The Best Luxury Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Congo gorilla trekking primarily involves two species in two different national parks: mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park (northeastern DRC) and western lowland gorillas in Odzala-Kokoua National Park (Republic of the Congo). Permits are required and cost around $400, and treks are physically demanding, requiring a moderate fitness level and appropriate gear. Bookings should be made in advance, ideally through a tour operator (Kabira Safaris Africa, The Bespoke African Safari Co., Kabira Gorilla Safaris Co., and yellow fever vaccination is a prerequisite for entry.
Congo Gorilla Trekking Destinations
- Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo): Home to a population of mountain gorillas, offering the chance to see these endangered primates in their natural habitat.
- Odzala-Kokoua National Park (Republic of Congo): Where you can trek to see the smaller, distinct western lowland gorillas.
What is Gorilla Trekking in Congo
Gorilla trekking in the Republic of the Congo entails travelling through the lush rainforests of Odzala-Kokoua National Park to locate and observe western lowland gorillas. In contrast to the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda, western lowland gorillas are smaller and exhibit distinct social structures and behaviours.
Your expedition will immerse you in the core of the jungle, where expert guides and trackers navigate small groups (often 6-8 individuals) through dense foliage in pursuit of gorilla families. The hikes may be physically strenuous, hence a moderate degree of fitness is advisable. Individuals under the age of 15 are typically prohibited from participating on treks, so guaranteeing a concentrated and tranquil experience for adult travellers.
Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris
We have well-customized packages that offer short Congo Gorilla tours to Virunga National Park for mountain gorilla trekking or to Kahuzi-Biega National Park for Lowland Gorilla tracking. Check out these packages or talk to us for advice on Short Gorilla Safaris in Congo. Congo Gorilla Trek in Virunga National Park & Kahuzi Biega Park. Book Best Congo Gorilla Trek Tour Safaris Packages & Gorilla Permits Price.
Gorilla safaris in Congo (DRC) are particularly special as this is the only country in the world inhabited by both mountain and lowland gorillas. You can track both whiles on vacation here, as well as chimps and myriad monkey species in the dense, Central African rainforest. The safety issues mean that tourism is not as developed in DRC as elsewhere, but this does mean that anything you spend here is hugely important to protect these endangered primates and their habitats.
3 Days Congo Gorilla tour from Kigali
A 3-day Congo gorilla tour from Kigali takes you to Virunga National Park for mountain gorilla trekking and costs around $400–$450 for a permit, making it the cheapest option in the region. Tours include a pick-up from Kigali, a transfer across the Rwanda-DRC border (often via Uganda), the gorilla trek with a ranger, and return transfer to Kigali. The tour typically includes accommodation, permits, and ground transportation.
3 Days Congo Lowland Gorilla Trek
A 3-day Congo lowland gorilla trek, primarily in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, involves a journey from Kigali, Rwanda, into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking. The itinerary typically includes a drive to Bukavu, the trek itself, and a return to Kigali. Highlights include seeing the larger, more populous Eastern Lowland Gorillas, scenic cross-border travel, and an optional cultural stop in Rwanda.
Gorilla Trekking & Nyiragongo Hike
A Congo Gorilla Trekking & Nyiragongo Hike package combines trekking to see mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park with an overnight hike up the active Nyiragongo volcano, a hike that culminates in a unique view of its lava lake. These tours typically start and end in Kigali, Rwanda, involve transfers to and from Goma, and include permits, transport, and accommodation during the trek. The activities are physically demanding, requiring good fitness.
Congo Double Gorilla trekking
A Congo Double Gorilla trek from Kigali allows you to see two different species of gorillas in two countries: Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Congo’s Virunga National Park, and Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park. These trips typically last 4-6 days, starting in Kigali, crossing borders, and including permits for treks in both countries before returning to Kigali.
4 Days Lowland Gorilla Trekking
A 4-day lowland gorilla trekking tour is a short safari, typically starting and ending in Kigali, Rwanda, that involves transferring to Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to trek the Grauer’s Gorillas (Eastern Lowland Gorillas) in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, one of the few places where they are found. The itinerary usually includes a Kigali city tour, travel to Bukavu, a dedicated day for trekking, and the return to Kigali.
Odzala Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife
An 8-day Odzala gorilla trekking trip offers a wildlife and gorilla trekking adventure in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo, with costs ranging from approximately $9,000 to $12,000 for an all-inclusive package, though specific pricing varies by operator. The itinerary typically involves private charter flights from Brazzaville, transfers to camps like Ngaga Lodge, and gorilla tracking activities alongside other wildlife viewing, such as river safaris and walking safaris.
