Ultimate Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Congo

• Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
• Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Beiga National Park
• Hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano
• Visiting Goma City
• Exploring the scenic Lake Kivu

Where and How to See Gorillas in Congo

Congo is home to three types of gorillas: the mountain gorillas, lowland gorillas, and western lowland gorillas. These incredible primates can be found in some of the country’s most famous national parks:

• Virunga National Park – Home to mountain gorillas.
• Kahuzi Beiga National Park – Known for eastern lowland gorillas (also called Grauer’s gorillas).
• Lesio Louna National Park – Where western lowland gorillas can be trekked by boat.
• Maiko National Park – Another region with eastern lowland gorillas.

About Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park, located in the eastern part of the DRC, is Africa’s oldest national park and one of the most biologically diverse tropical rainforests in the world. It is renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking experiences. Virunga is one of only three locations in the world where you can see mountain gorillas, along with Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park).

About Kahuzi Beiga National Park

Kahuzi Beiga National Park, established in 1970, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an exceptional destination for those interested in lowland gorilla trekking. The park is located 30 km from Bukavu town in the DRC and is famous for its eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas). These gorillas are the largest of the four gorilla subspecies and can only be seen in Kahuzi Beiga and a few other locations in the DRC.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Congo Cost?

To trek gorillas in Congo, you will need to secure a gorilla trekking permit. The price of a permit varies depending on the park and the type of gorilla you plan to track:

For Mountain Gorilla Trekking (Virunga National Park):

• High season (Mid-December to Mid-March, June to October): $400 USD per person per trek
• Low season (Mid-March to Mid-May, Mid-October to Mid-December): $200 USD per person per trek

For Lowland Gorilla Trekking (Kahuzi Beiga National Park):

• Non-residents: $400 USD per person per trek
• East African residents: $200 USD per person per trek
• Congo nationals: $20 USD per person per trek

Given the high demand for gorilla permits in Congo, it is recommended to secure your permit at least three months in advance to guarantee your spot.

Best Time to Visit Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Congo has a tropical climate, and the weather can be unpredictable, with rain showers occurring throughout the year. The best time to visit for gorilla trekking is during the dry season, which runs from December to February and June to September. During these months, the trails are less slippery, and the vegetation is not as thick, making it easier to spot gorillas.

The wet season, which occurs from March to May and October to November, is less ideal for trekking due to slippery trails and dense vegetation. However, if you’re on a budget, the low season offers a significant discount on gorilla permits.

Where to Stay in Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Accommodation in Virunga National Park:

• Budget: Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp (USD 90–100 per night)
• Mid-range: Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp (USD 100–200 per night)
• Luxury: Mikeno Lodge (USD 200–400 per night)

Accommodation in Kahuzi Beiga National Park:

• Budget: Hotel Begonias, Exodus Bukavu, and Lake Side Hotel Bukavu (USD 90–100 per night)
• Mid-range: Coco Lodge Bukavu (USD 100–200 per night)
• Luxury: L’Orchids Safari Club (USD 200–400 per night)

How to Access Congo for Gorilla Trekking

To access Congo for gorilla trekking, you’ll typically fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. From Kigali, you will travel to Gisenyi, a town near the Rwanda-DRC border. From Gisenyi, you’ll cross the border to Goma, the closest city to Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park. The park headquarters are about a 2-hour drive from Gisenyi.

Why Choose Monumental Expeditions and Safaris for Your Congo Gorilla Safari

Monumental Expeditions and Safaris specializes in organizing exceptional gorilla safari experiences to Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. With a solid reputation and a high rating on TripAdvisor, they provide a range of eco-friendly safaris that promote biodiversity conservation and support local communities.

Monumental Expeditions offers a variety of tour packages, including budget and luxury options, to ensure that every traveler can have an unforgettable experience. They handle all aspects of the tour, including gorilla permit booking, accommodation, transportation, and guide services, making your trip to Congo stress-free and enjoyable.