
Places for Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari Tours: Where are Gorillas Found in Congo?
Mountain gorilla tours in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are only possible in 2 destinations i.e. Virunga National Park for endangered Mountain gorillas and Kahuzi Biega National Park for Eastern lowland gorillas.
Sites for gorilla tracking in Congo:
Congo Gorilla Safaris: Virunga National Park
Congo’s Virunga National Park was initially called Albert National Park. It’s one of the oldest national park destinations of DR Congo, famously visited by visitors on Congo safari tours.
Although Virunga National Park is renowned for gorilla tours in Congo, it’s beyond this! This beautiful park also features 2 incredible active volcanoes; Mount Nyamuragira & Nyiragongo active volcano- summited with a boiling lava lake.
Other wonderful attractions in this UNESCO World Heritage Site (Virunga National Park) are Chimpanzees, Golden monkeys, Baboons, and Monkeys, etc. The other unique wildlife in Virunga National Park includes Forest Elephants, Bushbucks, Okapis, and a rich birdlife, etc.
GORILLA FAMILIES IN CONGO VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK
In Virunga National Park, there are 10 habituated gorilla families and these include:
- Lulengo Family
- Kabirizi Gorilla Family
- Rugendo Family
- Bageni Group
- Nyakamwe Group
- Humba Group
- Wilungula Group
- Mapuwa
- Munyaga Group
- Baraka Gorilla Group
Kabirizi group is mostly visited by visitors on Mountain gorilla trekking tours in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This group has about 24 individuals including about 6 individuals. A gorilla family is led by one dominant male called a Silverback gorilla.
Apart from gorilla trekking expeditions, other wonderful things to do in Virunga National Park include:
i. HIKING NYIRAGONGO VOLCANO
Mount Nyiragongo is one of the most recent active volcanoes in Africa, last erupted in May 2021. This amazing active volcano (3,470m high) ranks top among the key attractions you should never miss on your Congo gorilla trekking tour.
The Nyiragongo volcano trek takes about 5-6 hours from Kibati Patrol Post. A successful hike to the summit will offer you amazing brilliant views of a boiling lava lake.
Normally, several travelers spend a night in the accommodation around the rim of this boiling lava lake.
ii. CHIMPANZEE TREKKING
On top of your Virunga National Park gorilla tour, gorilla trekking safari expeditions are also possible since the park holds some habituated Chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee trekking is likewise a memorable adventure just like gorilla tracking! You’ll enter the tropical rainforest and search for these intelligent apes. Get ready with hiking boots, a rain jacket, and your raincoat.
On the chimpanzee trekking hike, you can spot lovely animals like Forest Elephants, Forest Hog, Bushbucks, charming birds several monkeys, and many other wildlife species.
Often, visitors undertaking Congo safaris do chimpanzee trekking before Mountain gorilla trekking tours in Virunga National Park.
iii. EXPLORING SENKWEKWE GORILLA ORPHANAGE CENTER
This is the world’s only Mountain gorilla sanctuary! Senkwekwe Gorilla Sanctuary (close to Virunga National Park Headquarters) is home to roughly 6 Mountain gorillas.
Most of the Mountain gorillas at Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center were brought as orphans. That’s to say, these endangered gorillas were rescued from poachers, rebels as well as pet trade.
For a notable encounter, visitors exploring this sanctuary can join a group of caretakers who feed these endangered Mountain gorillas. Researchers can join the veterinary team!
Guests on Congo wildlife safaris staying in Mikeno Lodge can access the Senkwekwe Gorilla Center freely. Mostly, travelers visit this area after Congo gorilla safaris in Virunga National Park.
iv. NATURE WALKS
Nature walks in Virunga National Park allow you to explore the incredible natural beauty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo- a country covered mostly in tropical rainforests.
On the walk, you’ll be in the company of armed park rangers therefore, they are safe!
Along the trail for nature walks, be expectant to encounter several wildlife species like the Central Africa Red Colobus, birds, as well as stunning views of Lake Kivu and Nyiragongo active volcano.
On clear days, visitors on nature walks can have distant views of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Rwenzori.
