A Guide to Congo Gorilla Trekking in Virunga & Kahuzi-Biéga

Our 2024 guided Congo gorilla trekking tours to Virunga & Kahuzi-Biéga National Parks. Gorilla trekking in DR Congo is ideal for budget and adventure travelers who prefer to travel off the beaten path. At $400 per permit

Congo Gorilla tours and Congo Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is one of the less explored treasures in Africa though it hosted Africa’s protected areas. Go on a Congo Gorilla Tracking safari/Congo Gorilla Tours and explore the less explored Gorilla habitat of Virunga National Park or Kahuzi Biega National Park for Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas respectively.

Congo Gorilla Trekking

Virunga National Park is the only place where you can see Mountain Gorillas in Congo. The park is in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) created in 1925. 8 Gorilla families have been habituated in the park for Gorilla trekking. These groups have been made familiar to human presence.

These groups are Kabirizi, Rugendo, Humba, Mapuwa, Bageni, Lulengo, Munyaga, and Nyakamwe Gorilla families. All groups are open for trekking with each permit costing US$ 450 to spend a maximum of 1 hour in the presence of the Mountain Gorillas.

All our gorilla trekking trips support communities and preserve nature – which helps you get closer to both.

Congo Gorilla Safaris

Within Virunga are also two active volcanoes namely Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. Mount Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano with an elevation of 3,470 m above sea level. It is one of the most memorable lifetime activities to undertake. Imagine hiking and spending a night at the top of an active volcano.

On Long Gorilla Safaris in Congo, combining a Gorilla trekking experience with a hike to Mount Nyiragongo is one of the popular options.

The country is also lucky to have both Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas found in Kahuzi Biega National Park. You can also take your Congo Gorilla Trekking -by trekking the Lowland Gorillas that are even easier to trek.

We offer different kinds of Congo Gorilla Safaris as well as other safaris in Congo. With the client interest as a key determinant, we customize Gorilla tours for clients who have a Short time in Congo or even those who would want to explore much more of this intrepid traveler destination in Long tours;

Best Congo gorilla trekking safaris

Specifically for tourists who just want to trek Gorillas in Congo, we have Short/budget Congo Gorilla Tour packages. Here are our Sample short Congo Gorilla trekking itineraries from Goma or Rwanda for both Mountain Gorilla trekking and Lowland Gorillas. These tours are basically for Gorilla trekking without visits to other destinations.

Short Congo Gorilla Tours

3 Days Virunga Congo Gorilla Tour
A Remarkable 3 Days Congo Gorilla tour from Kigali could be the most midrange 3 Days Gorilla trekking safari in Africa. Congo sells the affordable Gorilla trekking permits in Africa and this gives an advantage to travelers who would want to have budget tours. Mountain Gorilla trekking in Congo is at Virunga National Park.

Luxury Congo Gorilla Tours

Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi
Grauer’s Gorillas or the western Lowland Gorilla is one of the two subspecies of the western Gorilla. Congo happens to be the only country where you can have both Mountain Gorilla as well as Lowland Gorilla trekking experiences. Lowland Gorilla trekking is done in low altitudes as compared to mountain gorilla trekking.

Budget Congo Gorilla Safari

Gorilla Trek And Nyiragongo Hike
4 Days Virunga Gorillas And Nyiragongo Hike in Congo from Kigali is the best adventurous tour to Congo for intrepid travelers. If you want to have one of the most amazing experiences like climbing up an active volcano and spending the night at the summit then this is the trip for you.

Mountain Gorillas in Congo

Double Gorilla Trekking in Congo
Enjoy a two times Gorilla trek on an Incredibly Double Gorilla Trekking in Congo from Kigali to Virunga National Park. Double Gorilla trekking means trekking 2 different Gorilla families on the second and third day which offers the chance to know more about the different Mountain Gorilla families.

