Most travelers who undertake Congo safaris or Congo tours are usually interested in mountain gorilla trekking in Congo Virunga National Park (Congo’s oldest national park) and Kahuzi Biega National Park, a prime destination for lowland gorilla trekking tours.
Unlike in other safari destinations like Uganda and within Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, tourists can only spot two gorilla species on Congo gorilla safari tours! These include Eastern lowland gorillas and the endangered Mountain gorillas- almost similar to the Western lowland gorilla of Congo Brazzaville.
Travelers undertaking Congo safari tours will have a chance to explore the unspoiled beauty of the biodiverse and lovely landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo. DR Congo rich ecosystem comprises mostly thick tropical rainforests that inhabit unique wildlife species including even animal species from Central Africa. Among these include Bonobos, and Okapis.
Other endangered species to encounter on your Congo gorilla safaris include Chimpanzees, Central African Red Colobus, Golden Monkey, and Dent's Mona Monkeys. Most of these lovely game animals are spotted on nature walks in national parks; Congo’s Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park.
For an extraordinary African safari experience, most travelers who come for Congo gorilla trekking safari tours also enjoy the Nyiragongo hike. Hiking Mount Nyiragongo active volcano is an amazing wild adventure that will offer you rare views of the boiling lake- the world’s largest lava lake.
Normally, travelers undertake Congo gorilla tours on top of their Rwanda or Uganda wildlife safaris!
LET’S EXPLORE DR CONGO TOGETHER! FOR ANY INQUIRIES ABOUT CONGO SAFARIS, EMAIL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM.
Popular Congo Safari Tours, Types of Congo Safaris
On your Congo safari holiday, expect to encounter various safari adventures that most travelers who come for African safari tours are usually interested in example, tracking gorillas, chimpanzee trekking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, as well as Nyiragongo active volcano hike, etc.
Below are the best Congo safari tours to enjoy on your Congo vacation trip:
Congo Gorilla Safari Tours and Other Primate Safaris
Congo gorilla trekking safari tours only take place in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega Park.
Gorilla tracking tours in Congo Virunga Park will allow you to meet the endangered Mountain gorillas. Visitors interested in lowland gorilla tracking, visit Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Regardless of the park you visit on your Congo gorilla tours, you’ll enjoy the face-to-face encounter with these giant humanlike primates in their natural environment. Expect to learn much about the behaviors of these gentle giants as you watch them feeding, grooming, and playing to mention but a few. It’s better to experience yourself, it’s memorable!
While on the gorilla trek, lucky visitors can spot beautiful unique wildlife species/wild animals such as Golden monkeys, Chimpanzees, Forest Elephant, Giant forest hog, Dent’s Mona Monkey, and several birds.
All travelers undertaking Congo gorilla tour expeditions should have; hiking boots, a camera, insect repellents, & a rain jacket.
The 10 habituated gorilla families in Virunga National Park
1. Kabirizi Group
2. Bageni Family
3. Lulengo Group
4. Humba Group
5. Nyakamwe Group
6. Wilungula Group
7. Munyaga Group
8. Rugendo Group
9. Baraka Group and,
10. Mapuwa Family
Within Kahuzi Biega park, over 250 Eastern lowland gorillas have been recorded and there are 5 families open for lowland gorilla tours in Congo.
Below are the 5 gorilla families open for lowland gorilla tours in Kahuzi Biega National Park:
Mpungwe Family
Chimanuka Family
Bonnani Family
Mugahuka Family
Nganwa Family
If interested in watching Bonobos in Congo, visit Salonga park or Lomako Yokokala Faunal Reserve.
MORE PRIMATE TOURS TO UNDERTAKE ON YOUR CONGO SAFARI TRIP:
Chimpanzee trekking expeditions
Golden monkey tracking- it’s an amazing primate tour giving you a chance to watch Golden monkeys (colorful playful monkeys) in their natural habitat
Watching Central African Red Colobus, Black and white Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and Dent’s Mona Monkey.
ENCOUNTER WITH GORILLAS IN CONGO VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK
From your hotel, you’ll transfer to Congo’s Virunga National Park headquarters- the starting point of gorilla tracking safaris in Congo. Make sure you move with your gorilla tracking permit and a camera.
