Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage

The Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage is one of the places to see mountain gorillas up-close. It is the only mountain gorilla orphanage centre in the world. It was named after the famous Silverback Gorilla named Senkwekwe who was killed in 2007 by militias. The centre was created to provide a safe home to the orphan mountain Gorillas especially young ones whose parents are killed by poachers or poacher traps among others. The centre gives you an opportunity to see caretakers as they feed young gorillas and give them comfort including hugs with them among others.

Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park, is home to a rare population of about 1,000 mountain gorillas, but its location in eastern DRC means they and the rangers who protect and care for them are constantly at risk. Poaching, illegal charcoal smuggling and the threat of Mai-Mai militias are some of the threats to their survival.

According to rangers at the sanctuary, Ndakazi and Ndeze gorillas in the picture were the first to be cared for at the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage Centre, the only one of its kind in the world. Nkakazi and Ndeze were orphaned 12 years ago when their families were killed by poachers.

DR Congo Visa and Work Permits Advice

You will need a visa to be allowed to enter the Democratic republic of Congo to visit Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanagef. Unlike Uganda and Kenya, where one can obtain a visa upon arrival, the Congo visa must be applied for in advance at the closest Consulate or Embassy. The Congo Visa for Single entry costs $ 100 Single entry (1 month validity visa), Single entry (2 months validity visa) $ 135 and Single entry (6 months validity visa) $400 you will need to apply for this Visa atleast 2 to 3 weeks in advance before your travel date as it cannot be gotten on arrival. You will not be allowed to enter DR Congo without a visa that was not processed in advance. You need an invitation letter as well as a yellow fever card. Please contact us for more details on how to secure the Visa for entry into DR Congo.

DR Congo Vehicle Hire Services

Eco Adventure Safaris organizes transport for tourists in DR Congo depending on their interest, budget and the nature of roads in such selected locations they are visiting in DR Congo. For rough terrains, like in National Parks, we recommend Customized 4×4 Land Cruisers. For us to estimate how much it will cost in terms of fuel, we will need to look at your itinerary schedule to establish mileage and distance to be travelled. We also organize both charter and schedule air transport for those that need to fly in order to reduce on the number of drive hours.

Is it safe to visit in the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage, DR Congo?

Yes it is safe to visit in the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage, DR Congo. 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. However, Congo is now getting back to better days and it is safe for visiting 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 the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage

Goma Town, DR Congo 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 after you will proceed to the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage. 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 your visit of Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage, DR Congo

Lodge options to stay in during your trip to Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage, 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 Serena Hotel Goma, 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 visit the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage, DR Congo?

Visiting the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage, 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.

Why book your trip to Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage 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 Congo Tours including arranging trips to Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage. 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.