Congo Safaris & Tours, Gorilla Trekking Safari in Congo Trip Vacations

Our top Congo safaris or Congo tours are Congo Gorilla Safaris, offering you the best gorilla trekking within Kahuzi Biega National Park, home to the Eastern Lowland Gorillas and Virunga National Park.

DR Congo is a top destination in Africa when it comes to gorilla trekking safaris since this country is home to both mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is in Central Africa, which has rain forests that form a tourism hub to welcome tourists from different parts of the world as there are many animal species plus several bird species.

The best two tourism hubs in DR Congo are Kahuzi Biega National Park and Virunga National Park and these two offer Congo gorilla safari tours.

Within Virunga National Park are mountain gorillas in eastern Congo and the other mountain gorillas in the world are in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda.

Kahuzi Biega National is fond of lowland gorillas, which are a rare species and the highest number is within this park, which makes it a top destination for Congo gorilla treks.

Still in eastern Congo, in Virunga National Park, you can enjoy Mount Nyiragongo hike, an active volcano with views of the world’s largest lave lake with boiling lava.

Within these parks and other destinations within DR Congo, you can find other primates and wildlife that is thrilling on an African safari and the most remarkable are bonobos and the Dent’s Mona Monkey.

Safari goers interested in Congo wildlife safaris are also covered when they visit a few savannah parks, though the Okapi Wildlife Reserve has the best rare animals.

Congo safari adventures are worth every memory, especially when you visit the endangered gorillas with sightings of other wildlife and you will be rewarded with great memories.

Congo Safaris According to Category

There are different Congo safari categories that you can engage in on your Africa tour. The different Congo tours within the Democratic Republic of Congo offer thrilling experiences of a lifetime and these are:

a) Gorilla trekking safari adventures

b) Birding tours

c) Wildlife safaris

Gorilla trekking safaris

Congo Gorilla Safari Tours have made the Democratic Republic of Congo a popular destination, as you can trek either mountain gorillas within Virunga National Park or in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

These endangered primates are the major tourist attractions within DR Congo and East Africa and you can also enjoy gorilla treks in Uganda within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

However much the Democratic Republic of Congo has rare species, there is no chance of Western Lowland Gorilla trekking experience during gorilla tours as there are no Western Lowland Gorilla species and you can only see these within Odzala National Park.

Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park look alike to Western Lowland Gorilla species, though there is a difference. Kahuzi Biega Park offers enticing lowland gorilla trekking, just like in the Congo’s Virunga National Park, to enjoy mountain gorilla trekking.

Bird Watching

DR Congo is not only a gorilla tracking destination but also a good spot for bird watching during Congo tours. There is a big bird checklist with rare species of birds that are not spotted anywhere else in Africa.

There are 1,190 bird species, of which 21 are endemics. Tourists on a Congo tour can see many birds on nature walks and the most notable are Bedford’s Paradise Flycatcher, Congo Peacock, Lake Lufira Weaver, etc.

Wildlife Tours

Wildlife trips are best within the different national parks, as they offer remarkable experiences on a Congo safari. There are not only gentle giants that you can see on a Congo holiday, but there are also wonderful wildlife species worth every sighting.

The most remarkable are forest elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, giant forest hogs, and other antelope species.

All these animals are best spotted within.

Garamba National Park
Maiko National Park
Upemba National Park

Where to go for Congo Gorilla Safaris?

Tourists who are interested in gorilla tours to meet Congo gorillas during Congo safaris can see these endangered primates within Kahuzi Biega National Park and Virunga National Park.

These two places offer amazing gorilla trekking experiences.

Virunga National Park

This park is situated in the Eastern Congo, between Lake Kivu and Lake Edward. Virunga National Park is the oldest national park in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Congo’s Virunga National Park was formerly called Albert National Park before Independence, having been named by Belgian King Albert I. After independence, this park was renamed Virunga National Park after Albert National Park.

It is one of Africa’s most biodiverse protected areas, with huge numbers of animals, reptiles, and birds.

The most iconic activity within this park is a Congo Gorilla Safari, as there are 10 habituated gorilla families. Most of the gorilla families that you see in Virunga National Park during gorilla tours have a dominant silverback, which is a great experience.

There is the Kabirizi Gorilla family: Bageni, Rugendo, Lulengo, Nyakamwe, Humba, Wilungula, Mapuwa, Munyaga, and Baraka.

After gorilla tracking within Virunga National Park, you can also hike some of the volcanic mountains, though the best is Mount Nyiragongo, which has the largest lava lake.