Next, you’ll have a gorilla tracking briefing at 8 am from the park ranger and then get allocated a gorilla family to visit. Afterwards, together with the rangers and trackers, you will enter the jungle in search of the allocated gorilla group.
Finally, when you spot the endangered gorillas, you’ll be limited to one hour watching these beautiful gentle giants. You enjoy watching their amazing feeding patterns and wonderful humanlike behaviors of these cool giants of the forest.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the above also applies to the Eastern lowland gorilla trekking experience within Beiga National Park.
BEST TIME TO VISIT CONGO – WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS FOR SAFARI IN CONGO?
Tourists can visit the Democratic Republic of Congo any time of the year but, the dry months offer the best gorilla trekking safari tours in Congo. These months include June to August and December to February.
In the above months, the trail for gorilla treks is dry and it’s normally mud free. Also, note that there are less rainfall inconveniences most hours of the day and temperatures are lovely!
Rainfall in gorilla parks is much from March to May as well as from late September to November. During the wet season, Mountain gorillas hardly move in higher altitudes gorilla treks take a shorter time.
Travelers interested in budget Congo safaris should target the wet season because during this period some lodges usually give discounts to guests.
HOW MUCH IS A GORILLA PERMIT IN CONGO? | HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SEE GORILLAS IN CONGO? | HOW MUCH IS GORILLA TREKKING IN DRC?
How much is the Virunga gorilla trek? The gorilla tracking permit in Virunga National Park as well as Kahuzi Biega park is charged basing on your nationality.
Below is the cost of gorilla permits in Congo:
VISITOR CATEGORY
GORILLA PERMIT COST
Foreign Citizens
400 USD
East African Citizens
200 USD
The price for a gorilla trek in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga park is nearly half price of Uganda gorilla expeditions which is 700 US dollars.
Rwanda gorilla permit in Volcanoes National Park costs 1500 US dollars, it’s the most expensive.
BEST CONGO GORILLA SAFARI PACKAGES, POPULAR GORILLA TOURS IN CONGO
It’s possible to enjoy Congo gorilla safari tours on top of your Uganda wildlife safaris or Rwanda tours in Volcanoes National Park.
These are our top Cong gorilla trekking safari tours:
CONGO GORILLA TREKKING RULES AND REGULATIONS IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK
Tourists undertaking Congo gorilla safaris in Virunga National Park & Kahuzi Biega park have some guidelines to follow! These rules are set to safeguard the lives of visitors as well as Mountain gorillas.
Below are the key gorilla trekking rules in Congo to follow:
A group of 8 persons can track a gorilla family each day
Persons below 15 years are strictly not allowed on a gorilla trek
Guests with flue shouldn’t come for a gorilla trek in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These contagious diseases are fatal to Mountain gorillas
You should follow the park ranger’s instructions along the gorilla tracking trail
It’s illegal to litter the park during nature walks/gorilla treks
Never make noise while on the gorilla tracking trail
It’s strictly illegal to eat, drink, or smoke in the presence of Mountain gorillas
Never touch or feed a Mountain gorilla!
Always keep a safe distance of 7m while in the presence of Mountain gorillas
Never use a flash camera when taking photos of these cool giants, the flash can make them charge!
You’re strictly limited to 1 hour watching these giants
BEST GORILLA TREKKING SAFARI COMPANIES IN CONGO TO BOOK WITH YOUR TRIP
As you visit the Democratic Republic of Congo make sure you book your gorilla tours in Congo with one of the best tour operators. He’ll do his best so that you have a successful Congo safari holiday.
These are some of the best tour operators in Congo
Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
Wild Gorilla Safaris
Congo Gorilla Safaris Tours
Africa Safaris Tours
2. Bird Watching Safaris in Congo, Birding Tours in Virunga National Park
Despite the fact that the Democratic Republic of Congo is popularly known for gorilla tours, it’s also a rich destination for African birding tours.
In DR Congo, over 1,185 bird species have been recorded counting some species of Central African region.
