Trekking with gorillas on the Congo gorilla tour is one of the most sought-after safari activities in Africa. Gorilla trekking in Congo Virunga safaris mainly takes place in two beautiful national parks that is Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Congo gorilla tours are indeed incredible! Within East Africa, It’s only gorilla tour safaris in Congo that give you a great opportunity to see both the endangered Mountain gorillas and the Eastern Lowland gorillas.

The other national parks to see Mountain gorillas in Africa include; Rwanda Volcanoes National Park as well as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga National Park- all in Uganda.

Although Congo tours is greatly known for Mountain gorilla trekking tour safaris in Virunga National Park- the oldest national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo safaris are beyond this!

For a memorable gorilla trekking experience on Congo safaris, adventurous travelers on Congo safari tours shouldn’t miss a hike to a wonderful active volcano- Nyiragongo volcano hike which allows you to explore one of the world’s largest lava lake areas.

Continue below to explore much about Congo gorilla tracking tours/Congo safari trips!

Top Attractions in Virunga National Park

Tourists undertaking Mountain gorilla safaris in Virunga National Park- found within Eastern DRC near Lake Kivu shores should expect to see numerous unique wildlife species. Among these include the endangered Mountain gorillas and charming birds, among others.

Below are the major attractions in Virunga National Park:

1. Amazing mammal species

Since Virunga National Park features a rich ecosystem, it is home to various wildlife species ideal to explore on your Congo safari tours in their natural habitat.

Based on the 2012 Census for wildlife species in Virunga National Park, over 218 mammal species counting 22 primate species including Mountain gorillas dwell in this park. Other species include 65 amphibian species and about 109 reptile species.

The common animals in Virunga National Park are;

• Mountain Gorillas- endangered Gorillas
• Chimpanzees
• Red-Tailed Monkeys
• Dent’s Mona Monkeys
• De Brazza’s Monkey
• Grey Cheeked Monkeys
• Central African Red Colobus
• Olive Baboons and,
• Black and White Colobus Monkeys, etc.

During your Mountain gorilla trek in Virunga National Park- initially called Albert National Park you can spot other wildlife species like Forest Elephants, Giant Forest Hog, and Okapi. Hippos, Warthogs, Buffalos, Lions, Bushbucks, Bongo, Duikers, Leopards, and Topis, have been recorded as well.

2. Colorful bird species

Tourists undertaking Congo safaris/gorilla tour safaris in Congo Virunga National Park will encounter numerous bird species on their Mountain gorilla trek.

In Virunga Park, over 706 different bird species have been recorded such as forest birds, grassland dwellings, Albertine Rift endemics, as well as wading birds.

Notable birds in Congo Virunga National Park include; Ruwenzori Turaco, Narrow Tailed Starling, African Fish Eagle, Grey Throated Barbet, and, Madagascar Bee Eaters.

3. Amazing Flora

Virunga Park holds over 2,077 vibrant plant species, including 264 species of trees, as well as 230 Albertine endemic species in the Albertine Rift.

This park also holds swamp and marsh vegetation around water bodies like Lake Kivu

4. Incredible physical features

This UNESCO World Heritage Site- Virunga National park holds a wonderful landscape.

On your Congo gorilla safari adventure in Virunga Park, you’ll explore both the extinct and active volcanoes, snowcapped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, crater lakes, the Rift Valley, as well as the lush green tropical rainforests.

Other beautiful landforms near this park are Lake Kivu, Lake Edward, Lake Albert, River Congo as well as Semliki, etc.

5. Batwa Community Nearby

The Batwa people are commonly known as the pygmies! They are amazing people believed to have been living in the forest however, they were evicted out to adjacent areas after gazetting this area to conserve the endangered Mountain gorillas.

These people are visited by travelers after Mountain gorilla trekking in Congo Virunga National Park. On this tour, these people will demonstrate to you their ancient way of living in the forest. Also, they will perform dances, and amazing drama, and go further to make fire with sticks. The experience is memorable!

Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Biega National Park is the only park on the African continent to see Eastern Lowland Gorillas- incredible cousins for the endangered Mountain gorillas.

The Eastern lowland gorillas are endemic species to Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Tourists on Congo gorilla safaris can have Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park- a vast protected area with over 2,316 km².