In most cases, these nature walks are taken before Congo gorilla safaris just like chimpanzee trekking excursions.
v. BIRD WATCHING IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK
Virunga National Park is a key birding destination in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It’s boats roughly 706 bird species, including 17 Albertine Rift Endemics. Even, forest birds, savannah birds, and Congo guinea biome bird species have been recorded in this park. Therefore, it’s a great destination for bird watching on top of your gorilla tour in Congo.
The common birds in Virunga National Park are; Rwenzori Turacos, Regal Sunbirds, Madagascar Bee-eaters, Specked Mouse Birds, Paradise Fly Catchers, Yellow-Billed Barbets, White Naked Ravens, Grey-throated Barbets, Strange Weavers, and Olive Pigeons.
Just like other activities on Congo gorilla safari trips, birding tours are done as well as before Congo gorilla trekking expeditions.
Congo Gorilla Safaris: Kahuzi Biega National Park
Among African countries, it’s only in Kahuzi Beiga National Park that travelers on African safaris can trek the Eastern lowland gorillas.
This incredible park for gorilla trekking tours in Congo covers over 600km2 land area and it’s home to several unique wildlife species. Among these include about 137 animal species, amazing vegetation, and over 349 bird species.
In addition to trekking Eastern lowland gorillas, more attractions in Kahuzi Biega National Park include; Mount Kahuzi and Mount Beiga which are situated in the heart of Congo Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Best Activities in Kahuzi Biega National Park
i.TRACKING EASTERN LOWLAND GORILLAS
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking is the key Congo safari activity in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
It’s possible to combine mountain gorilla safaris in Virunga National Park Congo with lowland gorilla trekking safari expeditions in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Note that, the Eastern lowland gorillas are incredibly bigger than the endangered Mountain gorillas. Still, the Eastern lowland gorillas live in lower altitudes than Mountain gorillas.
The excursions for Eastern lowland gorilla tours in Congo Kahuzi Beiga National Park are comparable to Mountain gorillas Congo safaris.
The sights of the giant and cool silverback will leave you with awesome safari memories. There are 5 habituated Eastern lowland gorillas groups open for Congo gorilla safaris.
ii. VOLCANO CLIMBING IN KAHUZI BIEGA NATIONAL PARK
Volcano hiking lovers on a gorilla tour in Congo Kahuzi Biega National Park shouldn’t miss this one.
Travelers often enjoy the hike before the mountain gorilla trekking adventure. If interested, you can either opt to climb Mount Kahuzi or Mount Beiga. A successful hike to the peak of any volcano will offer you scenic views of Lake Kivu, as well as the neighboring communities.
Along the hiking trail, several animal species such as Giant Forest Hog, bird species, Forest Elephants, Buffalos, Central African Red Colobus, and Owl-faced monkeys can be encountered by lucky visitors.
iii. VISIT LWIRO CONSERVATION CENTER
Lwiro Conservation Center is one of the lovely attractions every traveler on Congo safaris in Kahuzi Biega National Park must visit. It’s just close to the park headquarters.
In this gorgeous conservation area, roughly 126 chimpanzees and over 117 monkeys (about 16 species) are cared for. These individuals were all victims of pet trade & poaching.
The following are some of the primates at Lwiro Conservation Center:
- Red-tailed Monkeys
- African Red Colobus Monkeys
- Chimpanzees
- Blue Monkeys
- Baboons
- Patas
- L’hoest Monkeys
- Black-crested Mangabeys
- Brazza Monkeys, etc.
This area is also commonly visited after lowland gorilla trekking experience in Kahuzi Beiga National Park. You’re free to take part in volunteering programs at this center as you learn about the amazing behaviors of these primates.
Other things to do in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo safaris:
- Taking nature walks and,
- Bird watching tours
Congo Safaris: Mountain Gorilla Trekking Rules in Congo Virunga National Park
As it is in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park there are also some guidelines visitors on Congo gorilla tracking tours should follow.
By following these rules while on the gorilla tour, the adventure will end successfully.
Below are the rules to follow on the Congo gorilla trekking tour:
- Persons who are below 15 years can’t go on the gorilla trek in Congo/Democratic Republic of Congo
- Only 8 travelers can go on the gorilla trek to visit the gorilla family. This also applies to Volcanoes National Park
- People having infectious diseases are not allowed to track Congo gorillas on the gorilla trek.