Notable bird species in Congo to look for:
1. Piping Hornbills
2. Black-casqued Hornbills
3. Congo Serpent-Eagle
4. White-thighed Hornbills
5. White-bellied Kingfisher
6. Red-billed dwarf Hornbill
7. Congo Peacock
8. Congo Bay-Owl
9. Grauer’s Cuckooshrike
10. Bronze-naped Pigeon and,
The best destinations during your Congo safaris for bird watching tours include Virunga park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park. Nature walks are normally done while birding!
Wildlife Tours in Congo
Wildlife tours in Congo can be done in Garamba park, Upemba, and Maiko national parks. These expeditions in DR Congo allow you to spot several amazing wildlife species in Congo for instance, Elephants, Buffalos, Lions, Giant Forest Hog, Hippos, Hyenas, several antelopes, and Congolese Giraffes.
WHAT ANIMALS LIVE IN THE REPUBLIC OF CONGO | WHAT WILDLIFE IS IN THE REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO?
Apart from the endangered gorillas, tourists on Congo safaris can spot numerous wildlife species/game animals including those hardly seen in several African countries.
Below are the common animals in the Democratic Republic of Congo:
Hippos
Buffaloes
Forest Elephants- one of the rarest endangered species on the African continent
Lions
Giant Forest Hogs
Congolese Giraffes- the Okapi, possibly found in Odzala National Park
Spotted Hyenas
Several Antelopes and,
Nile Crocodiles
Major Attractions in Congo- Where to Visit in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
There are various amazing tourist destinations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and each place holds a unique attraction worth exploring by travelers on Congo safaris.
From our great experience in organizing gorilla tours in Congo, we have brought you the best tourist attractions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
List of top places in Congo to visit:
Virunga National Park– famous Congo gorilla safaris and the major tourist attraction in Congo.
Kahuzi Biega National Park- the only area to spot Eastern lowland gorillas
Odzala National Park
Garamba park
Salonga park
Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage
Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary
Here is their detail:
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park in eastern Congo is one of the few destinations to enjoy gorilla tours in Africa. Other destinations include Uganda and Rwanda within Volcanoes National Park.
Initially, this stunning park was called Albert National Park but, it was renamed Virunga National Park in 1969 after DR Congo gained its independence from Belgium. Congo Virunga park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) spans between Lake Kivu and Lake Albert.
The other key attractions in Virunga park include the 2 wonderful active volcanic mountains i.e. Mount Nyiragongo & Mount Nyamurangira.
More activities in Virunga National Park apart from gorilla trekking tours include:
Volcano hiking– the most popular is the Nyiragongo active volcano hike. It takes you to explore the largest lava lake in the world
Bird watching
Sightseeing- You’ll enjoy lovely views of the wonderful landscape featuring Lake Albert, Lake Kivu, and Lake George, as well as the Congo River Nile basin.
WHY VISIT VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK
Below are the various reasons why tourists visit Virunga Park on their Congo safaris:
Virunga park- Congo’s oldest national park is among the few parks to enjoy Mountain gorilla trekking tours in Africa
The gorilla trekking permit in Virunga NP is the cheapest in comparison with permits in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park & Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga parks
It’s easier to combine Mountain gorilla expeditions in Virunga park with Eastern lowland gorilla trekking tours in Kahuzi Beiga park
Visitors in Virunga park will enjoy the Nyiragongo hike- a memorable hiking adventure to the boiling lava lake!
ACCESSIBILITY OF VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK IN CONGO, GETTING THERE
Located in Eastern Congo, travelers can access Virunga park by air or road. Those who are to use air will fly to Goma park and thereafter connect by road using a safari vehicle to Virunga park.
If you’re traveling by road, you can easily connect to this park from Goma Town. Travelers from neighboring countries should move with relevant travel documents, for instance, a valid passport as it’s needed at the border crossing point.
Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega park spans areas on the western bank of Lake Kivu. It’s a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by visitors on Congo safaris with interest in the Eastern lowland gorilla trekking experience.
Garamba Park
Garamba park is famous for its viable population of White Rhinos, Elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, and various bird species.
