How Much Does It Cost to See Mountain Gorillas in Congo?

Mountain gorilla trekking in Congo offers one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in the world. Nestled within the dense rainforests of Virunga National Park, trekking to see these majestic mountain gorillas is a thrilling adventure that brings travelers face-to-face with one of nature’s most endangered species.

If you’re wondering how much it costs to see mountain gorillas in Congo and what to expect from your gorilla trekking safari, this detailed guide covers all you need—from permit prices to tour packages, the best time to visit, other exciting activities, and accommodation options. Whether you’re a budget traveler or looking for a luxury experience, planning your gorilla safari with the right information is crucial.

What is Gorilla Trekking in Congo?

Gorilla trekking is a daily guided hike through the pristine forests of Virunga National Park, the oldest national park in Africa, home to several habituated mountain gorilla families. The trek typically begins with a briefing early in the morning, usually around 7:45 am, where visitors are allocated a specific gorilla family to track.

The adventure involves walking through dense tropical rainforest, spotting various primates, birds, and unique flora along the way. Once the gorillas are found, trekkers spend a magical one-hour encounter with these gentle giants, observing their behavior, taking photographs, and learning about their habitat and conservation.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs in Congo

The cost of gorilla trekking permits in Congo is the most significant expense when planning your trip. Permits are issued by Virunga National Park and prices vary depending on the season:

High Season (Mid-December to mid-March and June to October): USD 400 per person per trek
Low Season (Mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December): USD 200 per person per trek

These permits allow you one hour with the gorillas and support vital conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.

All-Inclusive Gorilla Safari Packages from Monumental Expeditions and Safaris

As a trusted operator, Monumental Expeditions and Safaris offers all-inclusive gorilla trekking packages with no hidden costs. Packages cater to all budgets, from economical safaris to luxurious experiences, tailored to your preferences.

For example, a popular 2-day trip from Kigali starts at USD 1100 per person in a group of two. This includes:

Gorilla trekking permits
Transportation
Accommodation
Meals
Professional guide services

Such packages ensure a hassle-free experience as we handle all logistics and bookings.

How to Purchase Gorilla Trekking Permits in Congo

Booking your gorilla trekking permits is a crucial step and should be done well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Upon contacting Monumental Expeditions and Safaris and confirming your trip, you’ll make a deposit to secure the permits.

The permits are procured directly from the Virunga National Park headquarters, and you will receive a scanned copy of your permit confirmation. This receipt is essential for your trek and visa applications if required.

After permit confirmation, you can book your international flights and pay the balance for your complete safari package.

Other Activities and Attractions in Congo

Chimpanzee Tracking and Habituation

Virunga National Park is also famous for chimpanzee tracking and habituation experiences:

Chimpanzee tracking offers a one-hour encounter similar to gorilla trekking.
Chimpanzee habituation allows visitors to spend an entire day with chimpanzees, observing their natural behavior from morning until nightfall.

Both activities require permits, which must be booked at least three months in advance due to limited availability.

Nature Walks through Virunga Forest

Explore the Virunga Forest, one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests, on guided nature walks. Discover rare tree species, observe colorful birds, mammals, and reptiles. These walks offer insight into the unique ecosystem that supports the mountain gorillas.

Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

A bucket-list adventure is the Nyiragongo Volcano hike, located within Virunga National Park. Standing at 3,470 meters (11,380 feet), Nyiragongo is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, with a spectacular lava lake inside its crater. The hike provides breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers.

Bird Watching

Virunga’s diverse habitats—from forests and swamps to grasslands—make it a birdwatcher’s paradise. With over 706 recorded bird species, birding safaris here offer opportunities to spot rare and endemic birds, enhancing your overall Congo wildlife experience.

Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Beiga National Park

Besides Virunga, Kahuzi Beiga National Park is another premier destination for lowland gorilla trekking. Trekking permits here are highly competitive, especially in peak months like June to September and December to February. Booking 3-4 months ahead is recommended.

Best Time to Visit Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Virunga and Kahuzi Beiga National Parks are tropical rainforests, meaning rain can fall unpredictably throughout the year. However, the best months to visit for optimal trekking conditions are during the dry seasons:

Dry seasons: December, January, February, June, July, August, and September — Trails are drier and easier to navigate, and vegetation is less dense, improving gorilla visibility.
Wet seasons: March, April, May, October, and November — Trekkers face muddy and slippery trails with thicker vegetation, which can make trekking more challenging.

Visiting during dry months increases your chances of a comfortable and successful gorilla encounter.

Accommodation Options on a DR Congo Mountain Gorilla Safari

In Virunga National Park

You can choose from budget to luxury lodges:

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

In Kahuzi Beiga National Park

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

Your tour operator can arrange accommodations based on your budget and preferences.

How to Access Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Congo takes place mainly in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park, both situated in Eastern Congo.

Travel Route

Fly into Kigali International Airport, Rwanda.
Travel to Gisenyi Town near the Rwanda-DR Congo border.
Cross the border into Goma Town in DR Congo.
From Goma or Bukavu, drive approximately 2 hours to the park headquarters of Virunga or Kahuzi Beiga National Parks where trekking begins.

Proper visa arrangements and travel permits are required for crossing borders.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Congo with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris?

Monumental Expeditions and Safaris stands out as a premier tour operator in East and Central Africa. We provide professional, reliable, and tailor-made tour services across Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Congo.

Fully licensed and registered with AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators)
Established expertise in gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris
Strong partnerships with wildlife authorities for smooth permit processing
Excellent customer reviews on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings
Owned and run by Ugandans, ensuring local knowledge and authenticity

Booking your gorilla trekking safari with Monumental Expeditions means you will have a trusted partner guiding you every step of the way—from securing permits to customized itineraries.

Conclusion

How much does it cost to see mountain gorillas in Congo? The answer depends mainly on the gorilla permit prices and your chosen package, but expect to budget between USD 200-400 for permits, plus accommodation, transport, and guides.

Congo offers an unparalleled gorilla trekking experience combined with incredible biodiversity, thrilling volcano hikes, and rich cultural encounters. By planning ahead and choosing a reputable operator like Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, your gorilla safari in Congo will be safe, unforgettable, and worth every penny.

Ready to book your Congo gorilla trekking adventure? Contact Monumental Expeditions and Safaris today and secure your place in one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences!