Congo Safaris, Gorilla Trekking Congo Safari Tours in Virunga & Kahuzi Biega Park
Cultural Tours & Wildlife Viewing Trips
Congo safaris & tours include gorilla walking Congo safari trips take you for amazing gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park (the oldest national park) and Kahuzi Biega National Park.
The best Congo safaris are gorilla trekking safaris, which are among the most peculiar experiences that any tourist can have on their Africa safari tours. The Democratic Republic of Congo is in Central Africa, and it is known for its extensive rain forests.
Aside from the forests, Congo is also blessed with a touch of amazing tourism resources to make the Congo safari fun. DR Congo has about 450 mammal species and 1,088 bird species.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is known for having the endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park, as they offer an amazing gorilla trekking safari.
Virunga National Park in Eastern Congo has about 300 mountain gorillas out of the remaining 1063 in the wild. This makes Virunga a beautiful destination for gorilla treks.
Additionally, the country’s fame for being a primate paradise is proven by the presence of other primates like the Pygmy Chimpanzees. Other primates to see in DR Congo include the golden monkey species, the Central African red colobus, and the Dent’s Mona monkey.
Even though wildlife experiences in Congo are not famous, they are also breathtaking adventures. Common destinations for Congo wildlife safaris include the Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
On your Congo safari, you can also enjoy the Mount Nyiragongo hike adventure as you explore this active volcano that is home to the world’s largest lava lake in eastern Congo.
The Congo is worth visiting for your Africa tours. The sighting of primates like the endangered gorillas and the bonobos are treasures to take back home from your Congo tours.
Types of Congo Safaris
The great biodiversity in the Democratic Republic of Congo hosts Congo safari types for travelers to enjoy. The most common safari types to undertake on your Congo tours include.
- Congo Gorilla safari tours and other primate safaris
- Bird watching in Congo
- Wildlife tours
Congo Gorilla Safari Tours and Other Primate Safaris
DR Congo is a famous destination for gorilla trekking safaris, as it holds two species of the endangered primates, which are the mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas.
Congo Gorilla safaris take you to the renamed Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park to see some of the major attractions, which are Gorillas. Within East Africa, gorilla treks are also possible in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Tourists should know that Congo doesn’t offer a Western Lowland Gorilla trekking experience, as it is only possible in Odzala National Park on gorilla tours. However, you can combine Western Lowland Gorilla trekking with a Gorilla vacation to Congo for a better experience.
Western lowland gorilla species look almost similar to the eastern lowland gorillas of Kahuzi Beiga National Park. Mountain gorilla trekking safari in Congo’s Virunga National Park and lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega Park will leave you very uplifted.
Bird Watching in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Birdwatching in Congo is another amazing adventure to enjoy on top of gorilla tracking while on your Congo holidays. This country has the highest bird checklist among countries in Africa.
Out of about 1,185 bird species in DRC, 21 of them are endemic, 32 are globally threatened and 3 birds are rare. You can enjoy birding during nature walks.
Some of the sought-after to see on your Congo tour include Congo Peacock, Schouteden’s Swift, Congo Bay-Owl, Bedford’s Paradise Flycatcher, Prigogine’s Greenbul, Lake Lufira Weaver, etc.
Wildlife Tours
The animals of Congo are likewise an interesting expedition in safari national parks like Garamba National Park, Upemba National Park, and Maiko National Park.
Apart from the gentle giants as a tourist attraction that you will see on your Gorilla vacation, you will also get sightings of unique wildlife species like Buffaloes, Forest Elephants, Lions, the Giant Forest Hog, etc.
Where to Go for Congo Gorilla Safaris?
There are only 2 destinations where you can see Congo gorillas on gorilla tours. On your Congo safaris, you can go gorilla tracking in Virunga National Park near Volcanoes National Park and the other is Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Virunga National Park
Congo’s Virunga National Park is the oldest national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is Africa’s most biodiverse protected area; it is home to over 1000 animal species, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
It is situated on the Eastern Congo basin edge between Lake Albert and Lake Kivu. Formerly, it was known as Albert National Park and later renamed Virunga National Park after independence.
