Gorilla trekking in Virunga Congo can be challenging without understanding the country and its national parks. Formerly known as Belgian Congo and more recently as Zaire, the Democratic Republic of Congo has faced numerous conflicts and civil unrest. Despite this, as Africa’s second-largest country with a population of 78.74 million, Congo boasts immense untapped human and natural resources. Its potential for future prosperity is largely due to its rich deposits of oil, gold, diamonds, and other minerals.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is rich in tourism resources, offering pristine tropical rainforests, majestic mountains, bubbling crater lakes, and rare wildlife such as the Okapi and pygmy chimpanzee (Bonobos), many of which remain undiscovered. Unlike its neighbors, Congo is unique for hosting both lowland and mountain gorillas, and it is also home to the endangered golden monkeys. The country presents a rare opportunity to experience Africa in its most unspoiled form. With peace and effective governance, the Democratic Republic of Congo has the potential to become Africa’s top tourist destination, leveraging its vast natural beauty and biodiversity to attract global visitors.

Gorillas in Virunga National Park

The Democratic Republic of Congo is unique in offering visitors the chance to track both mountain and lowland gorillas in the wild. It is the premier destination for observing wild eastern lowland gorillas. While lowland gorillas can be seen in zoos globally, mountain gorillas thrive only in the wild. Lowland gorillas are found in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, while mountain gorillas inhabit Virunga National Park. Mountain gorillas are generally larger, with darker, thicker coats adapted to cold high-altitude environments. Both subspecies feed on leaves, shoots, and fruits, and live in family groups led by a dominant male silverback. Mountain gorilla groups are typically larger, sometimes exceeding 30 individuals. Males remain with the group longer, while females usually leave to join other groups upon maturity.

Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

Gorilla trekking is a top attraction in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, largely due to the rarity and close relation of mountain gorillas to humans. This makes observing them a truly special experience.

In Virunga National Park, gorilla trekking begins early in the morning. Trekkers should prepare by bringing long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, hiking shoes, warm stockings, gloves, cameras, water, passports, visas, and gorilla permits. After breakfast, visitors head to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers and wardens. This briefing includes information on each gorilla group, their habitats, and trekking rules. Passports are checked to assign groups based on language and other criteria, such as fitness level and personal preference. Traditional local dances may entertain you while you wait.

Following the briefing and group assignment, trekking begins in groups of eight, guided by park rangers and armed guides. Rangers are familiar with the gorillas’ last known locations, but challenges such as weather, terrain, and distance can affect the trek’s duration. Upon locating the gorilla group, you may face scrutiny from the dominant silverback, who will eventually allow you to observe. You’ll have one hour to watch and photograph the gorillas, capturing moments of interaction, grooming, play, and nest-building.

This remarkable experience offers a glimpse into the lives of these majestic creatures and their striking similarities to human behavior. For a more immersive adventure, consider our 2-day gorilla tour package in Congo.

Tips for Planning Gorilla Trekking in Congo’s Virunga National Park

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is an exhilarating experience, but it can be physically demanding. Here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure:

1. Prepare Physically and Mentally: Be in good physical condition and mentally prepared for the trek. Training by walking long distances and under the sun can help.

2. Dress Appropriately: Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and gardening gloves to protect against vegetation and insects. Thick synthetic stockings will help keep you warm at high altitudes.

3. Choose the Right Time: Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the dry season (June to September) is ideal. Avoid the rainy months (October to November and March to April) as they can make trails muddy and slippery.

4. Hire a Reputable Tour Operator: A good tour operator will handle bookings and provide detailed information, alleviating the hassle of planning.

5. Pack Smart: Bring a high-quality camera, sufficient water, snacks, a waterproof backpack, and insect repellent.

6. Use a Porter: Consider hiring a porter if you have heavy luggage, as they can help ease the physical burden.

7. Book Permits Early: Secure your gorilla permits 3 to 6 months in advance to ensure availability.

8. Vaccinations and Health: Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Congo. Although not mandatory, it’s wise to bring medications for malaria, meningitis, typhoid, and hepatitis.

9. Visa Requirements: Obtain a Congo visa before your trip. The visa costs $100.

10. Travel Insurance: Arrange for travel insurance, if possible, as it may be challenging to find coverage for safaris.

11. Accommodation: Book lodging close to the trek starting point. Goma and Bukima are recommended for proximity to Virunga National Park.