- Visitors on the Congo gorilla trek must follow instructions of park rangers
- Making noise during the gorilla trek in Congo Virunga National Park is not allowed. This can cause Mountain gorillas to charge
- Never litter the park while on the gorilla tour
- Smoking, eating, or drinking while in the presence of Mountain gorillas is not allowed. Follow this even while on gorilla tour safaris in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Don’t touch the Mountain gorillas as they are wild animals that can misinterpret your touch
- You’re supposed to keep a 7-10m safe distance when you are in presence of the Mountain gorillas
- Visitors are limited to 1 hr with Mountain gorillas
- Never use flash cameras while photo shooting. The flashlight strains these cool giants!
How Much is Gorilla Trekking in Congo? | How Much Does it Cost to See Gorillas in Congo? | How Much Does it Cost to Trek Gorillas in Congo?
Wondering about the price of a Congo gorilla tracking permit or how much it costs to trek Mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park? For non-residents, you need to pay $400 while citizens of East Africa $200.
Congo gorilla permit is the cheapest among the countries to track Mountain gorillas in Africa. In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs 700$ while that of Rwanda Volcanoes National Park is 1500$.
Therefore, the Congo gorilla tracking permit is half price of Uganda and it’s so cheap when we compare it with Rwanda gorilla permits.
It’s better to book your gorilla permit for Congo gorilla trekking safari tours as Congo gorilla permits are limited in number.
Gorilla Tours in Congo: Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money? | Why is Gorilla Trekking Expensive?
The cost of trekking mountain gorillas is the highest when compared to other wildlife safaris in Africa. Regardless of its cost, this lovely adventure is worth the money!
Most of the revenue collected in the Democratic Republic of Congo as tourists track Mountain gorillas go back into the environment and gorilla Conservation projects. For example, paying salaries for park rangers who monitor the Mountain gorillas in national parks & developing community projects.
Without a doubt, gorilla tour safaris in Congo as well as Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tracking safaris in Volcanoes National Park are worth the money.
Congo Gorilla Safaris: Best Time to Track Congo Gorillas – Which Month is Best to Trek Gorillas?
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, gorilla safari tours are open all year round however, from experience, we recommend that you have a gorilla trek in the dry season. Within Congo, the dry season runs from June-August & December-February.
Often, during the dry season the trail for the gorilla trek is drier, and less slippery thus, the hikes are easier.
Wet months run from March to May as well as September to November. Rains can be expected in most hours of the day. The good part of taking Congo gorilla tours in the rainy season is that it takes a short time to spot Mountain gorillas.
Note that, Rwanda Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park are also best explored in dry months.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Congo Gorillas? | How Much Does it Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Congo? | How Much Does a Gorilla Safari in Congo Cost?
Congo gorilla safari tours have no fixed costs as they are affected by numerous factors and among these include:
- Accommodation you choose to use
The price of your Congo gorilla tracking tour is much affected by the class of accommodation you wish to use. Using budget lodges on your trip lowers the cost.
- Duration of your Congo safari trip
Short gorilla safari trips in Congo are cheaper in comparison with long ones. Each day comes with its expenditures such as meals & accommodation.
- Number of people traveling for Congo safaris
A big group calls for greater expenditure on accommodation, meals, and gorilla tracking permits, among others. However, note that traveling in a big group allows cost-sharing, for instance, accommodation, guide fees, and transportation.
- Number of activities you wish to do
The more activities on your Congo gorilla safari, the higher the safari price!
- Season
Congo gorilla tours are cheaper in wet months (off-season) because some lodges usually give out discounts to guests.
Congo Safaris: Congo Gorilla Safaris: How to See Mountain Gorillas in Congo on a Budget?
Budget gorilla tours in Congo! From our great knowledge of organizing budget gorilla safari trips in Congo, we have brought to you various ways to enjoy affordable gorilla tour safaris.
They apply in either Rwanda Volcanoes National Park & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda.