Virunga National Park was named Albert National Park by the then-King of Belgium, King Albert I.
A Congo gorilla safari in Virunga National Park is cheap compared to other gorilla destinations. This park has 10 habituated Gorilla families that you can meet on your Gorilla tours.
The gorilla families in Virunga National Park are Kabirizi, Bageni, Lulengo, Rugendo, Nyakamwe, Wilungula, Humba, Munyaga, Mapuwa, and the Baraka gorilla family.
During your gorilla tracking in Virunga Park, you can spot many monkey species like golden monkeys, Central African red colobus, and black-and-white colobus monkeys during your nature walks.
Within Virunga Park, there are also volcanic mountains that you can hike for a better experience.
Kahuzi Biega National Park
On your gorilla adventure, you need to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park, located on the western banks of Lake Kivu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site holding the highest number of Eastern Lowland Gorillas as a major tourist attraction.
There are about 12 Eastern Lowland Gorilla families in Kahuzi Biega National Park, though only 3 are habituated for lowland gorilla trekking safaris. These are the Chimanuka, Mpungwe, and Bonane gorilla families.
DR Congo safaris in Kahuzi Biega Park are unforgettable as you get to sight other animals like forest elephants, Dent’s Mona monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and species of birds that you can see during nature walks.
On your gorilla trekking safari in Kahuzi Biega, you will only see eastern lowland gorillas, though they may look similar to western lowland gorilla groups in Odzala National Park.
There is no chimpanzee trekking in this park, though there are chimps.
Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit Price/Cost | How Much Is A Gorilla Permit in Congo
How much is the Virunga Gorilla trek? This is a common question among tourists who want to go on gorilla trek adventures. Tracking gorillas requires you to have a gorilla tracking permit on your gorilla tours.
On your Congo gorilla safaris with your gorilla tracking permit, you either trek the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park or the mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park.
The prices are listed below according to citizenship:
| Category | Cost/Fee |
| Non-Residents | $400 |
| Foreign Residents | $400 |
| Congolese Citizens | $200 |
The mountain gorilla trekking permit in Congo is the least expensive compared to other destinations like Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi on your gorilla tours.
What Is Included in the Gorilla Trekking Permit in Congo?
The Gorilla permit is inclusive of park entrance fees for your Gorilla tours and park rangers who guide you throughout the Gorilla trekking experience. Congo Gorilla permits are exclusive of transportation costs and accommodation on your Congo tour.
Where to Buy a Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit
Congo Gorilla permits are bought from The ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature) or you can use a licensed tour operator to buy your gorilla tracking permits.
You need to buy your gorilla tracking permits in advance to avoid any inconveniences, as they can be scarce in most cases.
How Long Is Gorilla Trekking in Congo?
Just like any other wild animals, mountain gorillas move freely in Virunga National Park for long distances and gentle giants in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Gorilla tours on a Congo safari can be between 2 and 6 hours.
The gorilla trekking experience begins with a briefing from the park headquarters. You then trek with a gorilla family in a group of 8 people in Virunga Park or Kahuzi Biega Park and you are only permitted 1 hour to be in the presence of the apes.
Gorilla Trekking Rules to Follow on Your Congo Gorilla Tour
There are rules put in place for you to follow on your Congo Gorilla safaris for your safety and the Mountain Gorillas. These rules work for both those going on a gorilla trek in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park. They are read to you at the park headquarters during the briefing.
Rules before setting into the jungle:
- The gorilla tracking age limit in Congo is 15 years.
- If you want to ease yourself, waste should be buried 30 cm deep.
- Only 8 people are allowed to trek a gorilla group per day.