Travelers undertaking Eastern lowland gorilla trekking expeditions usually encounter lovely bird species, charming flora, and colorful butterflies.

It’s possible to explore Mount Kahuzi & Mount Biega during your nature walks/Eastern lowland gorilla treks.

The main Congo safari activities in Kahuzi Beiga National Park include;

• Trekking Eastern lowland gorillas
• Hiking Mount Kahuzi and Beiga
• Undertaking nature walks
• Birding tours

Guide to Congo Gorilla Trekking, Congo Gorilla Safari Tours, and Advise When Watching Gorillas

In this section, we are going to share with you all that you need to know about Congo gorilla trekking tours in Congo. Knowing most of them will yield a wonderful gorilla trekking experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Virunga National Park on Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor is an authentic website where you can find travelers’ reviews and recommendations about their gorilla tour safaris in Congo Virunga National Park.

On this site, some of your expectations on Congo gorilla tracking tours can be answered.

Cost of Congo Gorilla Permits, Cost for Congo Gorilla Permits- How Much Does it Cost to Trek Gorillas in Virunga National Park?

How much does it cost to see gorillas in Congo? The cost for tracking gorillas/price for a gorilla permit within Virunga National Park/Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Congo is 400 USD, for foreign residents.

Therefore, if we compare Mountain gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo with gorilla trekking costs in Rwanda & Uganda, gorilla tour expeditions in Congo are cheaper. This is because its price is almost half price than that in other countries.

How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost? | How Much Does it Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Congo? | How Much Does it Cost to Visit Gorillas? | How Much Does it Cost to Trek With Gorillas?

The cost of a Mountain gorilla safari in the Democratic Republic of Congo depends on different factors. These factors greatly affect the total cost of your trip.

Among the factors that greatly affect the price of gorilla tours in Congo /gorilla treks include; the length of your trip, accommodation type you wish to use, activities you’re to do, your transport means, etc.

Roughly, a gorilla safari tour in Congo can cost about 2000-4000 USD.

Note that, most travelers accompany Uganda tours or Rwanda safaris on their Congo safari holidays. Mostly, they undertake wildlife tours, chimpanzee trekking expeditions, etc.

How to See Mountain Gorillas on a Budget in DR Congo?

Though the Democratic Republic of the Congo ranks among the cheapest countries to go for gorilla safaris in Africa, below we have discussed various ways how you can enjoy budget gorilla tour safaris in Congo.

These are the different ways to have a budget trip on your Congo gorilla safaris:

1. Book your trip with a domestic tour operator

Generally, the price for local safari companies in Congo is friendly compared to that of international agents. Therefore, if interested in tracking gorillas in Congo book with local safari companies.

2. Use mostly budget lodges

Opting for budget lodges cuts greatly some accommodation costs you would spend in luxury facilities

3. Safari in low season

During the low season- March to May, most lodges usually reduce their costs or give out discounts to tourists. Note that, it’s very rare to get discounted gorilla trekking permits on your Congo gorilla tour safaris.

4. Opt for group trips

This allows cost-sharing, for instance, accommodation and transportation fees while on your Congo gorilla safari vacation.

5. Park appropriately

Getting the right pack list for Congo safaris limits the wastage you would spend while buying unnecessary items on your Congo gorilla trekking tour.

Congo Gorilla Tracking Day, the Real Gorilla Trekking Experience

On this wonderful day, you’ll arrive at the park headquarters with proof showing that you bought a gorilla tracking permit/gorilla permit. Take note that, a gorilla trekking permit in the Democratic Republic of Congo is 400 USD while that of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is $1500, and in Uganda, it’s $700.

Mountain gorilla trekking experience expeditions in Congo often begin with a briefing at the headquarters. In this session, you’ll be told how to behave when you meet Mountain gorillas on the gorilla trek.

Onwards, with the armed park rangers and the guide, you’ll begin nature walks searching for these shy giants of the forest- Mountain gorillas. The walk can take about 2-8 hours.

This hike- gorilla trek is lovely! You’ll go through lush forests as you climb and slope the scenic rolling hills of Virunga National Park.