There are also more monkey species that you can see during nature walks during gorilla trekking, and some of these species are Golden Monkeys, Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, and the Central African Red Colobus.

Kahuzi Biega National Park

Situated just near Lake Kivu, the Eastern Lowland Gorillas are the major tourist attraction in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has twelve Eastern Lowland Gorilla families found within Kahuzi Biega Park but only three (3) gorilla families recognize human presence during Lowland Gorilla trekking safaris as they are habituated.

Kahuzi Biega offers amazing nature walks for those on Congo safaris, and you get to see other wild animals like the Red-tailed Monkeys, Central African Red Colobus, Dent’s Mona Monkey, Forest Elephants, and many birds.

A gorilla trekking safari will only take you to meet the Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega and not the Western Lowland gorilla groups, as they are in Odzala National Park. Also, there is a bit of chimpanzee trekking that you can enjoy when in the park.

How Much is a Gorilla Permit in Congo | Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit Price/Cost

Many travelers going on gorilla trek trips ask themselves how much the Virunga gorilla trek is. This is clear enough, as on your gorilla tours, you need a gorilla tracking permit to enjoy tracking gorillas within their natural setting.

The gorilla permit allows you to track either mountain gorillas within Virunga National Park or lowland gorilla species within Kahuzi Biega National Park during Congo gorilla safaris.

The cost of a gorilla tracking permit is $400 for non-residents, $400 for foreign residents, and $200 for Congolese citizens.

As you can see, the gorilla trekking permit for gorilla tours here is less costly compared to that of Mgahinga, Bwindi, and Volcanoes National Park.

What is included in the Gorilla Trekking Permit in Congo?

On your Congo tour, the permit comes with a park entrance and the guidance of park rangers so that you get the best gorilla trekking experience. During gorilla tours, the Congo Gorilla permits will not include accommodation or transport to the parks.

Where to Buy a Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit

The Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) is responsible for selling all Congo Gorilla permits. If you want to get yourself Gorilla tracking permits, you can always use the services of a good tour operator.

It’s always ideal to purchase your Gorilla tracking permits at least 6 months before your departure date, as they can be limited in some seasons.

How Long is Gorilla Trekking in the Congo?

The length of a mountain gorilla trekking experience depends on the movement of the endangered species.

Mountain gorillas within Virunga National Park move freely deep in the jungle, just like lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park and on your Congo safari, gorilla tours can last from 2 to 6 hours per day.

The experience begins at the park headquarters with a briefing and only 8 people are allowed to trek with one gorilla family either in Kahuzi Biega or Virunga and you are the gorillas for one full hour.

Low Land & Mountain Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations for a Congo Gorilla Tour

For the safety of tourists and gorillas on a gorilla trek, there are a few rules to follow. You can follow the rules when going to Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park for Congo Gorilla Safaris.

From the park headquarters, you will learn about these rules during the briefing.

Rules before going in the jungles:

15 years is the age limit for gorilla tracking in Congo
Human waste should always be placed 30cm deep
Only 8 people are permitted to trek a Gorilla group per trek
In case you are ill, you are not allowed to trek with gorillas, as you can spread diseases to the apes

Gorilla trekking rules in the presence of Congo Gorillas;

You should stay quiet during the tracking experience but you can interact smoothly with the ranger
Do not litter in the jungle on Gorilla tours
Always keep a 7-distance from the endangered species
Do not touch Gorillas in case you meet them
When with the Gorillas, you are not allowed to eat, drink, or smoke
Avoid sneezing when with the Gorillas
Tourists are only allowed to be in the presence of Gorillas for 1 full hour
Avoid using a flashlight when taking pictures of Gorillas

What is the Best Time for Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris?

Tourists can come for Mountain Gorilla trekking and other Congo safaris at any time of the year, though a gorilla trip is amazing during the dry season (June to August, December, January, and February).

In the dry season, the trails you follow during Congo Gorilla Safaris are dry, making accessibility easy. Along the trails, if lucky, you can get sightings of a golden monkey group and other animals.

The wet months or the wet season are also good for Congo gorilla safaris and the treks can be short since mountain gorillas are near and food is everywhere.

What are the best months for safari in the Congo?

A Congo safari is best in the months of June, July, August, December, January, and February, as they are dry months. These months offer easy sightings of other wildlife within the national parks.

What to Wear for Congo Safaris | What to Wear For Gorilla Trekking in Congo?

