Are you planning gorilla trekking safaris and tours to the Democratic Republic of Congo? Gorilla trekking safaris in DR Congo provide guests with a one-of-a-kind and exceptional gorilla experience. The rise in gorilla permit prices in Rwanda and Uganda has increased the demand for Congo gorilla tours and safaris among price-conscious travelers. A gorilla permit in Virunga National Park, Congo, costs $400, while permits in Rwanda cost $1500 and $700 in Uganda.
As a result, Gorilla safaris in Congo are designed to provide our visitors with a less expensive but still unique opportunity to go gorilla trekking in Dr. Congo’s great Virunga National Park. Virunga is home to eight habituated gorilla families: Kabirizi, Humba, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Rugendo, Nyakamwe, Munyaga, and Bageni.
When is the best time to go Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo?
Gorilla trekking safaris in Congo are available all year. The Virunga National Park has a tropical climate, but the best time to visit Congo for gorilla trekking tours is from May to September, during the dry season. The driest month is July, followed by August and June. Temperatures also fall slightly during those months. From December to February, there is also a shorter dry period. The wet season in the Virunga National Park occurs in November, which is by far the wettest month of the year. This may not be the best time to visit Congo for gorilla trekking safaris and tours. However, if you travel between October and November or March and May, you may be able to get unmatchable deals from lodging properties due to low season and discounted gorilla permits.
Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is located in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This reserve lies in the Virunga volcano ranges which extend into Rwanda (Volcanoes national park) and Uganda (Mgahinga gorilla national park). Virunga was established in 1925 and was one of Africa’s first protected areas. Over 300 mountain gorillas live in Virunga National Park, mostly in the park’s southern areas. The Congolese National Park Authorities and the Institute Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature manage Virunga National Park (ICCN)
Gorilla trekking tours and safaris in Congo are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, made possible by the presence of these primates in Virunga National Park. These primates are charming, intelligent, smart, and friendly to interact with. All treks in the Park begin at the Bukima Patrol post in Congo and last between 1 and 3 hours.
Trekking Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Congo.
The only national park in Congo where visitors can trek the infamous eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat is Kahuzi-Biega national park. It also has the largest population of eastern lowland gorillas, with approximately 250 individuals. The species, also known as Grauer’s gorilla, is the largest of four gorilla subspecies, which include Mountain gorillas, Western lowland gorillas, Eastern lowland gorillas, and cross river gorillas.
Their primary foods include fruit, bamboo shoots, and other herbaceous materials. The majority of the lowland gorillas in the park have been habituated, which means they are quite at ease in the presence of humans.
A gorilla permit for eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega national park costs USD 400 per person. Trekking usually starts at 7 a.m. with a briefing. Trekkers are then divided into groups of no more than eight people.
Trekking eastern lowland gorillas in the park can take 4 to 6 hours or more, depending on the gorillas’ location in the forest. Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega can take even longer hours, especially if the gorillas have moved deep into the forest in search of food. This may make trekking difficult for visitors, especially if those who are not in peak physical and mental condition.
What is the cost of Gorilla Trekking in the DR Congo?
The cost of seeing mountain gorillas in DR Congo varies depending on the level of accommodation and mode of transportation used. Nonetheless, the gorilla trekking permit in Virunga National Park is currently $400. However, we arrange all-inclusive gorilla tour packages to the Democratic Republic of Congo for all visitors with no hidden costs based on your travel budget and time. Congo gorilla trekking safaris from Entebbe/Kampala may require at least four days, with an overnight stay in either Kabale or Kisoro before driving to and crossing into Congo’s Virunga National Park.
Virunga National Park in Congo provides both standard and discounted gorilla permits for mountain gorilla trekking. Permits are $400 per person during the high season or peak season of December, January, February, June, July, August, September, and early October. Due to high demand from tourists, visitors looking for gorilla safari experiences during those months are advised to book their permits before their gorilla trekking safari.
Gorilla trekking permits in Congo Virunga National Park are available for $200 per person during the low season; in March, April, May, November, and early December.