- If you have any illness, you are prohibited from visiting gorillas, as they can contract your illness
Gorilla-watching rules when with Congo gorillas:
- Always maintain maximum silence on the trekking trail, though this doesn’t limit you from asking the ranger.
- Littering in the park is prohibited during gorilla tours.
- You should maintain a 7m distance from the gorillas.
- Tourists are not allowed to touch the gentle giants.
- Eating, drinking, and smoking around gorillas are strictly not allowed.
- You shouldn’t sneeze around the gorillas.
- You are only limited to one hour in the presence of the gorillas.
- Tourists shouldn’t use a flashlight when in the presence of gorillas, as they relate it to danger.
What Is the Best Time for Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris?
Congo gorilla safaris are good all year and this makes Congo a good destination for Congo safaris. However, going for a gorilla trip is best in the dry season, which is from December to February and from June to August.
During this time, mountain gorilla trekking is rewarding as the trails are easy to access and you can see other animals like a golden monkey group.
Gorilla safaris are also possible in the wet season, as the treks are short, meaning the mountain gorillas are near, and the food is abundant in the jungle.
What Are the Best Months for Safari in Congo?
The best months for a Congo safari are the dry months and these are December to February and from June to August. You can encounter wildlife with limitless sightings.
What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Congo? | Wear for Congo Safaris
When coming for a Democratic Republic of Congo tour, you need to have eco-friendly clothes that will make you feel comfortable on your Congo Gorilla safaris.
Below is what to wear:
- Light long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- Light hiking boots
- A hat or cap
- Garden gloves
- Sunglasses
- A poncho or rain jacket
What To Pack and Carry for Congo Gorilla Safaris?
On your Congo Gorilla safaris, there are essential items you require, though never forget to always travel light. These items are the same for those going for a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, Mgahinga National Park of Uganda, and Bwindi.
Below are some of the items to carry for your Gorilla trip:
- Gorilla trek permits
- A good camera with extra batteries and memory cards
- Binoculars
- Walking sticks
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Light backpack
- Bottled water
How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost? | How Much Does It Cost to Go on a Safari in Congo?
A Congo safari is quite cheap, and it will take about $5000 or more on the choices of budget, mid-range, or luxury safari.
The mountain gorilla trekking experience in Virunga National Park or Kahuzi Biega is costly depending on many factors.
Below are some of the factors that determine the Congo Gorilla safari
Gorilla permit: affects the price of gorilla safaris as the permit costs $400 and you present it at the park headquarters.
Accommodation style: Mind the accommodation that you choose for the gorilla trekking safari, as it may affect the Congo safari cost, like luxury, midrange, and budget facilities.
Mode of transport: For gorilla trekking, you require a vehicle to reach Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega, and the vehicle is paid for daily.
Duration of the Congo safari: the more days the trip, the more costly it becomes, and the fewer days, the less costly it becomes.
Group size: if you are a group for Gorilla trekking in a Congo safari, then it will be less expensive since you will be sharing the costs.
How Hard Is Congo Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla tracking in Congo is not as challenging as many people may think, though it requires some physical fitness as you go through valleys, hills, steeps, and slippery trails.
Gorillas are wild animals, and they may move deep in the forest, and you are required to move deep to find them on your gorilla tours. If the tracks fail you, you can hire porters who can lift you on sedan chairs so that you meet the endangered species.
Is Congo Gorilla Trekking Safe? Is It Safe to See Gorillas in Congo?
Yes, the gorilla trekking safari is safe, as on your gorilla treks you are escorted by armed ranger guides who ensure your safety. Also, on your Congo Gorilla safari, habituated gorilla families are used to human presence.
However, on your gorilla trek, be vigilant and follow the rules of both your guide and the rangers.
Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money in Congo?
Yes, a Gorilla trip is worth the money. Congo is the cheapest destination to trek gorillas; hence, you will receive a high value for money when you choose a Congo safari.