Budget Congo Gorilla Safari

Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi From Kigali
4 Days Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park offers less strenuous Gorilla trekking tour experiences in Congo. This 4 Days Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega is a short Congo Gorilla safari itinerary that offers great experiences trekking the Lowland Gorillas of the Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Budget Congo Gorilla Safari

5 Days in Congo Itinerary
Book The Perfect 5 Days in Congo Itinerary You Should Steal best for gorilla trek and Nyiragongo hike for an experience of climbing the Nyiragongo Volcano as well as trekking Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park. Any intrepid travelers wishing to have one of the most amazing experiences climbing up an active volcano and spending the night at the summit should book this Long Congo tour.

Congo Luxury Gorilla Tours

Short Congo Gorilla Safaris
Specifically for tourists who just want to trek Gorillas in Congo, we have short tour packages. Here are our sample Short Gorilla Trekking Tours itineraries from Goma or Rwanda for both mountain Gorilla trekking and for the Lowland Gorillas. Specifically for tourists who just want to trek Gorillas in Congo, we have short tour packages. Here are our sample Short Gorilla Trekking Tours itineraries from Goma or Rwanda for both mountain Gorilla trekking and for the Lowland Gorillas.

CONGO GORILLA TOURS

Long Congo Gorilla Trekking
Mind-blowing Long Congo Gorilla Trekking tours that include Congo mountain Gorilla trekking as well as wildlife tours and other Congo Safari activities. The country may not be an authentic African wildlife safari destination but an intrepid traveler will find a lot of unique species like the Okapi in the Ituri forest. These Long Congo Gorilla tours take at least 5 to 10 days. Some of the activities that are added to gorilla trekking include birding, boat safaris, hiking mount Nyiragongo, chimpanzee tracking

Mountain Gorillas in Congo

Budget Gorilla Trekking Congo Tours
The cheapest way of having a Congo Gorilla safari is by choosing budget Gorilla trekking Congo. Gorilla trekking permits in Congo are the cheapest in Africa at just 450 USD compared to 1,500 USD and 700 USD for Rwanda and Uganda respectively. Budget Gorilla safaris in Congo can be undertaken on short Gorilla trips or during Long Gorilla trekking holidays. It’s a fact that during this trip you stay in the budget or basic accommodation facilities and use low price safari vehicles.

Lowland Gorilla Trekking Congo

Luxury Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Remarkable Luxury Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris – Stay in the most Luxurious lodges on Congo Luxury Gorilla tours and enjoy comfort before and after trekking Gorillas. Congo is luckily the only country in the world with both Mountain Gorillas as well as Lowland Gorillas and both can trek.  Remarkable Congo Luxury Gorilla Safari is those itineraries whether for Short or Long holidays with stays at Luxury or most expensive accommodation facilities.

Congo Nile Trail

The Guide Rwanda’s Congo Nile Trail
The Congo Nile Trail is an exceptional pearl of adventure travel. Nowhere else in sub-Saharan Africa have I (yet) discovered a route that is so stunning, feels so remote, and is so accessible to independent travelers. In the East African nation of Rwanda, a beautiful network of local roads and trails stretches along the shore of Lake Kivu. It is becoming more and more popular each year, but it presently provides the ideal combination of accessible infrastructure and off-the-beaten-path spontaneity.

Rwanda’s Congo Nile Trail

9 Days Congo Nile Trail and Nyungwe
The 9-day Congo Nile Trail and Nyungwe Tour traverses the Congo Nile Trail, a trail that runs along Lake Kivu from Rubavu to Rutsiro via the Karongi and Nyamasheke districts and ends in Rutsizi District. 227 kilometers (141 miles) of breathtaking scenery, including undulating terrain and clear water. The entire journey can be accomplished in ten days. However, if travelers do not have the opportunity to complete the entire trail, the trip can be completed in sections.

CONGO GORILLA TOURS

Mountain Gorillas in Congo
Mountain Gorillas in Congo; Facts, Habitat, Characteristics, and Behavior. Virunga National Park in eastern Congo is home to some of the world’s last mountain gorillas. Neighboring Rwanda and Uganda also have some mountain gorillas and together their population is more than 1,000. The exploitation of the resource-rich Virunga mountains, where around one-third of the world’s mountain gorillas reside, poses a threat to the species’ survival.

