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Are you interested in gorilla trekking in Congo and you want to know the DR Congo Gorilla Trekking Availability, Gorilla trekking in Congo is an incredible experience, as the country is home to some of the last remaining populations of gorillas. The two main options for gorilla trekking in Congo are Virunga National Park where you see the Mountain Gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega National Park where you see the Eastern Lowland Gorillas. For now, as of 2024, the Virunga National Park where Mountain Gorilla Trekking is done and Hiking the Nyirangongo Volcano is still closed due to conflict with the M23 rebels and tribal conflicts around the park areas. But other National Parks and areas and some areas of Congo are very safe that is Kahuzi Beiga National Park is open for tourists to visit and you have a chance to trek and see the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.
Based on the safety situations in Virunga National Park and the DR Congo Gorilla Trekking Availability as of 2024 is only possible in Kahuzi Biega National Park where you will see the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.
Both parks offer unique experiences, and the best option for you depends on your preferences and interests.
- Virunga National Park:
- Location: Located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the borders with Rwanda and Uganda.
- Highlights: Virunga is famous for its stunning landscapes, including active volcanoes like Mount Nyiragongo, and it’s one of the oldest national parks in Africa.
- Gorilla Population: The park is home to several habituated mountain gorilla families, making it a prime destination for gorilla trekking.
- Accessibility: While the park has faced security challenges in the past, it has been improving, and tourism is gradually returning. Be sure to check the current situation and travel advisories before planning your trip.
- Kahuzi-Biega National Park:
- Location: Located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, not far from the city of Bukavu.
- Highlights: Kahuzi-Biega is known for its diverse wildlife and lush rainforests, in addition to gorilla trekking.
- Gorilla Population: The park is home to the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, a different subspecies than the mountain gorillas found in Virunga. This makes it a unique opportunity for visitors interested in different gorilla species.
- Accessibility: Kahuzi-Biega has generally been more stable and accessible compared to Virunga in recent years.
When choosing between these options, consider the following factors:
- Gorilla species: Virunga offers mountain gorilla trekking, while Kahuzi-Biega offers Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking. Decide which gorilla species you’re more interested in.
- Safety and security: Virunga has experienced security issues in the past and it is still unstable so Kahuzi Biega is the Best option for gorilla trekking in Congo for now until Virunga National Park is safe again.
- Accessibility: Consider your travel plans, including ease of access to the park, accommodation options, and transportation.
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.
What is the best time to visit 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. Other months which are slightly wet that is March, April, May, October and November most travelers avoid visiting gorillas during these months because the vegetation is fully grown and trails are much slippery making the trekking much harder.
Trusted Local Tour Operators in DR Congo. For tourists interested in visiting Congo for gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park have a special gorilla trekking offer during the wet season that is low season, during this time the gorilla permit costs USD200 per person per trek during the months from Mid-March to May and Mid-October to Mid-December (15th March to 15th May and 15th October to 15th December every year).
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.
How to access Congo for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking in Congo is done in Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Virunga National Park which are both located in the Eastern Part of Congo. You will fly to Kigali International Airport then connect to Gisenyi town; from Gisenyi town you will cross the Rwanda-Congo boarder to Goma town in DR Congo then drive towards the park headquarters of Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Virunga National Park from where you will do start the gorilla trek from, it is approximately a 2 hours drive from Gisenyi town to reach the park headquarters.
Why Book Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo 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 about the DR Congo Gorilla Trekking Availability.