More so, by doing gorilla trekking, you will be able to contribute to the conservation of these primates while in their natural setting.
Why Go for Congo Gorilla Trekking? | Why Go for Congo Safaris?
Congo safaris are amazing and give a memorable experience on your African tour. Many tourists ask themselves why they should come for gorilla trekking or Congo safaris.
Below is why you should come to DR Congo for gorilla trekking:
DR Congo is home to the endangered mountain gorillas; these are found within Virunga National Park and you can see them on your Congo tour.
It is also home to Eastern Lowland Gorillas, found within the Kahuzi Biega, although the most popular activity is mountain gorilla trekking.
Gorilla tracking contributes to the gorilla conservation; when you get a permit, you contribute to the conservation of mountain gorillas as the money is used to pay rangers who protect the apes.
Gorilla Trek contributes to supporting local communities; a percentage of the permits is given to the local communities to develop themselves.
What Wildlife Is in the Republic of the Congo?
There are amazing wildlife species within the Democratic Republic of Congo that you can enjoy on your Congo tour.
The rainforests in DR Congo have rare and endemic species like bonobos or pygmy chimpanzees within the forests south of the Congo River. There are also amazing birds, reptiles, butterflies, and many gorillas.
Most of the unique wildlife species in the Congo are threatened animals, especially the mountain gorillas ideal for gorilla tracking, chimpanzees, okapis, and golden monkeys also found in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
On your Congo tour, you can also see the Giant Forest Hog, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, monkey species, bush pigs, and many antelope species.
What is Congo Famous For?
The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the African countries known for gorilla tours that are done within Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega Park.
However, mountain gorilla trekking is also amazing within Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks and also in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Is There a Safari in Congo? | Does Congo Have Safaris?
Yes, there are many amazing safaris that you can enjoy on your Congo safari in Africa. Some of the safaris to enjoy in the Democratic Republic of Congo include
- Congo Gorilla Safaris
- Volcano hikes like the amazing Nyiragongo hike
- Chimpanzee tracking adventures.
- Birding tours
Is Congo Good for Tourists?
Yes, the Democratic Republic of Congo is good for tourists as it offers amazing experiences.
Travelers visit Congo and see the endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, the oldest national park and lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega Park. You can also see mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda.
Tourists can also spot colorful birds and other wildlife species like pygmy chimpanzees, hike the Nyiragongo volcano, and explore the River Congo.
What Is the Best Safari Park in Congo?
The best park is Virunga National Park in eastern Congo, which has mountain gorillas and the Nyiragongo hike, where you can see the largest lava lake. However, there are other national parks you can visit on your Congo safari.
There is also Kahuzi Biega Park, home to lowland gorillas and other savannah national parks with amazing animal viewing, like Garamba and Upemba national parks.
Are there gorillas in Congo?
Yes, there are gorillas in Congo, and you can see them within Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega Park. Other mountain gorillas are within Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga.
How Many Gorillas Are Left in the Congo?
The Democratic Republic of Congo has 400 mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park in eastern Congo and has the highest number of gentle giants within the Virunga Mountains.
You can also visit Kahuzi Biega, which has 250 Eastern Lowland Gorillas. Congo has no Western land gorillas, as they are only found in Odzala National Park.
Can you see gorillas in Congo?
You can see the endangered species on your gorilla tours. However, you require a permit for Congo gorilla safaris for the gorillas in Virunga and Kahuzi Biega.
Which Country Is Best for Gorilla Trekking?
Uganda is the best country for mountain gorilla trekking or gorilla tour trips, as it has the highest mountain gorilla population (459). The gorilla safaris in Uganda are enjoyed in Mgahinga and Bwindi national parks.
Congo Gorilla safaris are also amazing in Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla tours remain enticing in Uganda.
Where Is the Cheapest Place to See Gorillas? | Where Is the Cheapest Place to See Mountain Gorillas?
