Can You Trek Gorillas With a Bad Knee
How to Choose the Right Lodge for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Is It Safe to Visit Eastern Congo for Gorilla Trekking in 2025-2026? Gorilla trekking in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains one of Africa’s most unique and rewarding wildlife experiences, but safety is a key consideration. As of 2025, certain regions of eastern Congo particularly areas within and immediately surrounding Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park are not accessible and not secure for gorilla trekking due to the recent invasion of the M23 rebels who are not violent but the Congo government is against their take over this has halted the tourism activities in Goma and Bukavu. These parks operate under the supervision of the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN), and guided treks are always accompanied by armed rangers to ensure the safety of visitors.
Is It Safe to Visit Eastern Congo for Gorilla Trekking in 2025-2026. That said, the broader region of eastern Congo continues to experience intermittent instability due to armed groups and sporadic violence. Virunga National Park, in particular, has faced closures in recent years depending on the security situation, though trekking resumes during stable periods. By contrast, Kahuzi-Biega National Park in South Kivu home to the rare eastern lowland gorilla has seen more consistent operations and is widely regarded as safer for international tourists. Governments such as the U.S., U.K., and Canada continue to list Eastern DRC under “reconsider travel” or “do not travel” advisories, but these are broad warnings. On-the-ground conditions in the controlled park zones are often more favorable than headlines suggest, especially when coordinated by professional ground teams familiar with the terrain and current conditions.
If you want to visit DR Congo specifically then i recommend you book a trip to Kinshasha to see Bonobos, culture and many more here
Gorilla Trekking Locations in Eastern Congo
There are two national parks in eastern Congo where visitors can go gorilla trekking: Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Each offers a distinct experience, catering to slightly different traveler profiles.
Virunga National Park, located in North Kivu province, is the oldest national park in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to several families of habituated mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei), the same species found in Rwanda and Uganda. The treks are strenuous but exhilarating, offering close-up encounters with gorilla groups such as Humba, Rugendo, and Bageni. In addition to gorilla trekking, Virunga has in the past offered the popular hike to Mount Nyiragongo, the active volcano with a lava lake, although this hike has been suspended during periods of unrest. Access to the park is via the city of Goma, just across the border from Gisenyi, Rwanda.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park, in contrast, is found in South Kivu province and is famous for its population of eastern lowland gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri), the largest and most powerful of all gorilla subspecies. These gorillas are more terrestrial and can be observed in forested, hilly terrain at lower altitudes than their mountain cousins. Kahuzi-Biega is less visited than Virunga or Uganda/Rwanda parks, which enhances the sense of exclusivity and remoteness. Visitors typically trek to see the Chimanuka or Mpungwe families. The park headquarters are located just outside Bukavu, a city on the southern tip of Lake Kivu. Because it is relatively far from conflict zones, this park is considered the safer option for travelers seeking a more relaxed experience.
The Best Way to Reach Eastern Congo: Via Kigali, Rwanda
Given the limited international connectivity and security concerns at airports inside eastern DRC, the best and most common route to reach both Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega is by flying into Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda. Rwanda offers good road infrastructure, international-standard services, and a stable government making it the safest and most convenient staging point.
For Virunga National Park, travelers drive approximately 3.5 to 4 hours west from Kigali to the Rwandan border town of Gisenyi, then cross into Congo at the Grande Barrière border post, entering the city of Goma. Virunga tour packages usually include pick-up at the border and immediate transfer to park lodges.
For Kahuzi-Biega National Park, the journey is a bit longer—typically around 6 to 7 hours southwest by road from Kigali to Cyangugu (also known as Kamembe), which sits opposite Bukavu across the Rusizi River. From the Rusizi I border post, visitors cross into Bukavu and continue by vehicle for about an hour to reach the park. Both crossings require a valid Congolese visa and coordination with park authorities, but when arranged through a tour operator, the process is usually seamless.
Best Time of Year for Gorilla Trekking in Congo
Although gorilla trekking is available year-round, the best times to visit are during the dry seasons, when forest trails are drier, trekking is less strenuous, and viewing conditions are optimal. The main dry season runs from June to September, while a shorter dry spell occurs from mid-December to February. These months offer the most comfortable weather, especially for photography and hiking.
By contrast, the rainy seasons from March to May and October to early December—can make trails slippery and challenging to navigate. In particular, Kahuzi-Biega’s terrain becomes muddy and more difficult in the rain. Although sightings remain consistent throughout the year (since gorillas do not migrate), trekking in drier months is generally more enjoyable and safer.
Permits, Visas, and Travel Logistics
Visitors to either Virunga or Kahuzi-Biega must obtain a Congolese tourist visa, usually valid only for eastern Congo and often tied to a confirmed park booking. The easiest way to obtain this visa is through your tour operator Eco Adventure Safaris, who submits your details to park authorities. Costs vary but typically range from $105 to $120. Travelers also need a gorilla trekking permit, which costs about $400 to $500 USD, depending on the park and season.
Accommodation options in Goma and Bukavu range from simple guesthouses to comfortable mid-range hotels, and some lodges are located inside or near the parks. Electricity and Wi-Fi can be unreliable in remote areas, so travelers should plan accordingly. Credit card acceptance is rare—bring sufficient U.S. dollars in cash, ideally in newer $50 or $100 denominations. It’s also strongly advised to have proof of yellow fever vaccination, which is mandatory for entry into Congo.
Why Choose Congo for Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trekking in Eastern Congo appeals to adventurous travelers who value authenticity and fewer crowds. While Uganda and Rwanda offer outstanding and safer gorilla treks, Congo stands out for two reasons. First, it is the only place on Earth to see eastern lowland gorillas, a critically endangered species found only in Kahuzi-Biega. Second, the Virunga experience offers not only gorillas but the possibility of volcano hikes, chimpanzee treks, and deep immersion in one of Africa’s most biodiverse ecosystems—when security allows.
Moreover, trekking in Congo is often more affordable than in neighboring Rwanda, where gorilla permits cost $1,500. Despite the challenges, choosing Congo supports crucial conservation efforts and local livelihoods in one of the continent’s most underfunded protected areas.
Is It Safe to Visit Eastern Congo for Gorilla Trekking in 2025-2026? For travelers seeking something wild, raw, and deeply moving, gorilla trekking in Eastern Congo can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, it requires careful planning, an experienced tour operator, and a willingness to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. If safety is your top priority, Kahuzi-Biega is currently the more stable and reliable option. If you are drawn to the legend and scale of Virunga, make sure to closely monitor park updates and plan with flexibility.
For most travelers, the best and safest approach is to start and end your journey in Kigali, take advantage of Rwanda’s modern infrastructure, and use the well-managed border crossings to enter Congo’s gorilla regions with trusted guides.
Contact a Congo local tour operator Eco Adventure Safaris for gorilla trekking in DR Congo.