The Gorilla Encounter

Once you encounter the Gorilla group/Gorilla family on your gorilla safaris, expect a wonderful time! You’ll watch these incredible humanlike primates playing, feeding, etc.

Expect to enjoy the exciting humanlike behaviors of Mountain gorillas on your Congo gorilla safaris. You’ll appreciate nature as you watch the enormous Silverback gorilla frolicking with young ones or as it portrays its mighty power biting its chest.

The watching experience is limited to 1 hour and then you trek back to park headquarters.

Never use flash photography while taking photos. It stresses these close cousins of man.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Regulations in Congo Virunga National Park

There are regulations to tourists on gorilla tours in Congo have to follow.

These Mountain gorilla trekking regulations protect both the Mountain gorillas as well as visitors undertaking Congo gorilla safaris. Such guidelines also apply to Rwanda Volcanoes National Park & Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga park.

These are Congo gorilla tracking rules, and gorilla trekking safari rules in Congo Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park:

1. If you have contagious diseases, you are not allowed to track Mountain gorillas on your Congo safaris. It’s the same even during chimpanzee trekking expeditions
2. A group of 8 visitors can visit a gorilla group/gorilla family at a time
3. Persons above 15 years are allowed to track gorillas in Congo. It applies even while on Uganda or Rwanda gorilla tours in Volcanoes National Park
4. You are allowed to spend only 1 hr with the Mountain gorilla family on your Congo gorilla safaris.
5. The gorilla trek only takes place in the time just like chimpanzee trekking tours.
6. Visitors on the gorilla safari expedition must keep a 7m distance upon encountering Mountain gorillas. This is because they’re wild animals which can behave weirdly!
7. Never smoke, eat, or drink near Mountain gorillas while on the gorilla trek
8. Littering in the park while on the gorilla trek/gorilla tour is strictly not allowed and it applies while on chimpanzee trekking safari tours
9. Avoid direct eye contact with Mountain gorillas when on the Congo gorilla holiday
10. In case you want to ease yourself when on a gorilla trek, go off the track, make a 30cm hole then entomb the whole waste

Other Prime Things to Consider Before Going for Gorilla Tours in Congo

1. It’s advisable to get your Congo gorilla permits at least 6 months before your gorilla tours in Congo/gorilla safaris in Congo. You can buy these permits through a tour operator or directly from Virunga park headquarters.

On your Congo safaris (on the gorilla tracking date), move with your permit!

2. Have an average body fitness level. Since a gorilla trek in Congo Virunga park takes place in the mountainous park, just be ready for a relatively strenuous hike. Try to raise your fitness level before the gorilla trek!
3. If possible, purchase a travel insurance while coming for Congo gorilla safaris. This travel insurance will help you a lot in case of a mishap on your Congo gorilla vacation.
4. Carry all necessary travel documents and vaccination requirements while coming for African safaris. The key one is a Yellow fever vaccination card, passport, and visa.
5. Carry all the necessary receipts while coming for your Congo safari tour. These can include receipts for your accommodation and some activities.
6. Get a local SIM card. This allows you access the internet while on Congo gorilla safaris especially while in areas with no WIFI.
7. It’s possible to purchase an online visa for Congo. Getting it before your travel date for the Congo tour is recommended as it limits delays at border points.

Accommodation in Virunga National Park

Lodges in Virunga National Park are categorized as budget, mid-range as well as luxury facilities.

In most cases, tour operators guide travelers on the best lodges to use while on Congo gorilla safaris and tourists decide on which to use.

Below are the common lodges in Congo Virunga National Park:

1. Mikeno Lodge
2. Lulimbi Tented Camp
3. Tchegera Island Camp
4. Bukima Tented Camp
5. Kibumba Tented Camp
6. Mt Nyiragongo Summit Shelters

Accommodation in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Tourists on Congo safaris in Kahuzi Biega National Park- home to Eastern lowland gorillas have various options for where to stay on their Eastern Lowland gorilla safari expeditions.

