Travel advice for gorilla trekking in DR Congo

Travel advice for gorilla trekking in DR Congo, many Western government warnings are preventing tourists to visit Congo bringing out the whole of Congo as a country not safe but the truth is some parts of Congo are very safe to visit such as the Eastern Parts where Kahuzi Biega National Park is found for trekking the Eastern Lowland Gorillas as well as explore Bukavu town and other activities. Kinshasa in the north is also very safe to visit. The only place that is affected by war is the Goma area where Virunga National Park is found where Nyiragongo Volcano Hiking is done and Mountain Gorilla Trekking.

Eco Adventure Safaris has already booked gorilla trekking safaris to Congo and we can also book for you to visit DR Congo for gorilla trekking in Maiko National Park Congo for Lowland gorilla trekking. We have tour packages available that you can choose from ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury, these can as well be customized to best match your needs, send us an email and we will book for you accordingly. Gorilla trekking in DR Congo is a unique and exciting adventure! Here are some tips and Travel advice for gorilla trekking in DR Congo:

1. Permit and Booking:
   • Obtain a gorilla trekking permit in advance. The number of permits is usually limited, so it’s best to book early.
   • Consider hiring a reliable tour operator Eco Adventure Safaris to assist with permits and logistics.
2. Health Precautions:
   • Ensure you are in good health as trekking can be physically demanding.
   • Get vaccinated for diseases like yellow fever and take malaria prophylaxis.
3. Clothing and Gear:
   • Wear sturdy, comfortable clothing and good hiking boots.
   • Bring a waterproof jacket, as the weather can change quickly in the rainforest.
   • A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
4. Pack Essentials:
   • Carry a small backpack with water, snacks, and a packed lunch.
   • Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the gorillas without disturbing them.
   • Consider a lightweight rain cover for your backpack.
5. Guidelines and Etiquette:
   • Follow the guidelines provided by the park rangers. They are there to ensure your safety and the well-being of the gorillas.
   • Maintain a respectful distance from the gorillas (at least 7 meters) to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
6. Fitness Level:
   • Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense forests and uneven terrain. Be prepared for a challenging but rewarding trek.
7. Respect Wildlife:
   • Observe the gorillas quietly and avoid making loud noises or sudden movements.
   • Flash photography is usually not allowed, as it can stress the gorillas.
8. Weather Conditions:
   • The rainforest can be wet, so bring a rain poncho and waterproof your belongings.
   • Check the weather forecast and be prepared for rain.
9. Cultural Sensitivity:
   • Be respectful of local communities and their customs. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language to enhance your interactions.
10. Perseverance:

• The trek can be challenging, and sightings are not guaranteed. However, the experience of being in the gorillas’ natural habitat is still incredibly rewarding.

Is it Safe to Travel to Congo DRC? DR Congo has for the past years been hit by various unprecedented disasters that is civil and rebel wars, Ebola disease among others which has stopped many tourists from visiting DR Congo for gorilla trekking in either national park given these are the same places that harbor the dangerous rebel groups and diseases. However, of recent DR Congo is getting back to better days and most areas and national parks are now open for tourism business and activities given the fact the DR Congo government, local authorities, National and International security and health bodies have worked hand in hand to bring back peace to DR Congo. Now Congo is good for gorilla trekking and tourists have already started opting to visit DR Congo instead of Uganda and Rwanda given the fact the price of gorilla trekking permit in Congo is cheaper than that of Uganda and Rwanda.

How to organize and book a Safari Trip to Virunga National Park, Congo

When it comes to organizing and booking Safari traveling to Congo for a Gorilla Safari, Congo, visiting gorillas in Congo look nowhere as Eco Adventure Safaris is your number one destination management outfit for you when it comes to booking gorilla trekking. Eco Adventure Safaris has its offices in Uganda that takes care of checking the availability of all services including gorilla permits for Virunga National Park gorilla permits, accommodations as well as transport to and from either in Kigali or Uganda. Eco Adventure Safaris has a fleet of vehicle stations in Kigali and Uganda that will drive you to Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park for gorilla trekking and then back for your international flight back home. All our Uganda and Kigali based vehicles are 4×4 Vans or Jeeps driven by well-trained safari driver guides knowledgeable in as far as Congo and Rwanda are concerned. They know all corners and routes to and from Kigali and you will feel safe and comfortable when you book a Safari Trip to Congo from Kigali with Eco Adventure Safaris.

DR Congo Visa and Work Permits Advice

Travel advice for gorilla trekking in DR Congo, All travelers need a visa to be allowed to enter the Democratic Republic of Congo. 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.

How to Get Gorilla Trekking Permits for Virunga National Park, Congo

Once you contact us and confirm your trip with us by making Payment for the permits, we shall secure your permits Virunga National Park Congo headquarters and send you scan of the receipt to confirm your trek for your specified date in Virunga National Park. Once we confirm your permits, you will book your international flights, and then you can pay the balance for all your services.

Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Beiga National Park

Lowland Gorilla trekking is done in Kahuzi Beiga National Park and this activity is guaranteed when you acquire a permit, but kindly note given the park has 2 families open for trekking this makes the gorilla permits very competitive and scarce most especially during peak seasons of June, July, August, September, December and February. Sometimes gorilla tracking permits get sold out four months in advance so any traveler is recommended to book their gorilla permits 3-4 month in advance.

What is the best time for traveling to Congo for a Gorilla Safari?

Virunga National Park is located in the tropics and is majorly covered with tropical rain forest vegetation, with this they are prone to receiving uncertain rains any time of the day or week, however given They are tropical rain forests there are still good months to visit these parks that is dry season 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 abit 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.

Why book traveling to Congo for a Gorilla Safari with Eco Adventure Safaris?

Eco Adventure Safaris provides unrivaled 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. Eco Adventure Safaris boasts 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 the 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. Contact us here for more details about the Travel advice for gorilla trekking in DR Congo.