Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Visiting Bonobos in DR Congo

Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Visiting Bonobos in DR Congo is an incredible experience offering you an off-the-beaten African Safari, especially in Virunga National Park, home to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas. Pairing this with a visit to see bonobos, one of our closest relatives, creates a truly unique wildlife experience in DRC.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

• Location: Virunga National Park, in eastern DRC, near the border with Rwanda and Uganda.
• Best Time to Visit: The dry seasons from June to September and December to February are ideal for trekking.
• Trekking Experience: You’ll hike through dense forest, guided by rangers, to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The treks can be physically demanding but highly rewarding.
• Costs: A gorilla trekking permit in DRC is more affordable compared to Rwanda and Uganda. It’s $400, whereas Rwanda charges $1,500.
• Security: Virunga has had periods of instability, so it’s essential to check current safety advisories and travel with trusted operators.

Visiting Bonobos in DRC

• Location: Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, located near Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC.
• Description: The sanctuary is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of orphaned bonobos, our closest relatives. Bonobos are known for their peaceful, matriarchal societies and are endemic to the Congo Basin.
• Experience: A visit to Lola ya Bonobo allows you to observe these incredible apes in a semi-wild environment. The sanctuary’s staff will provide insights into bonobo behavior, conservation efforts, and rehabilitation processes.
• Best Time to Visit: The sanctuary can be visited year-round.

Planning Tips for Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Visiting Bonobos in DR Congo

• Logistics: Accessing Virunga National Park typically involves traveling to Bukavu via Kigali (Rwanda) or Goma (DRC). For Lola ya Bonobo, you’ll need to reach Kinshasa.
• Permits: Gorilla trekking permits are required for Virunga National Park and should be arranged in advance.
• Safety: It’s crucial to keep informed about the security situation in the DRC and to travel with reputable tour operators for both treks.

Here’s a suggested itinerary for Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Visiting Bonobos in DR Congo. This itinerary covers both Virunga National Park and Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, giving you a chance to experience both gorillas and bonobos:

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda – Transfer to Goma, DRC

• Morning: Arrive at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda.
• Afternoon: Transfer by road to Goma, located on the southern shores of Lake Kivu (about 4-5 hours drive). Enjoy scenic views of the Rwandan countryside along the way.
• Evening: Check into your hotel in Goma for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Virunga National Park – Mountain Gorilla Trekking

• Early Morning: Depart for Virunga National Park. After a briefing by park rangers, begin the trek to see the Mountain Gorillas. The trek can range from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.
• Midday: Spend an hour observing the gorilla family in their natural habitat. Watch their behavior and interactions as the park rangers share insights into their lives.
• Afternoon: Return to the park headquarters for a rest. You may opt for a short nature walk or visit nearby attractions such as the Tshibati waterfalls.
• Evening: Return to Goma for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Second Gorilla Trek

• Option 1: Embark on a second gorilla trek to experience a different gorilla family or to increase the chances of getting great sightings.
• Option 2: Explore other parts of Virunga National Park. Possible activities include bird watching, visiting the gorilla orphanage.
• Evening: Return to your hotel in Goma for dinner and relaxation.

Day 4: Transfer back to Goma or Kigali to catch a Flight to Kinshasa

• Morning: Transfer back to Kigali for a flight to Kinshasa.
• Late Afternoon: Catch a flight from Goma to Kinshasa, the capital city of the DRC.
• Evening: Arrive in Kinshasa, transfer to your hotel, and settle in for the night.

Day 5: Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary Visit

• Morning: Visit Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, located just outside Kinshasa. Spend the day learning about bonobos, their conservation, and the sanctuary’s rehabilitation efforts.
• Afternoon: Observe bonobos in their semi-wild habitat and learn from the sanctuary’s caretakers about the unique social structure and behavior of these primates.
• Evening: Return to Kinshasa for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Kinshasa City Tour (Optional)

• Morning: Explore Kinshasa, one of Africa’s largest cities. Possible activities include visiting the National Museum of the DRC, the Académie des Beaux-Arts, or taking a boat trip on the Congo River.
• Afternoon: Leisure time for shopping or relaxation.
• Evening: Prepare for your departure the next day.

Day 7: Departure

• Morning: Transfer to N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa for your return flight.

For the tour to visit the bonobos we can as well arrange for you a tour to visit the Bonobos in their natural habitat on a 7 Days Tour to visit the Bonobos in the wild. Feel free to ask for any modifications or more details on specific parts of the itinerary!

Additional Planning Tips

• Permits: Arrange permits for Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking in advance. Your tour operator can help facilitate this.
• Accommodation: Choose comfortable lodges or hotels in Bukavu, Goma, and Kinshasa based on your preferences.
• Transport: Pre-arrange transfers, including road transport from Kigali to Bukavu and flights within the DRC, through a reliable tour operator.
• Health and Safety: Ensure you have updated vaccinations and travel with proper travel insurance. Consult a healthcare professional about antimalarial medication and other travel health precautions.

Why book Through Eco Adventure Safaris the tour for Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Visiting Bonobos in DR Congo?

Eco Adventure Safaris takes pride in customizing tailor-made DR Congo gorilla trekking safaris. It has a very diligent and trust worthy team. Your queries are answered within 30 minutes by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make you a travel plan for you, answer to all your questions and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. Feel free to contact us for more information about Planning a trip to go for Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Visiting Bonobos in DR Congo.