Here are the best lodges in Kahuzi Biega National Park:

1. Exodus Bukavu Camp
2. Lakeside Hotel Bukavu Camp
3. Mount Kahuzi Hotel
4. Orchids Safari Club
5. Lodge Coco

Other Activities in Virunga National Park

Apart from Mountain gorillas trekking expeditions in Virunga National Park, tourists on Congo safaris in Virunga park can also enjoy other activities such as:

• Nyiragongo volcano hike
• Chimpanzee trekking tours
• Game viewing tours
• Bird watching
• Nature walks
• Landscape viewing

Things to Know About Border Crossing to Congo

While crossing to the Democratic Republic of Congo for Congo gorilla safaris, there are some travel documents you should have and these include the following:

1. A yellow fever vaccination card is required
2. Congo visa
3. Note that border crossing routes to the Democratic Republic of Congo are dusty & bumpy thus, we advise you to use a 4×4 safari vehicle while coming for Congo safaris

How to Get to Virunga National Park | How to Access Virunga National Park?

Situated in Eastern Congo, Virunga National Park is mostly accessed by road from most of its neighboring East African countries that as Rwanda and Uganda.

It is easy to access Virunga National Park from Rwanda Kigali International Airport. By road, you’ll drive to Gisenyi Town and then connect to the Goma border on a dusty road before driving to the park. From Gisenyi to the Bukima park headquarters office, it’s about 2 hrs drive.

If interested in using flights to Congo, you can fly using Ethiopian Airways which holds a single flight each week to Goma International Airport. More airlines with flights to the Democratic Republic of the Congo include; Turkish Airlines, Kenyan Airways, Brussels Airlines, Air France, as well as Swiss Airlines.

We advise you to inquire first from your tour operator about the best way to travel to Virunga National Park for Congo safaris.

Top Congo Gorilla Tours, Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris

With great experience in organising Congo gorilla packages, we can customize your trip to meet all your safari needs in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most Congo gorilla trekking safari trips feature; Virunga park, Mount Nyiragongo hike, and Lake Kivu.

If interested, we can design for you a safari in Congo featuring wildlife safari tours and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda or Rwanda tours allowing you to explore Nyungwe forest park as well as Volcanoes National Park.

Below are the popular Congo gorilla trekking tours, and the best Congo gorilla packages on Congo safaris:

• 2 Days Gorilla trekking safari tour in the Democratic Republic of Congo
• 3 Days Mountain Gorillas Tour in Congo- Gorilla tracking in Virunga Park & Lake Kivu
• 3 Days Eastern Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour in Congo Kahuzi Biega National Park & Lake Kivu Trip
• 5 Days Congo Gorilla trekking Trip in Virunga National Park and Mount Nyiragongo active volcano hike to explore the world’s largest lava lake
• 5 Days Virunga National Park Tour- Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari and Eastern Lowland Gorilla Tracking Tour in Kahuzi Biega National Park
• 7-day Nyiragongo Volcano hike within Congo Virunga Park & Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Expect to see an incredible lava lake!

Multi-Country Trips – Congo, Rwanda & Uganda

It’s very possible to combine DR Congo tours with Rwanda or Uganda safari tours and here are some of the best tours:

• 9 Days Congo Virunga National Park, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, & Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park as well as Nyungwe Forest National Park
• 15 Days Congo Tour, Uganda, and Rwanda Trip- Gorilla tracking, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest Park, wildlife safaris, Community tour, and nature walks
• 20 Days Eastern, Central & Southern Africa Tour- East Africa wildlife safaris & tour and primates (Mountain gorillas & Chimpanzee trekking), Cape Town tour, Community visits, nature walks, and Volcano hiking

Best Time to Visit Congo for Holidays- What is the Best Season to Visit DRC?

Democratic Republic of the Congo tours (DR Congo gorilla safari tours) are possible all year round. However, it’s always a wonderful experience when you visit in the dry season as rains are minimal to inconvenience your Congo safaris.

The dry season in the Democratic Republic of Congo runs through December- February and June- August. Within these months, gorilla tracking trails are drier and normally, they are easy to hike- free from mud. It’s also the ideal time for chimpanzee trekking tours as well as wildlife safaris.

Rains can be much in the rainy season which runs in months of March-May and October-November. Visiting Congo during this time favors budget travelers on DR Congo safaris as it’s possible to get discounted safaris.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Vs Rwanda- Is It Better to See Gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda?

You can have incredible gorilla safaris in Rwanda as well as Uganda but, which one is better?