Salonga Game Park
Salonga Game Park is a picturesque park holding the largest tropical rainforest reserve within Africa. It’s home to various rare animals for example, the Bongo Antelopes, Bonobos, Forest Elephants, and Okapis, among others.
This is one of the best areas to enjoy nature walks on your Congo tour holiday.
Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary
A visit to Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary offers you a chance to meet the Bonobos. It’s possible to visit this sanctuary on top of your gorilla trekking trip in Congo Virunga park.
In the entire world, this is the only sanctuary to find Bonobos.
Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage
Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage is the only sanctuary for Mountain gorillas in the entire world. It’s just near Virunga park headquarters around Mikeno Lodge. Currently, this lovely sanctuary is home to 7 Mountain gorillas, most rescued from poachers.
On your visit, you can engage in several amazing volunteering activities.
What to Pack on Your Congo Safari Tour
All visitors coming for Congo gorilla safaris are supposed to have the following items for notable gorilla tours in Congo.
A camera
Hiking boots
Rain jacket
Long sleeved trousers and shirts
Insect repellants
Waterproof backpack
Garden clothes- keep your hands safe along the Mountain gorilla trek
Sunscreens
Sun hat
Bottled water
Energy giving snacks
How to Dress for Your Gorilla Safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo
We suggest you put on comfortable and eco-friendly garments on your Mountain gorilla tours in Congo!
Below is a guide on what to wear on your Congo safari:
Long sleeved shirts and trousers
Keeps your body covered from cuts and insect bites when on the gorilla tracking trail
Robust hiking shoes
These shows are of great help during nature walks. They will protect your feet from cuts and other piercing objects while on Mountain gorilla safari adventures.
Sunglasses
Keeps your eyes secure from much light rays, especially in the dry season
A sunhat
Saves you from direct sunlight as you are in the jungle!
Safari Lodges in Democratic Republic of Congo
Travelers undertaking Congo gorilla safaris will find several safari lodges to use! However, the commonly used lodges by our clients on Congo gorilla safari tours include; Mikeno Lodge, Lulimbi Tented Camp, Bukima Lodge, Lac Kivu Lodge, Lake Side Hotel Bukavu, and, Tchegera Island Tented Camp.
More Questions About Congo Safaris, Congo Gorilla Safaris
Is There a Safari in Congo?
Yes, there’re several safaris in Congo and among these include Congo gorilla safaris, bird watching, chimpanzee tracking tours, wildlife tours, and volcano hiking expeditions, etc.
Can You See Gorillas in Congo?
Yes, travelers can see gorillas in Congo. Within DR Congo, you can visit 2 gorilla species i.e. Mountain gorillas and the Eastern Lowland gorillas.
On your Congo gorilla safaris, Mountain gorillas are spotted in Virunga Park while the Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
What Is the Gorilla Reserve in Congo?
Within Democratic Republic of Congo, there are gorilla reserves i.e. Virunga National Park for Mountain gorillas and Kahuzi Beiga park for the Eastern Lowland gorillas.
Visitors on Congo gorilla safaris can visit all these destinations.
Where Is the Cheapest Place to See Gorillas?
Congo gorilla safaris in Virunga Park & Kahuzi Biega park offer the cheapest gorilla tours in the East African region. A permit to trek gorillas in Congo is 400 US dollars.
That of Uganda is 700 US dollars and that of Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park is 1500 US dollars.
What Country Has the Most Gorillas?
The Pearl of Africa- Uganda holds the highest population of Mountain gorillas as it’s home to almost half of the Mountain gorilla population in its Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga national parks.
Is It Safe to See Gorillas in Congo? | Is Congo Gorilla Trekking Safe? | Is Gorilla Trekking in Congo Safe? | Is Congo Tourist Friendly?
Congo has been going through numerous civil unrests for past years and this has greatly affected the number of travelers going for gorilla tours in Congo.
As of now, the UN, and Congo’s government as well as other countries in the East Africa Community mostly Uganda are working tirelessly to restore peace in this beloved country. Today, there is hope for peace in Congo!
On your gorilla trek in Congo, you’ll be escorted by trained armed park rangers who will make sure that you’re safe in the jungle.