The cheapest place to see the endangered gorillas is the Democratic Republic of Congo. A permit costs $400, $700 in Uganda, and $1,500 in Rwanda. The permit in the Democratic Republic of Congo is almost half the price of that of Uganda.
Therefore, tracking gorillas in Congo is more affordable, though Uganda offers an amazing gorilla trek since it has a high gorilla population.
Other Activities to do in Congo on top of the Gorilla Safari
The Democratic Republic of Congo offers an amazing Gorilla safari and you can combine it with other activities. Some of the adventures to enjoy include
Nyiragongo Hike
Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano that is one of the major attractions in Virunga National Park within the Volcanic Mountains. This active volcano has erupted more times than any other volcano in Congo.
Chimpanzee Trekking Tours
Chimpanzee trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo is not as famous as mountain gorilla trekking, though it is also a memorable adventure. You get to meet chimpanzees on your nature walks in their natural habitat in Virunga National Park.
When chimpanzee trekking, you can also spot other wildlife species like a golden monkey community and bird species.
Where to Stay During Your Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris
On your Congo safari, there are many facilities where you can stay for a memorable experience. The accommodation is classified into 3 classes: luxury, midrange, and budget facilities.
Recommended luxury lodges include Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Lodge, Orchids Safari Club, etc.
Popular midrange lodges include Coco Lodge Bukavu, Hotel Begonais Bukavu, Kubumba Tented Camp, etc.
Best budget lodges include Exodus Bukavu, Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Hotel Elizabeth, etc.
Top Mountain Gorillas Trekking Companies in Congo for Your Congo Gorilla Safaris
Below are the top gorilla trekking tour operators for a Congo gorilla safari or gorilla tours. They will arrange for you gorilla safari packages that are memorable.
- Tanzania Safaris & Tours
- Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Congo Gorilla Safaris and Tours
- Africa Safaris Tours
Most Popular Gorilla Tours in Congo 2022-2023
Below are the most popular gorilla safari packages for Congo tours.
3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking Congo Safari.
5 Days Congo Lowland Gorilla Safari & Nyungwe National Park Chimpanzee trekking.
5 Days Congo Gorilla Safari and Mount Nyiragongo Hike.
12 Days Uganda Rwanda Congo Gorilla safari, Chimpanzee trekking, Lake Kivu & Wildlife Safari.
In summary, Congo safaris offer you a remarkable experience as you safari the different destinations of the country, especially the gorilla trekking in Congo safari destinations, which are the Virunga National Park, home to mountain gorillas, and Kahuzi Biega, home to eastern lowland gorillas.
Plan your Congo safari today for an astonishing adventure of a Congo Gorilla tour with exciting memories!
Our Congo safaris and tours feature mainly the Eastern part of the country and do start and end in Kigali Rwanda because of easy accessibility and travel convenience. The Chimpanzees in Tongo hills and Lwiro Sanctuary, expanse waters of Lake Kivu, and unique wildlife such as the Okapi in Virunga National Park combine with the rest to make Safaris to Congo worth undertaking. Congo is still an authentic destination offering a rich off the beaten Africa safari adventure!
Sample Congo Safaris & Tours: Congo Gorilla Safari Itineraries | African Wildlife
Cultural Safaris in Congo Tour Packages
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Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa’s second-largest country is marked with profound landmarks and great bio-diversity that have made Congo Safaris and tours a choice to many even when the country has faced turbulent political situations.
Nyiragongo active Volcano to the east of Congo is recorded as the world’s largest and most violent lava lake rising to 3470m above sea level presenting a lifetime two (2) days adventure hike amidst the views of other seven Volcanic mountains that together comprise the Virunga massif.
Congo is a diverse destination with a population of both Mountain Gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas. The Congo gorilla safaris to Virunga National Park feature great moments with the Mountain Gorillas that are known to be the Critically endangered world over while the Eastern lowland gorilla trekking is carried out in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
