past years been hit by various unprecedented disasters that are civil and rebel wars, Ebola disease among others which has stopped many from visiting DR Congo for safari. However Congo is now getting back to better days and it is safe for safari and as a company we keep on monitoring the security situation time to time and we will always advise you before any safari starts. Contact us here for update security situation in DR Congo.

How to access Virunga National Park for trekking Chimpanzees

Are there Chimpanzees in Congo. Virunga National Park is located in the Eastern part of DR Congo and there are options for accessing it. You will fly to Kigali International Airport then connect to Gisenyi town from Gisenyi town you will cross the Rwanda-Congo border to Goma town in DR Congo then drive towards the park headquarters. The drive to the park is approximately 2 hours from Gisenyi town to reach the park headquarters you can as well fly into Kinshasha City and then drive to the Park. You must have cleared your equipment for it to be allowed into the country as they are susceptible to security reasons and safety while on your safari in Congo.

Where to stay during trekking Chimpanzees in Virunga National Park

Lodge options to stay in during trekking Chimpanzees in Virunga National Park in DR Congo range from budget, mid-range to luxury. Budget options include Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp among others fares range from 90-100 dollars a night per person, mid-range options include Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp among others fares range from 100-200 dollars a night per person and then Luxury options include Mikeno Lodge fares range from 200-400 dollars a night per person. You let us know the best option that works for you and we will book you accordingly.

What is the best time to trek Chimpanzees in Virunga National Park?

Are there Chimpanzees in Congo? Trekking Chimpanzees in Virunga National Park in DR Congo is done throughout the year and the best time is during the dry season which occurs in the months of December, January, February, June, July, August and September. Congo is located in the tropics and with this it experiences tropical climate and weather throughout the year, with the park is prone to receiving uncertain rains any time of the day or week.

Other things to do in Congo.

Mountain gorilla trekking, this is one of the major activity done in the Virunga National park, you shouldn’t miss out of this experience, there are not so many mountain gorilla individuals in Virunga despite availability of the large habitat and it is only 6 families open for gorilla trekking activity, these include Kabirizi gorilla group, Humba gorilla group, Rugendo gorilla group, Mapuwa gorilla group, Lulengo gorilla group, Munyaga gorilla group, Nyakamwe gorilla group and Bageni gorilla group. Among these groups it is Kabirizi that is popular for gorilla trekking and loved by many tourists because it is the largest group with over 3 dozens of gorilla individuals. If you are interested in trekking this specific gorilla group, you will be required to book early enough your gorilla permit atleast 3 months in advance so that you don’t miss out on the trek.

Nature walks through the Virunga Forest, Virunga National Park is one of the oldest tropical rain forest in Africa with super dense vegetation, a nature walk through this forest on your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali will give a chance to discover and see breathtaking beauty of the unique Virunga Landscape as well as learn about the various tree species, spot birds and if keen enough you will see some mammals and reptiles.

Nyiragongo Volcano Hike, Hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the once in a lifetime adventure one should do and this can as well be done in Virunga National Park on your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali, the Nyiragongo Volcano one of the most active volcanoes in the world with an elevation of 3,470 m (11,380 ft), Not much is known about how long the volcano has been erupting, but since 1882, it has erupted at least 34 times and the most recent eruption happened in 2002.

Bird watching, Virunga Forest being one of the most diverse forest in the tropics it has various habitats and landscapes ranging from Forests, swamps to grasslands, these have thus attracted a vast number of bird species making the birding expedition one of the must do activity on your visit to virunga national park on your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali. There are more than 706 recorded bird species that one on a birding safari will have a chance to spot and see. Contact us here and we will organize for you this safari accordingly.

Lowland Gorilla Trekking, Lowland Gorilla trekking is done in Kahuzi Beiga National Park and this activity is guaranteed when you acquire a permit, but kindly note given the park has 2 families open for trekking this makes the gorilla permits very competitive and scarce most especially during peak seasons of June, July, August, September, December and February. Sometimes gorilla tracking permits get sold out four months in advance so any traveler is recommended to book their gorilla permits 3-4 month in advance.

Why book Congo gorilla safaris with Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris provides unrivalled and professional tour and travel services in Uganda, Congo, Tanzania and Rwanda. Since then, Eco Adventure Safaris as established herself as one of the leading tour operator for Uganda and Rwanda. Eco Adventure Safaris boosts of a professional office and field team that takes care of all your requests and inquiries. We are full members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and work closely with Uganda Wildlife Authority. We are highly recommended on trip advisor as well as Safari bookings. Our website is one of the best and reliable point to help you start preparing for your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali as we have the best and update information that you can rely on. Eco Adventure Safaris is owned and run by Ugandans and as such, you will be dealing with a team that sells what they know, contact us here about Are there Chimpanzees in Congo