Maiko National Park
Maiko National Park is a national park located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which also serves as a habitat for Eastern Lowland Gorillas. It is situated in one of the most isolated tropical forest regions of the country, encompassing 10,885 km² (4,203 sq mi). The park is partitioned into three sections, spanning the states of Nord Kivu, Province Orientale, and Maniema. Three remarkable endemic species of Congo include the Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Grauer’s gorilla), the okapi, and the Congo peafowl. Maiko National Park hosts various wildlife, including the African forest elephant, leopards, eastern chimpanzees, and the rare aquatic genet.
The park has numerous endemic and uncommon species, and it is quite probable that additional undocumented rare species exist as well. The presence of former rebels residing in the park, coupled with illegal mining and poaching, poses a significant threat to numerous species facing extinction. A newly identified gorilla subspecies, initially recorded in a 2005 census, was deemed extinct in a 2010 survey due to its absence.
Directions to Maiko National Park
The park is more difficult to access than Virunga National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park, and Upemba National Park. The park is accessible from Goma, Beni, Butembo, or the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, all located in Congo.
Gorilla Trekking in Africa offers pertinent information regarding gorilla permit bookings in Congo to facilitate effective planning of your gorilla safari. Booking your gorilla permit is effortless when you select one of our Congo gorilla tours. 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 consistently recommend a minimum of one month’s notice before your visit. When reserving a Congo gorilla tour, ensure that you pay your gorilla permit fee in advance to facilitate its procurement on your behalf.
Gorilla trekking is yet to commence in Maiko National Park, Congo. As Gorilla Trekking in Africa, we offer comprehensive gorilla tour packages for all visitors, devoid of concealed fees. The paramount and primary expense is the cost of the gorilla permit required to facilitate your expedition. Our travel packages encompass a spectrum from affordable safaris 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. A three-day trip to Congo from Kigali costs USD 1,700 per person for a group of two, which includes gorilla permits. Additionally, the price encompasses transportation, hotel, meals, and guiding services as a budget option.
What Factors Contribute to the Perception of Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo as Unsafe?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced numerous unprecedented disasters in recent years, including civil and rebel conflicts, as well as the Ebola virus, which have deterred many tourists from engaging in gorilla trekking in its national parks, as these areas are also home to perilous rebel factions and health risks. Recently, the Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing improvement, with most regions and national parks now accessible for tourism, as the government, local authorities, and national and international security and health organizations have collaborated to restore peace in the country. Currently, the Democratic Republic of Congo is an attractive destination for gorilla trekking, with tourists increasingly choosing it over Uganda and Rwanda due to the lower cost of gorilla trekking permits in Congo.
Gorilla Trekking in Africa has also arranged gorilla trekking safaris to Congo, and we can facilitate your travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo for lowland gorilla trekking in Maiko National Park. We provide travel packages that cater to various budgets, including budget, mid-range, and luxury options. These packages can also be tailored to suit your specific requirements. Please email us, and we will arrange your booking appropriately.
What is the optimal period for gorilla trekking in Congo?
The Congo is situated in the tropics, resulting in a consistently tropical climate throughout the year. Virunga National Park, Maiko National Park, and Kahuzi Biega National Park all experience similar weather patterns, characterized by 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 relatively wet months, like March, April, May, October, and November, are typically avoided by most people for gorilla trekking due to the dense foliage and treacherous routes, which complicate the hiking experience.