Congo Brazzaville Tour

9 Days Congo Brazzaville Tour Itinerary
Those in quest of Africa’s few remaining wild places will love our 9-day Congo Brazzaville Tour. Without a doubt, this 9-day Congo-Brazzaville tour is tailor-made for you. On this continent, you won’t find a wider variety of exotic and endangered animals than here. Join us on our 9-day Congo Brazzaville tour and discover some of Africa’s most remote and unspoiled regions with the help of our knowledgeable tour guides.

Congo River Cruise

22 Days Congo River Cruise
Following the Nile in Africa in terms of total length, the Congo River ranks second with 4,371 kilometers, and behind the Amazon in terms of global size, thanks to its average flow rate of 40,000 cubic meters per second. With depths exceeding 220 meters (720 feet), it also claims to be the deepest river on Earth. The river begins its journey in southern Katanga at an elevation of 1435 meters and winds its way across the country, passing through Kisangani, Mbandaka, Kinshasa, and Matadi on its way to the Atlantic Ocean, close to Banana.

Congo River Tour From Kinshasa

Congo River Tour From Kinshasa
From Lisala to Kisangani, along the gorgeous Congo River, you’ll see some of the country’s most important historical sites, lush rain forests, and, most of all, get to know the locals. This 16 Days Congo River Tour From Kinshasa Itinerary will take you to spots you’ve never seen before in the Congo. As you journey through one of the most remote regions on this 16 Days Congo River Tour From Kinshasa Itinerary you will encounter the various sights and sounds of authentic Africa.

Congo River Tours

Congo River Tours
Tours along the Congo River. Among its many remarkable features, the Congo River—officially known as the Zaire River—is the most powerful river in Africa, the second-largest river in the world, the fifth-longest river (spanning more than 4,700 km) until it empties into the Atlantic Ocean in Banane, and the deepest river in Africa and the world. Finally, it is the longest river in Africa. The tropical rain forests that the Congo River flows through are the second oldest in the world.

Congo travel guide

Congo Travel Guide
On one side of the equator is the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is situated in the verdant river basin of the powerful Congo River. North and west of the lake basin of Kivu, steep mountains stand sentinel, and in the east, volcanoes growl. Western tropical rainforests are home to an abundance of exotic flora and fauna, and if one were to venture below, they would find a mineral and agricultural treasure trove that would rival that of Africa’s unforgiving landscape.

cross river gorilla habitat

Cross River Gorilla
A subspecies of the western gorilla, the cross-river gorilla is known by its scientific name, Gorilla gorilla diehli. Though they are getting harder to find, Paul Matschie named the cross-river gorilla a new species in 1904. These gorillas have black or brownish-gray fur. The face, hands, and feet don’t have any fur at all, though. They have cone-shaped heads, and a scarlet crest sits atop them. These gorillas live in groups of two to twenty and are extremely gregarious animals.

Congo River Tours

Congo River Tours
Tours along the Congo River. Among its many remarkable features, the Congo River—officially known as the Zaire River—is the most powerful river in Africa, the second-largest river in the world, the fifth-longest river (spanning more than 4,700 km) until it empties into the Atlantic Ocean in Banane, and the deepest river in Africa and the world. Finally, it is the longest river in Africa. The tropical rain forests that the Congo River flows through are the second oldest in the world.

Things to do in Congo

Things to Do in Congo
Among the nations of Africa still unknown is DR Congo. Here is the Top best things to do in the DR Congo when you start your Congo Tours. Trekking gorillas is among the top activities available in the DR Congo. The interactions with these exquisite primates in their native habitat seem unreal. Have fun trekking Nyirangongo’s active volcano. You might draw some raised eyebrows if you announce you are leaving for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Frequently Asked Questions about Congo gorilla trekking

There are always many questions about the Gorilla trek in Congo and these include the best time, accommodation, Gorilla safari cost, the best way to travel, and many more. Here are the frequently asked questions about Gorilla tours in Congo with the most updated information.

Is Congo gorilla trekking safe?