All travelers intending to have gorilla tracking tours in Congo should first inquire from their tour operator whether it’s safe to visit!
Which Country Is Safest for Gorilla Trekking?
We suggest Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tours to be the safest for travelers interested in gorilla safaris in Africa. All these states have a good history of being politically safe.
Gorilla trekking tours in Congo are also safe but inquire first from your travel agent before your travel.
Is Uganda Good for Safaris?
Yes, Uganda is a great place for safaris! It holds 10 national parks with each holding lovely sightings of animals, birds as well as wildlife species. Some of the popular safaris in Uganda include; game viewing, chimpanzee trekking, and gorilla trekking tours.
How Much Is a Safari in Uganda?
Uganda safaris rank among the cheapest in the East African region. While on your vacation in Uganda, be expectant to spend over 200 US dollars a day per person.
Your travel style i.e. accommodation you use, meals, activities you’ll do as well as the transport means you are to use determines the cost of your Uganda trip.
How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost? | How Much Does It Cost to Go on a Safari in Congo?
In comparison with its neighbors, trips in Congo are relatively cheaper. For example, the cost for trekking gorillas in Congo is 400 US dollars. In Rwanda, it’s at 1500 US dollars, and 700 US dollars in Uganda.
The cost of a 3 day gorilla safari in Congo costs over 1200 US dollars for each person. This price can further be influenced by your travel style!
Is the Gorilla from Congo Real? | Are There Any Gorillas in the Congo?
Within Congo, you can spot 2 endangered gorilla species, and these include the Eastern Lowland gorillas and Mountain gorillas. They are spotted in Virunga Park and Kahuzi Biega park all found in Eastern Congo.
How Many Gorillas Are Left in the Congo?
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, about 300 Mountain gorillas & over 4,000 Eastern lowland gorillas have been recorded.
What Is the Largest Gorilla in the World?
The Eastern lowland gorilla is the largest gorilla out of the 4 gorilla species in the world. Travelers on African safari tours can spot this gorilla species in Kahuzi Biega park within Eastern Congo.
Is Gorilla Trekking Worth It in Congo? | Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money?
Absolutely, Congo gorilla safari tours are worth the money! Within the East African region, DR Congo is the cheapest destination to have gorilla trekking tours and expect to receive high value for your money on choosing a Congo safari vacation.
You should note that travelers who undertake gorilla trekking safaris in Africa indirectly contribute to the Conservation of gorillas. A big percentage of revenue collected goes into the conservation of gorilla habitats, community development, and support poaching fighting strategies.
Therefore, let’s go gorilla trekking to conserve these lovely endangered humanlike primates.
Which Country Is Best for Gorilla Trekking?
Uganda and Rwanda offer the best gorilla trekking safaris in Africa. Politically, all these countries are safe and hold friendly people who are welcome to tourists from all parts of the globe.
Travelers having an interest in Eastern lowland gorilla tours should undertake Congo safari tours in Kahuzi Biega park- within Eastern Congo.
Basing on your African safari budget & interests, your tour operator will guide you on the gorilla trekking destination to visit.
Which Is the Best Safari Park in Congo?
The best safari park in Congo is Virunga Park. It’s a beautiful scenic park commonly visited by travelers who have interest in gorilla trekking safaris in Congo.
Visitors who explore Virunga Park can also enjoy Nyiragongo hike, birding, nature walks, and chimpanzee trekking expeditions.
In Which Two National Parks in the DRC Can Tourists See Gorillas?
Tourists undertaking safaris in Congo can spot gorillas in either Virunga Park or Kahuzi Beiga park. All these parks offer a unique gorilla trekking experience, and you are free to choose which park to visit.
Do You Need a Visa for DRC?
All visitors traveling to Congo need a tourist visa and it’s better you get it before your arrival to avoid inconveniences at the beginning of your Congo vacation. Also, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate as well as a 6 months valid passport from the day of entry.
In summary, Congo gorilla trekking tours make it a peculiar destination for travelers on African safaris with interest in encountering gorillas. On Congo safaris, you’ll encounter 2 gorilla species; the Mountain gorillas and Lowland gorillas.