Below, we have compared gorilla treks in Rwanda and Uganda:

• Uganda- the Pearl of Africa holds almost 50% of Mountain gorillas on Earth. These are found in Bwindi and Mgahinga park
• Rwanda gorilla tours take place in one destination- Volcanoes National Park while in Uganda you can enjoy them in 2 national parks- Bwindi & Mgahinga park
• The terrain for Uganda gorilla tracking safaris is friendlier than that of Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park
• Luxury accommodation in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park is better compared to that in Uganda
• Gorilla safaris in Uganda allow you to explore more safari destinations unlike those Rwanda gorilla safaris

Gorilla Trekking Companies in Congo

You’ll find online numerous safari companies in Congo, however, below are the best ones to travel with for your DR Congo gorilla safaris. All can arrange for you wildlife safaris and expeditions to explore Nyiragongo active volcano.

These are the best tour operators in Congo:

1. Wild Gorilla Safaris

Email: info@primeugandasafaris.com

Website: www.wildgorillasafaris.com

2. Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd

Email: info@primeugandasafaris.com

Website: www.primeugandasafaris.com

3. Congo Gorilla Safaris Tours

Website: https://congogorillasafaristours.com/

4. Africa Safaris Tours

Website: www.africasafaris-tours.com

Why Visit Virunga National Park- Mountain Gorilla Tracking

These are the reasons why you should visit Congo Virunga National Park on your African wildlife safaris tours:

• Gorilla trekking safari tours in Virunga park are the cheapest among East African safari destinations for instance, Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi & Mgahinga park
• Congo gorilla safaris allow you to hike Mount Nyiragongo, a famous active volcano in Africa. The most amazing experience on this volcano trek by visitors on Congo safaris is viewing the beautiful lava-boiling lake on its summit
• You can get a chance to encounter unique animal species such as the Central Africa Red Colobus Monkeys, Forest Elephants, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions About Congo Gorilla Tours

1. Is it Safe to See Gorillas in Congo? | Is it Safe to Gorilla Trek in DRC? | Is Gorilla Trekking in DRC Safe?

Democratic Republic of Congo is good to visit provided you’ll follow all the security guidelines from your tour operator. Just like it is on other gorilla safari expeditions, travelers on Congo gorilla safari excursions (gorilla treks) are escorted by armed rangers who ensure that tourists are safe in the jungle!

Before you take DR Congo gorilla safaris, keep in mind that this country normally faces some political conflicts. Therefore inquire first whether it’s safe to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hundreds of adventurous travelers have taken Congo gorilla safaris which have ended successfully. Choose to travel to Congo with an experienced tour operator.

2. Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money?

DR Congo gorilla trekking tour expeditions/Congo gorilla safaris are worth the money- 400 USD.

Though the fee for DR Congo gorilla treks is higher compared to other wildlife safaris such as chimpanzee tracking tours and game viewing outings, it remains worth it. The revenue collected when tourists track Congo gorillas is mostly used in conserving Mountain gorillas i.e. paying salary for rangers and other community development projects around gorilla safari parks.

Remember, the gorilla trekking experience ranks top among the most amazing safari activities in Africa. Imagine being a few meters from the 400-pound Silverback and its whole family!

Other wonderful sites to enjoy gorilla tracking in Africa are Bwindi and Mgahinga park in Uganda as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

3. How Much is Gorilla Trekking in DRC?

Gorilla trekking safari excursions in the Democratic Republic of Congo costs 400 USD for foreign tourists. This makes the Democratic Republic of Congo the cheapest safari destination in Africa to go for gorilla safaris among the 3 countries.

Rwanda gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park cost 1,500 USD and Uganda gorilla tracking safaris 700 USD.

During your Congo safari vacation, Mountain gorilla trekking in the Congo Virunga National Park allows you to encounter the rare Mountain gorillas. If you would wish to also explore Congo Eastern lowland gorillas, endeavor to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park- for Eastern lowland gorilla trekking tours.

It’s possible to add Congo tours to your Uganda wildlife safaris or Rwanda gorilla safaris!

Don’t get stuck on Congo safaris, travel with experts on your Congo gorilla tours. Feel free to inquire from our knowledgeable Congo safari personnel!