Best Guide on How to see Gorillas In Congo
Where to see Gorillas In Congo , Are you seeking information about where and how to observe gorillas in Congo? Gorilla Trekking In Africa enumerated several Congo Gorilla Safari packages departing from Kigali. Gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo can be observed in Virunga National Park for mountain gorilla trekking or Kahuzi-Biega National Park for lowland gorilla trekking.
To see gorillas in the DRC Congo, it is necessary to obtain a gorilla trekking permit at least three months in advance, costing $400 per person each trek. This permission ensures your reservation for visiting and trekking the mountain gorillas in the DRC Congo.
Key attractions to experience on a visit to Congo (Where to see Gorillas In Congo)
Gorillas in Congo inhabit Virunga National Park, which shelters Mountain Gorillas; Kahuzi Biega National Park and Maiko National Park, which are home to Eastern Lowland Gorillas; and Lesio Louna National Park in the north, which accommodates Western Lowland Gorillas accessible by boat treks.
Concerning Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s most diversified tropical rainforests and the oldest national park, renowned primarily for mountain gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Additional activities include hiking Nyiragongo volcano, birdwatching, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, and habituation. It is important to acknowledge that three countries are home to mountain gorillas globally. The countries comprise Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda. Mountain gorillas in Rwanda inhabit Volcanoes National Park, those in Uganda reside in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while Congolese mountain gorillas are situated in Virunga National Park. All five national parks are in proximity to one another inside the region known as the Virunga Massif.
Kahuzi Biega National Park Overview
Kahuzi Biega National Park was established in 1970, and the inaugural Lowland Gorilla trekking occurred in 1973. It is well regarded for Lowland gorilla trekking and was designated to conserve the Grauer’s gorilla species, the largest gorilla species in the world. The Eastern Lowland gorilla, commonly referred to as Grauer’s gorilla, is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. Trekking to observe Eastern Lowland gorillas occurs in Kahuzi Biega National Park, situated in Congo, 30 kilometers from Bukavu, accessible by both road and air. The park was first designated in 1970, and the inaugural lowland gorilla trekking occurred in 1973. This unique trekking experience is exclusive to this location, elevating the park’s status in lowland gorilla trekking. The Park contains 12 gorilla families, of which only 2 are habituated and accessible for visitor trekking. The families, Chimanuka and Mugaruka, are named after a prominent silverback. Chimanuka is renowned for attracting several people, as it comprises one of the largest gorilla families globally, consisting of around 36 individuals.
What is the cost of gorilla trekking in Congo?
Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo occurs at Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park. Similar to gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, a gorilla permit is required to trek the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park and the mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. Gorilla Trekking in Africa offers pertinent information regarding gorilla permit bookings in Congo to facilitate effective planning of your gorilla safari. Selecting one of our Congo gorilla trips eliminates the need to struggle with booking your gorilla permit. We will verify the availability of gorilla permits for your specified dates, and upon receipt of payment, we will secure and acquire them, as well as arrange all services on your behalf. Typically, one must acquire a gorilla permit some months prior. We recommend making arrangements at least 5 months in advance of your visit, as there are only 2 groups permitted for trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park. When reserving a gorilla trip, ensure that you pay your gorilla permit fee in advance to facilitate its acquisition on your behalf.
The cost of a Lowland Gorilla trekking permit in Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park is as follows:
- Non-Residents – USD 400
- Residents of East Africa – USD 200
- Citizens of Congo – USD 20
Gorilla trekking occurs daily in Virunga National Park, Congo. A gorilla permit costs USD 400 per person per trek during the high season, which spans from mid-December to mid-March and from June to October. In contrast, the low season, from mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December, incurs a fee of USD 200. Gorilla Trekking in Africa offers comprehensive gorilla tour packages for all visitors, ensuring no concealed expenses. The paramount and primary expense is the cost of the gorilla permit required to facilitate your journey in Virunga National Park. Our tour packages encompass a spectrum from affordable to luxury safaris, allowing you to select any option as we customize your vacation based on your preferences. We provide Gorilla trip packages commencing in Kigali for the mountain gorilla safari in the DR Congo. The cost for a two-day trip from Kigali is USD 1,100 per person for a group of two, which includes Gorilla permits. Additionally, transportation, hotel, meals, and guide services are included as part of the budget option.
When is the optimal period to visit Congo?
The Congo is situated in the tropics, resulting in a consistently tropical climate throughout the year. Both Virunga and Kahuzi Beiga National Parks experience similar weather patterns, making them susceptible to unpredictable rainfall at any time. The optimal months for gorilla trekking in Congo are during the dry season, which occurs in December, January, February, June, July, August, and September. During these months, the trails are more traversable due to reduced moisture, and the vegetation is less dense, facilitating clearer sightings of gorillas. Other months that are moderately wet, like March, April, May, October, and November, are typically avoided by most people for gorilla trekking due to the dense foliage and treacherous trails, which complicate the hiking experience.
Tourists seeking to engage in gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park can take advantage of a special offer during the wet season, which is considered the low season. During this period, the cost of a gorilla permit is USD 200 per person per trek, applicable from mid-March to May and from mid-October to mid-December (specifically from March 15 to May 15 and October 15 to December 15 each year).
Accommodations in Congo for Gorilla trekking
Lodging options in Virunga National Park.
This encompasses affordable, mid-range, and luxury options. Budget accommodations encompass Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp, with rates ranging from $90 to $100 per night per individual. Mid-range options include Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp, with prices varying from $100 to $200 per night per individual. Luxury accommodations at Mikeno Lodge are priced between 200 and 400 dollars per night per individual. Please inform us of your preferred option, and we will check availability and make the necessary arrangements.
Lodging at Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Where to see Gorillas In Congo, This encompasses affordable, mid-range, and luxury options. Budget accommodations encompass Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu, and Lake Side Hotel Bukavu, with rates ranging from $90 to $100 per night per individual. Mid-range options include Coco Lodge Bukavu, with prices varying from $100 to $200 per night per individual. Luxury choices at L’Orchids Safari Club include rates ranging from $200 to $400 per night per individual. Please inform us of the most suitable option for you, and we will check availability and make the necessary arrangements.
What are the methods to access Congo for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking in Congo occurs in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Virunga National Park, both situated in the eastern region of the country. You will fly to Kigali International Airport, then transfer to Gisenyi town. From Gisenyi, you will cross the Rwanda-Congo border into Goma town in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and subsequently drive to the park headquarters of Kahuzi Biega National Park and Virunga National Park, where the gorilla trek will commence. The drive from Gisenyi to the park headquarters takes approximately two hours.
Reasons to Reserve a Congo Gorilla Safari Departing from Kigali
with Gorilla Trekking In Africa
Trekking in Africa specializes in arranging exceptional gorilla safari experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. We own a high rating and several reviews on TripAdvisor. We integrate gorilla trekking safaris with sustainable, exceptional high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that promote biodiversity preservation, wildlife conservation, and community upliftment. These experiences encompass chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, game viewing, mountain hiking, boat cruise excursions, and cultural encounters, ensuring a memorable African safari experience across renowned destinations such as Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia. Please contact us for information regarding the locations and methods for seeing gorillas in Congo.