This is how you can have budget Congo safari tours in Virunga National Park:
i. Move in a group
Group tours allow sharing of costs like accommodation, transportation, and guide fees.
ii. Safari in a low season
During this season- the rainy season, most lodges offer discounts to guests on Congo safari tours who book with them.
iii. Use mostly budget lodges
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, budget lodges are cheaper in comparison with luxury or midrange lodges. Therefore, budget travelers on Congo gorilla safaris should use them.
iv. Don’t go for extra activities
Going for extra excursions on your Congo safaris leads to an increase in the cost of your DR Congo vacation. Therefore, always inquire from your travel agent for the best alternatives.
v. Go for short gorilla trekking tours in Congo
Short gorilla tours in Congo are relatively cheaper when we compare them with the long ones. So, budget travelers on Congo safaris should opt for short trips.
vi. Don’t use chartered flights
Budget travelers on Congo safaris shouldn’t only safari vehicles instead of chartered flights.
vii. Use local tour operators in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Congo safaris organized by local tour operators in DR Congo are cheaper than those of international travel agents.
This above packing list is also useful while visiting Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
Congo Gorilla Safaris: Getting to Virunga National Park- How to Get to Virunga National Park?
Several travelers who access Virunga National Park fly first to Kigali International Airport.
Then from Kigali, the tour guide with a safari vehicle will pick you up and transfer you to the Gisenyi Goma border, where you will travel into the Democratic Republic of Congo, and then connect to Virunga National Park. This drive can take around 4-5 hours.
Best Gorilla Trekking Companies in Congo to Travel With
Travelers coming for gorilla safaris in Congo should make sure that they book their vacation with a good tour company for a successful vacation.
These are the top tour operators to book your Congo safaris with:
- Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
Email: info@primeugandasafaris.com
Website: www.primeugandasafaris.com
- Africa Safaris Tours
Website: https://www.africasafaris-tours.com/
- Congo Gorilla Safaris and Tours
Website: https://congogorillasafaristours.com/
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
Email: info@primeugandasafaris.com
Website: www.wildgorillasafaris.com
Best Congo Gorilla Safaris: Popular Congo Gorilla Tours
Congo safari tours are mostly known for their incredible gorilla tracking expeditions, which are very cheap compared to Rwanda Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking tours & Uganda Gorilla Safaris.
Below are our popular Congo safaris:
- 3 Days Congo Safari Holiday- Mountain Gorilla Tour
- 3 Days Eastern lowland gorilla safari adventure in Congo Kahuzi Biega National Park
- 5 Days Congo Safari Holiday- Mountain gorillas & Nyiragongo Volcano hike
- 10 Days Congo Gorilla Safari Trip- Uganda & Rwanda, wildlife, mountain gorilla tracking, chimpanzee trekking, and Lake Kivu
- 12 Days Uganda Rwanda Congo Safari Holiday- wildlife safari, chimpanzee tracking, mountain gorillas, and Lake Kivu
Packing List for Congo Gorilla Trekking Tours- What to Pack for Congo Gorilla Safaris?
Travelers intending to go for African safaris in Congo have to be prepared with several safari items. These items are essential whether you are coming for Congo gorilla safari tours or wildlife safaris & tours.
Below is the packing list for your Congo gorilla safaris holiday:
- Insect repellents– When on a gorilla trek, it keeps off biting insects from you
- Comfortable walking boots– these are the best in the jungle for nature walks
- A camera for taking photos- It’s nice to get a clear camera that has enough storage space as well
- Rain jacket- In case rain finds you on a Mountain gorilla trek, it will be of help
- A backpack– While on Congo wildlife safaris/congo gorilla trek, a backpack keeps safe your daily safari essentials such as insect repellents, water bottles, and sunscreens.
- Garden gloves- Along the Mountain gorilla tracking trail, they protect your hands as you touch the tee branches for support
- Sun protection gears- include sunscreens, sunhat, and sunscreens! They are vital for travelers on Congo safaris during dry months
- Long-sleeved shirts as well as trousers– While tracking gorillas on the gorilla trek, these protect your body from cuts & biting insects. They are helpful even in Volcanoes National Park
- Bottled water- so helpful along the gorilla hike
More FAQs About Congo Gorilla Safaris
How Many Gorillas are in Congo? | How Many Gorillas are Left in Congo?
A third of 1,063 Mountain gorillas recorded living on Earth dwell in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Virunga National Park. Other areas in Africa to see Mountain gorillas include national parks; Rwanda Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
It’s only in Congo that you can spot the Eastern lowland gorillas in Africa.