There is different clothing for a Democratic Republic of the Congo tour, as some colors are prohibited, especially the sharp, strong colored clothes.

Listed are some of the items to use for Congo Gorilla Safaris:

Long-sleeved trousers and shirts
Comfortable hiking boots
A cap or hat
Sunglasses
A rain jacket or poncho
Garden gloves
Shorts for evening wear
Open sandals for evening wear

What to Pack and Carry for Congo Gorilla Safaris?

When going for the Mountain Gorilla trekking experience, you need to pack essential items. Even if you are going to Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi, and Mgahinga Park for a gorilla trip, you will need the same items.

Here are a few items to pack for a Gorilla trek:

A nice camera
Gorilla trek permits
A pair of binoculars
Insect repellent
Walking sticks
Sunscreen
Bottled water
Light backpack

How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost? | How Much Does it Cost to Go on a Safari in Congo?

A Congo safari can either be a luxury safari, midrange, or budget trip. The average trip experience can be about $5000, but it can go more. The price of Congo gorilla safaris depends on several aspects.

Here are elements that define the price of a Congo Gorilla Safari:

A gorilla permit is a must-have when going on Congo gorilla safaris and you show it at park headquarters.

Type of accommodation: there are luxury, midrange, and budget facilities that you can choose from for a Congo safari, as the type of facility affects the gorilla trekking safari.

Transport is a must if you are going to Kahuzi Biega and Virunga National Park for trekking and vehicles are paid for daily.

Length of a Congo safari: if the trip is longer, then the trip will be more costly.

Number of people: when there are many people coming for a Congo safari for gorilla trekking, the costs can be shared, unlike when you are alone and you have to pay for everything.

How Hard is Congo Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla tracking is not as challenging as people may think. However, if you are planning gorilla tours, you need to have a bit of physical fitness since gorillas may move deep in the jungles and you will need to climb hills and go into valleys.

Is it Safe to See Gorillas in Congo? | Is Congo Gorilla Trekking Safe?

Yes, gorilla treks are safe during a gorilla trekking safari in the Congo and you are accompanied by armed ranger guides who always protect you. You will only trek gorilla families, which are habituated during a Congo gorilla safari, as they recognize the presence of humans.

Always follow the instructions of the guide or ranger during the gorilla trek to stay safe.

Is gorilla trekking worth the money in the Congo?

On your Congo safari, gorilla trekking is worth the money, as you will see the rare species (gorillas) in their natural habitat. Going on a gorilla trip in the Congo contributes to the conservation of these endangered apes.

Why go for Congo Gorilla Trekking? | Why go for Congo Safaris?

This is a common question for travelers planning Congo safaris on an African tour.

Congo safaris are rewarding and below are some of the reasons to do Gorilla trekking:

The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the few African countries with endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and you meet them during mountain gorilla trekking.

DR Congo also has Eastern Lowland gorillas that you can find in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

When you come for gorilla tracking, a percentage of the price of the permit is used for the conservation of mountain gorillas.

What Wildlife is in the Republic of the Congo?

The Democratic of Congo has thrilling wildlife that you can see during the Congo tour. DR Congo has many rainforests which are home to Bonobos (Pygmy Chimpanzees) just near to the Congo River and birds are present, Gorillas, Chimps, Butterflies, reptile species, etc.

Many unique wildlife species in Congo are globally vulnerable, particularly Mountain Gorillas that you can see during Gorilla tracking. There are also Okapis which are rare species and they are endemic to Congo.

Other wildlife species to see on a Congo tour are Elephants, Buffaloes, Monkey species, Giant Forest Hog, antelope species, etc.

What is Congo Famous For?

Congo is famous for Gorilla tours which are experienced in Kahuzi Biega and Virunga National Park. There is also Mountain Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Bwindi of Uganda.

Does Congo Have Safaris? | Is There a Safari in Congo?

Yes, there are many Congo safari trips to enjoy when you come to Africa. A few to enjoy within Congo are;

Congo Gorilla safaris
Volcano hikes, especially Nyiragongo hike
Chimpanzee tracking trips
Bird watching trips

Is Congo Good for Tourists?

Yes, Congo is a perfect destination for travelers coming to Africa. Tourists can visit Virunga National Park the oldest national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo to meet the endangered Mountain Gorillas and also visit Kahuzi Biega.

Mountain Gorillas are also present in Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Bwindi and Mgahinga of Uganda. Tourists can visit River Congo, enjoy Nyiragongo Volcano hike, and spot other unique wildlife species and many birds.

