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How to end your safari in Tanzania with a Gorilla trek in Congo
What are Gorilla Tour Options available in Congo. Congo offers some unique and exciting gorilla trekking options that cater to adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. The primary destinations in the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are as follows:
1. Republic of Congo
Known for its lowland gorillas in the dense rainforests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, the Republic of Congo offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Key Options:
• Western Lowland Gorilla Tracking
• Location: Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
• Highlights: Guided treks to see the habituated lowland gorillas, known for their smaller size and family dynamics.
• Lodges: Ngaga Camp, Lango Camp, and Mboko Camp, offering luxurious accommodations within the wilderness.
• Best Time: June to September and December to February (dry seasons for better trekking conditions).
Other Activities in Odzala:
• Forest walks, birdwatching, kayaking, and cultural experiences with local communities.
2. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
The DRC is famous for its mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas. Its dramatic landscapes, such as the Virunga volcanoes and dense rainforests, add to the adventure.
Key Options:
a. Mountain Gorilla Trekking
• Location: Virunga National Park.
• Highlights: Trek to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Virunga is home to several habituated gorilla families.
• Lodges: Mikeno Lodge (luxury), Bukima Tented Camp (mid-range).
• Best Time: January to February and June to September.
b. Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking
• Location: Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
• Highlights: See the largest subspecies of gorillas, characterized by their impressive size and calm demeanor.
• Lodges: Orchids Safari Club (luxury) or budget accommodations in Bukavu.
• Best Time: January to February and June to September.
Additional Experiences in DRC:
• Nyiragongo Volcano Hike: A trek to the summit of an active volcano in Virunga National Park with views of the world’s largest lava lake.
• Cultural Tours: Visits to local communities to learn about their way of life.
Key Considerations for Gorilla Tours in Congo:
1. Permits:
• Republic of Congo: Lowland gorilla permits typically cost $350-$450.
• DRC: Mountain gorilla permits are $400; Eastern lowland gorilla permits are $400.
2. Travel Logistics:
• Odzala-Kokoua is accessed via Brazzaville or charter flights.
• Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega are accessible via Goma or Bukavu, usually from Kigali, Rwanda.
3. Safety and Security:
Check local advisories, especially for the DRC, and book through reputable tour operators.
What are Gorilla Tour Options available in Congo
About Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is one of the most diverse tropical rain forest and oldest national park in Africa mostly famous for mountain gorilla trekking in DR Congo, among other activities done here include Nyirangongo volcano hike, bird watching, Nature walks, Chimpanzee tracking and Habituation. It should be noted that there three countries that have mountain gorillas in the whole world. These countries include Uganda, Democratic republic of Congo and Rwanda. Rwanda mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park, Uganda gorillas are found in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park while Congo mountain gorillas are located in Virunga National Park. All these national park are close to each other in what is termed as the virunga massif.
About Kahuzi Beiga National Park
Kahuzi Beiga National Park was created in 1970 and the first Lowland Gorilla trekking was done in 1973, when it come to Lowland gorilla trekking it ranks high, it was gazzeted to conserve the Grauer’s gorilla species the world’s largest gorilla species. The Eastern Lowland gorillas also known as Grauer’s gorillas is the largest of the largest of the four gorilla subspecies, trekking Eastern Lowland gorillas is done in Kahuzi Biega National park located in Congo 30kms from Bukavu town the can be accessed by road and air. The park was gazetted in 1970 and the first lowland gorilla trekking was done in 1973, this type of trekking is only done here and this makes the park rank high when it comes to the lowland gorilla trekking. The Park has 12 gorilla families and out of these only 2 gorilla families are habituated and they are open for visitors to trek. The families are called Chimanuka and Mugaruka both named after a dominant silver back, Chimanuka is famous for many visitors given it consist of one of the largest gorilla family in the world with over 36 gorilla individuals.
For now 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. Nyiragongo hike is not available due to security reasons So if you are interested in visiting Congo we can arrange for you a 3 day tour to visit the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park
How much is gorilla trekking in DR Congo?
Where can I see gorillas 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. As Eco Adventure Safaris we do provide all-inclusive gorilla tour packages for all the visitors with no hidden costs. The most essential and priority cost is the gorilla permit price that you will incur to secure your trek in Virunga National Park. All our tour packages range from budget safaris to Luxury safaris and you can opt to do any as we tailor your trip together according to your interest. We do have Gorilla tour packages that start in Kigali for the DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali. For a 2day Trip from Kigali costs USD1100 per person in a group of two inclusive of Gorilla permits and as a budget option, transportation, accommodation, Meals, guide services are inclusive as well.
What is the best time to visit Congo for Gorilla Trekking?
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.
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.
Booking a Gorilla trek in 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 What are Gorilla Tour Options available in Congo.