How Long Does Gorilla Trekking Take in Congo?
The Congo gorilla trek often takes 2-8 hours! The duration of gorilla tracking depends on the gorilla movement in search of food within their natural habitat. Sometimes, visitors can spot them in just 30 minutes hike.
Book in time your Congo safaris (Congo wildlife safaris) so that we reserve your gorilla tracking permit- they are limited in number!
Is it Safe to See Gorillas in Congo? | Is Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo Safe? | Is Congo Gorilla Trekking Safe?
Is it safe to visit Virunga National Park? Gorilla trekking safari tours in Congo Virunga park are safe! This park ranks among the best-managed parks in East & Central Africa! International conservationists and local as well as foreign employees are among its stakeholders.
On the gorilla hike in Congo, visitors are escorted into the jungle by armed park rangers. Also, the rangers monitor this great UNESCO World Heritage Site to drive out wrong dowers out of this protected area.
Therefore, expect your DR Congo safaris to end successively!
How Hard is The Gorilla Trek In Congo? | How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo?
Just like it is in other gorilla safari countries in East Africa, Congo gorilla safari expeditions take about a 2-8 hours hike. The gorilla trek takes you through bushes as well as a hilly terrain which is an even terrain sometimes. At times, in the wet season, the gorilla tracking trail can get slippery and challenging to hike.
Regardless of the above, just get ready for this lifetime adventure. We recommend you put on jungle hiking boots, and long pants and also have a rain jacket.
Gorilla trekking is one of the most amazing adventures that you shouldn’t miss on your safari vacation in Africa. Upon encountering these mighty gentle giants, you’ll forget all the hardships along the gorilla trek!
What are the Major Attractions in Congo Virunga National Park?
The major attractions in Virunga National Park are Mountain gorillas- the cool giants of the forest however, also Mount Nyiragongo active volcano is a key feature in this park as well as other gorgeous wildlife species.
Therefore, visitors on gorilla safaris in Congo are free to enjoy a gorilla trek and Mount Nyiragongo volcano hike.
Why Visit Virunga National Park?
Most gorilla safaris in Congo take place in Virunga National Park- one of the oldest national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Adventurous travelers in Virunga park can also climb Nyiragongo active volcano to explore the boiling lava crater lake.
Other areas in Africa to see Mountain gorillas in Africa; Volcanoes National Park Rwanda plus Bwindi as well as Mgahinga parks of Uganda.
What to do in Congo After Gorilla Trekking?
Putting aside gorilla safaris in DR Congo, there are several adventures travelers can do on top of their Mountain gorilla tracking expeditions. The most prominent include taking forest nature walks, as well as Mount Nyiragongo volcano hikes.
Still, birding tours, and Lake Kivu boat cruises are possible.
Can I Extend My East African Safari Tour With a Safari in DR Congo?
Travelers can extend their East African safaris to DR Congo. For example, it’s possible to extend your wildlife safaris in Uganda to the Democratic Republic of Congo for gorilla safari expeditions.
Kenya wildlife safaris, Tanzania tours as well as Rwanda safari holidays can be extended to Congo.
Congo Border Crossing Travel Requirements- What is needed to travel to Congo?
Visitors traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo for gorilla safaris need to have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination card, Visa as well as a 6 months valid passport. It’s best to get a visa for the Democratic Republic of Congo before you travel to avoid inconveniences.
Normally, travelers coming for gorilla safaris in Congo buy the East African tourist Visa.
Most of these travel documents also apply while visiting African countries like Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana & South Africa Cape Town.
Gorilla safaris in Congo offer a unique gorilla trekking experience in Africa! Unlike in other destinations, it’s only on gorilla tours in Congo that travelers can see both the endangered Mountain gorillas and the massive Eastern lowland gorillas.
For a notable gorilla trekking tour in Congo don’t miss out on the Nyiragongo hike. You can add chimpanzee trekking tours, Lake Kivu boat cruise as well as bird watching tours on your Congo gorilla safaris.
Today, inquire from our Congo gorilla tour safari expert to book your trip! Expect a remarkable gorilla trekking experience!

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