What is the Best Safari Park in Congo?

Virunga National Park within eastern Congo is the best park to visit on Congo safaris since it has Mountain Gorillas and the largest lava lake in world that you see on your Nyiragongo hike.

The other park is Kahuzi Biega and it has Lowland Gorillas amazing to see and you can also visit Upemba and Garamba parks which are savannah national parks and offer exciting animal viewing.

Are there Gorillas in Congo?

The Democratic Republic of Congo has Gorillas and you can find them in Kahuzi Biega and Virunga National Park. Tourists not visiting Congo can also find Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Mgahinga and Bwindi of Uganda.

How Many Gorillas are Left in the Congo?

Virunga National Park is estimated to have 400 Mountain Gorillas making it the highest population in the Virunga Mountains and rain forests in eastern Congo.

There are 250 Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega. Be aware that the Democratic Republic of Congo has no Western Land Gorillas as they are found in Central African Republic within Odzala National Park.

Can you see Gorillas in Congo?

Yes, you can see the gentle giants during Gorilla tours within Virunga Park and Kahuzi Biega. Congo Gorilla safaris are the best way of meeting Gorillas in their natural setting.

Which Country is Best for Gorilla Trekking?

Uganda is taken to be the best destination for Mountain Gorilla trekking as it has about 459 Gorilla individuals making the highest Gorilla population in a country. Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks offer the best Gorilla safaris to tourists visiting Uganda.

There are also Congo Gorilla safaris within Virunga National Park in Congo. Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda also offers amazing Gorilla tours.

Where is the Cheapest Place to See Gorillas? | Where is the Cheapest Place to See Mountain Gorillas?

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the cheapest destination for meeting the endangered Gorillas as a permit goes for $400. The one of Uganda costs $700 and that of Rwanda costs $1500.

As you have seen the prices, permit in Congo is almost half price to that of Uganda and it is the cheapest amongst all destinations. Tracking Gorillas within the Democratic Republic of Congo is cheap though Uganda offers a beautiful Gorilla trek since it has the highest number of the apes.

Other Activities to do in Congo on top of the Gorilla safari

Apart from a Gorilla safari, the Democratic Republic of Congo offers other activities like;

Nyiragongo hike

Among the volcanic mountains in Virunga National Park, Mount Nyiragongo is one of the major attractions since it is an active volcano. When hiking this active volcano, you can see the world’s largest lava lake with boiling lava.

Chimpanzee trekking tours

Chimpanzee trekking is limited in the Democratic Republic of Congo than Mountain Gorilla trekking. You can meet Chimpanzees in their nature habitat during nature walks within Virunga National Park.

During the Chimpanzee trekking experience, you can observe other wildlife species like bird species and a Golden Monkey group.

Where to Stay During Your Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris

There are many accommodation facilities that you can use during your Democratic Republic of Congo safari and they are categorized into budget, midrange, and luxury. The one that you choose deeply depends on your budget.

Luxury facilities include; Orchids Safari Club, Mikeno Lodge, etc.

Midrange lodges include; Bukavu, Hotel, Kubumba Tented Camp, Coco Lodge, etc.

Budget lodges include; Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu, etc.

Top Mountain Gorillas Trekking Companies in Congo for Your Congo Gorilla Safaris

You need to use the best Congo Gorilla safari tour operators when planning your Gorilla trekking adventures. The tour operators will help you tailor the Gorilla safari packages with more destinations and experiences.

Congo Gorilla Safaris and Tours
Wild Gorilla Safaris
Prime safaris and Tours Ltd
Africa Safaris Tours

Best Congo Gorilla Tours Packages/ Congo Tours You Shouldn’t Miss

Listed are some of the Gorilla safari packages that you can choose from;

3 Days Lowland Gorilla Safari.
3 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking Congo Safari.
5 Days Congo Gorilla Safari and Mount Nyiragongo hike
5 Days Congo Lowland Gorilla Safari and Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
10 Days Primate Safari in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park, Congo Gorilla safaris, and Lake Kivu
12 Days Uganda Rwanda Congo Gorilla safari, Lake Kivu, Chimpanzee trekking & Wildlife Safari

In conclusion, Congo safaris give travelers thrilling Gorilla trekking adventures to meet Eastern Lowland Gorillas with Kahuzi Biega National Park and the endangered Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park.

Let us help you plan for the best Congo Gorilla tour or Congo safari full of memories!