Getting to Virunga National Park

After securing your gorilla permit, accommodation, and visa, you’ll need to plan your journey to Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here’s how you can get there from neighboring countries:

From Rwanda:

1. Arrival: Fly into Kigali International Airport. Most flights arrive in the late afternoon or evening, so you may need to stay overnight in Kigali since the border offices do not operate 24/7.
2. Travel to the Border: Start your journey to the Congo border early the next morning. The drive from Kigali to Gisenyi takes about 4 hours. You can hire a private car for around $100 or use public transportation for less. From Gisenyi, a local taxi to the Congo-Rwanda border will cost less than a dollar.
3. Border Crossing: You’ll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate, passport, and Congo visa. Border officials will stamp your passport on both the Rwandan and Congolese sides. After clearing immigration, head to Goma and then to Virunga National Park.
4. Tour Services: If using a tour company like Mission Africa Safaris, you’ll be picked up at the airport and guided to your hotel, border, and park.

From Uganda:

1. Arrival: Land at Entebbe Airport and drive to Kampala, which takes about an hour via the new express highway.
2. Travel to Kisoro: The journey from Kampala to Kisoro, the nearest town to the Congo border, takes approximately 8 hours. Public transport is available but can be less comfortable, with fares ranging from $15 to $20. For a more comfortable and efficient option, consider hiring a private vehicle or using a tour operator like Mission Africa Safaris.
3. Border Crossing: From Kisoro, the drive to the Bunagana border is about 30 minutes. Ensure you have your yellow fever vaccination certificate, passport, and Congo visa ready for the border crossing.

Water Transport:

For a unique adventure, you can opt for a boat cruise on Lake Kivu to Goma in DR Congo. The boat cruise costs between $300 and $400 and takes about 5 hours, while speed boats (which are in high demand) can complete the journey in 3 hours. Due to security concerns, it’s advisable to use public boats rather than private ones.

Note: Crossing the border from Rwanda or Uganda typically takes less than 10 minutes if you have all required documentation. Ensure your visa and yellow fever vaccination card are in order before booking your flight.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Mountain Gorilla Permits: In Congo, a mountain gorilla permit costs $400, which is lower than in Rwanda ($400) or Uganda ($600). Discounts may be available during low seasons. Permits can be booked through a tour operator or directly from the Virunga National Park headquarters. However, the permit is only a part of the overall cost. Additional expenses include transportation, accommodation, and visas.

Tour Categories: Mission Africa Safaris offers three categories of gorilla tours—Luxury, Mid-range, and Budget. A 3-day gorilla tour generally costs around $1,500 for a budget option and $2,000 for a luxury option. Budget travelers can find more affordable accommodations in Goma that offer good services.

Accommodation Options in Virunga National Park

Budget Accommodation: These options provide basic services such as simple bedding and dining facilities. They might lack amenities like bars or televisions but often offer good quality and personalized service.

Mid-Range Accommodation: Typically 2 or 3-star facilities costing between $100 and $290 per night. They offer better amenities including self-contained rooms, better bedding, televisions, dining services, and bars.

Luxury Accommodation: High-end, 5-star lodges and hotels priced between $250 and $500 per night. These offer premium services, great views, and top-notch facilities.

Popular Lodges in Virunga National Park:

• Kibumba Tented Camp and Lodge: Located at the foot of Mount Nyiragongo, Kibumba offers tented camps and decorated permanent rooms suitable for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers. Budget rooms are priced at $200 per night and include self-contained bathrooms, hot water showers, linen bedding, dining, and lounge services.

• Mikeno Lodge: A luxurious option near Goma, featuring twelve thatched rooms built with mahogany and lava stones. The lodge provides excellent views and wildlife experiences, including sightings of chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys, and various bird species. It offers spacious en-suite bathrooms with stone showers, a dining hall, bar, and lounge area with a fireplace.

• Lac Kivu Lodge: Situated on the banks of Lake Kivu in Goma, this lodge features African-style decor, 20 rooms with views of the lake and manicured gardens, en-suite bathrooms with Nespresso coffee machines and Italian showers, a large swimming pool, conference rooms, WiFi, a fitness/beauty center, and constant power.