The forest trek is safe but tough  – Mountain gorillas live in montane forests, which means you have to walk along forest trails to find them. A gorilla trek is all about seeing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, after all.

How much does it cost to see gorillas in Congo?

The gorilla trekking permit in DRC is the cheapest out of all three countries. It costs $400, whereas Rwanda is $1500 and Uganda has a permit for $700. To take the entire tour package, you may need to pay for lodging and meals as well as your transportation and park entry.

Best time for Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is best done during the dry season because the forest trekking trails are less muddy and more manageable during this time, making it easier for trekkers to traverse the trails; in contrast, the trails become extremely slippery and muddy during the rainy season, making trekking in the park an unpleasant experience for trekkers. The rainy season does offer certain advantages, though, for gorilla trekking. The gorillas may be more dispersed across the park as a result of an abundance of food, and there may be fewer tourists, making for a more intimate experience, if you visit during this time.

As well as gorillas, Virunga National Park is home to a wide array of other fascinating mammals and primates, including colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, elephants, buffalo, topi, forest hogs, and Uganda kob. The Albertine Rift is also home to endemic bird species. The park’s distinctive terrain is a result of the two magnificent volcanoes—Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira—and the rich soils found on their slopes, which enable the growth of a variety of flora types, including forests. The Virunga National Park’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List is a significant aspect of the park.

Congo River Tours

Tours along the Congo River. Among its many remarkable features, the Congo River—officially known as the Zaire River—is the most powerful river in Africa, the second-largest river in the world, the fifth-longest river (spanning more than 4,700 km) until it empties into the Atlantic Ocean in Banane, and the deepest river in Africa and the world. Finally, it is the longest river in Africa. The tropical rain forests that the Congo River flows through are the second oldest in the world. After perusing the empty gaps on the globe map, Joseph Conrad drew inspiration for his 1899 novel Heart of Darkness from the dense jungles along the Congo River course.

Consider chartering a local boat or a classic pirogue for your Congo River excursion. Be prepared for an exciting cultural encounter as you travel along the Congo River and come across numerous remote settlements that are completely cut off from the outside world and tourist attractions.


Heart Of Darkness – Exploring The Congo River

Congo Brazzaville Tour

Those in quest of Africa’s few remaining wild places will love our 9-day Congo Brazzaville Tour. Without a doubt, this 9-day Congo-Brazzaville tour is tailor-made for you. On this continent, you won’t find a wider variety of exotic and endangered animals than here.

Join us on our 9-day Congo Brazzaville tour and discover some of Africa’s most remote and unspoiled regions with the help of our knowledgeable tour guides. An unforgettable adventure awaits you at Odzala-Kokoua Parc National, home to a plethora of little mammals, forest elephants, and rare primates.

Things to Do in Congo

Among the nations of Africa still unknown is DR Congo. Here is the Top best things to do in the DR Congo when you start your Congo Tours. Trekking gorillas is among the top activities available in the DR Congo. The interactions with these exquisite primates in their native habitat seem unreal. Have fun trekking Nyirangongo’s active volcano.

You might draw some raised eyebrows if you announce you are leaving for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Really, what can one do in the DRC? Although most people travel to the heart of Africa for the amazing gorilla trekking possibilities in Virunga National Park, we have developed some more equally exciting things to get your teeth into on a DRC safari. Let’s go; pack your sense of adventure!


Things to do in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Guide

On one side of the equator is the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is situated in the verdant river basin of the powerful Congo River. North and west of the lake basin of Kivu, steep mountains stand sentinel, and in the east, volcanoes growl. Western tropical rainforests are home to an abundance of exotic flora and fauna, and if one were to venture below, they would find a mineral and agricultural treasure trove that would rival that of Africa’s unforgiving landscape. So, what force splits this nation, what motivates its citizens to kill one another, and what ultimately stops them? The people of the Congo have persisted in fighting exploitation, brutal conflict, and extreme poverty for generations, but no one has been able to provide them with solutions. Unfortunately, armed groups in this country randomly target civilians, making it unsafe to travel there.