Combine Hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro with Gorilla trekking in Congo

Are you interested in a safari to Combine Hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro with Gorilla trekking in Congo? Combining a trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with gorilla trekking in the DRC Democratic Republic of Congo can be an incredible and adventurous journey. Here’s a suggested itinerary to Combine Hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro with Gorilla trekking in Congo:

Duration: Approximately 2-3 weeks, depending on your preferred pace and additional activities.

Itinerary:

Week 1: Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

• Days 1-2: Arrive in Tanzania, preferably Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Transfer to Moshi, the base town for Kilimanjaro trekking. Rest, acclimatize, and meet your trekking team.
• Days 3-7: Embark on a 6-7 day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. You can choose from various routes, with the Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai routes being popular options. Take your time to acclimatize and enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way.
• Day 8: Descend from Kilimanjaro and return to Moshi. Celebrate your successful summit with your trekking team.

Week 2: Travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo

• Day 9: Fly from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda. This is often the most convenient route to access the DRC.
• Days 10-11: Travel from Kigali to the Kahuzi Biehga National Park or Virunga National Park in the DRC.

Week 3: Gorilla Trekking in the DRC

• Days 12-15: Embark on a 3-4 day gorilla trekking experience in the Virunga National Park for Mountain gorillas or Kahuzi Biega National Park for Eastern Lowland Gorillas. You’ll have the opportunity to track and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You can also explore the park’s other attractions, such as Nyiragongo volcano and wildlife safaris.
• Day 16: After your gorilla trekking adventure, you can choose to spend an additional day in the Virunga National Park or head back to Goma.
• Day 17: Depart from Goma, and depending on your flight schedule, you may need to overnight in Kigali or fly with Ethiopian Airlines from Goma back home.

Important Considerations:

1. Visa and Permits: Make sure to secure the necessary visas and permits for both Tanzania (for Kilimanjaro) and the DRC (for gorilla trekking) well in advance.
2. Physical Preparation: Both Kilimanjaro and gorilla trekking require good physical fitness. Train and prepare adequately for these activities.
3. Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers activities like trekking and wildlife encounters.
4. Local Regulations: Be aware of and adhere to all local regulations and guidelines for trekking and gorilla encounters.

This adventure combines the challenge of scaling a majestic mountain with the opportunity to witness the incredible biodiversity of Congo. It’s a memorable journey that combines outdoor exploration, wildlife conservation, and cultural experiences in two stunning African destinations.

How much is gorilla trekking in Congo?

Gorilla trekking in DR Congo is done in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park, like gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, you will need a gorilla permit for you to be allowed to trek the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park and Mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. Eco Adventure Safaris provides relevant gorilla permit booking information for Congo to enable you plan your gorilla safari well. You don’t have to hassle booking your gorilla permit if you choose from our Congo gorilla tours. We will check for you availability of gorilla permits for your requested dates, book and purchase them for you once you have made payment and book all services on your behalf. Usually you have to obtain a gorilla permit several months in advance. We always advise at least 5 months in advance or prior to your visit given they are only 2 groups available for trek in Kahuzi Biega National park. While booking a gorilla tour, always pay your gorilla permit fee in advance to enable us acquire it for you.

Lowland Gorilla trekking permit price in Congo Kahuzi Biega National park are as follows;

Non Residents-USD400

East African Residents-USD200

National Citizens of Congo-USD20

Gorilla trekking is a daily activity done in Virunga National Park in Congo, a gorilla permit costs USD400 per person per trek for the high season months of Mid-December to mid-march then June to October and then USD200 for the low season months of mid-march to mid-May and then mid-October to mid-December every year. As Eco Adventure Safaris we do provide all-inclusive gorilla tour packages for all the visitors with no hidden costs. The most essential and priority cost is the gorilla permit price that you will incur to secure your trek in Virunga National Park. All our tour packages range from budget safaris to Luxury safaris and you can opt to do any as we tailor your trip together according to your interest. We do have Gorilla tour packages that start in Kigali for the DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali. For a 2 day Trip from Kigali costs USD1100 per person in a group of two inclusive of Gorilla permits and as a budget option, transportation, accommodation, Meals, guide services are inclusive as well.

What is the best time visiting Congo?

Congo is located in the tropics and with this it experiences tropical climate and weather throughout the year, both Virunga and Kahuzi Beiga National Parks experience the same weather, with this both national Parks are prone to receiving uncertain rains any time of the day or week, good months to visit Congo for gorilla trekking are dry season months which occurs in the months of December, January, February, June, July, August and September during these months it always easy to walk through the trails which are drier compared to the wet months then as well the vegetations is not fully grown and this makes sighting of gorillas easy and more clear.

Where to stay in Congo for Gorilla trekking

Accommodations in Virunga National Park.

This ranges 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 for availability and book you according.

Accommodation in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

This ranges from budget, mid-range to luxury. Budget options include Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus bukavu, Lake Side Hotel Bukavu among others fares range from 90-100 dollars a night per person, mid-range options include Coco Lodge Bukavu among others fares range from 100-200 dollars a night per person and then Luxury options include L’Orchids Safari Club fares range from 200-400 dollars a night per person. You let us know the best option that works for you and we will for availability and book you according.

Why book Through Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing gorilla safari experiences to Uganda and Rwanda. We are also highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor. We combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, these include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises excursions and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience including popular and great African safari destinations Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia. Feel free to contact us how to Combine Hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro with Gorilla trekking in Congo.