Congo Gorillas And River Adventure
A Congo Gorilla Safari & River Adventure typically refers to luxury safaris in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo, offering western lowland gorilla trekking, guided forest walks, and kayaking river safaris. These trips emphasize wildlife encounters, with options to see forest elephants, buffalos, and other species while supporting conservation efforts. Adventures often start with a private flight to the park, involve stays at different camps to experience diverse ecosystems, and may include cultural interactions with local communities.
Ascent Of The Congo & Sangha Rivers
Embark on a 13-night expedition in the Congo, navigating its pristine rivers, vibrant civilisations, and varied wildlife. Commencing in Brazzaville, you will explore the city’s attractions prior to embarking along the Congo and Sangha Rivers. Explore the Téké Kingdom to engage with its old customs, observe unique fauna including forest elephants and gorillas, and gain insights from local Pygmy tribes. While traversing the core of Africa’s tropical rainforests, you will investigate isolated villages, observe a variety of creatures, and reveal the remarkable biodiversity of the Congo Basin.
Congo River Cruise Itinerary
Congo River cruise itineraries vary significantly, focusing either on the Republic of Congo, with trips like the 8-night Brazzaville to Oyo journey highlighting local culture and wildlife or luxury river safaris in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, or on the Democratic Republic of Congo, with longer trips from Kinshasa to Kisangani exploring rainforests, tracking bonobos, and visiting Wagenia Falls. Experience the enchantment of the Congo by observing ancient rituals, exploring floating villages, and encountering gorillas in their natural environment at the Lésio Louna Sanctuary.
Gorilla Trekking Rwanda vs Uganda vs Congo
Rwanda offers luxury, accessibility, and high conservation investment with the highest permit cost ($1,500). Uganda provides a comprehensive safari with moderate permit costs ($800) and diverse locations, including the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, appealing to a broad range of travelers. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) offers the most budget-friendly experience with the lowest permit cost ($400) and an adventurous, immersive wilderness experience, though it requires careful planning due to security and infrastructure concerns.
Long Congo Safaris
Long safaris in the Congo typically focus on Western Lowland Gorillas in the Republic of the Congo’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park, lasting 7 to 10+ nights for in-depth exploration of lowland rainforests, while longer tours in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) center on mountain gorillas and the Nyiragongo volcano hike in Virunga National Park. These longer journeys, often combining eco-camps and wildlife viewing, require significant budgeting and specific health certifications due to the remote and wild nature of the destinations.
Short Congo Safaris
Short Congo safaris are typically 2–4 day trips focused on specific wildlife encounters, such as mountain gorilla tracking in Virunga National Park or lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, or a Nyiragongo volcano hike. These tours often start from Goma or the neighboring country of Rwanda, offering an immersive experience in the Congolese rainforest for a fraction of the cost of longer trips.
Why Choose Gorilla Trekking in Congo?
Although Uganda and Rwanda are renowned for gorilla trekking, the Republic of the Congo provides a more unconventional experience, suited for intrepid tourists. Here are the reasons to prioritise Congo above alternative destinations:
- Congo’s gorilla trekking circuits are significantly less frequented than those in Uganda and Rwanda, providing a more intimate and exclusive experience.
- The Congo is inhabited by Western Lowland Gorillas, which are different from the Mountain Gorillas located in Uganda and Rwanda. This is a distinctive opportunity to observe an alternative subspecies in its natural environment.
- Odzala-Kokoua National Park features pristine landscapes and a diverse array of biodiversity, encompassing several primates, avifauna, and mammals.
- The remote and genuine experience of gorilla trekking in Congo offers a raw, unrefined thrill, devoid of the greater crowds and commercialised atmosphere found in other areas.
How to Get There
International flights are available to Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo. Subsequently, domestic aircraft or terrestrial transfers might transport you to Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Ensure you verify the most recent travel advisories and entrance prerequisites before to organising your trip.
How Many Gorillas Are There in Congo
Western lowland gorillas are more populous than their mountain counterparts; yet, they remain severely endangered due to poaching, habitat destruction, and disease. Odzala-Kokoua National Park hosts one of the largest populations of western lowland gorillas, featuring multiple habituated groups accessible for hiking.
The precise population counts vary, but it is estimated that several hundred western lowland gorillas inhabit the park, with a few prominent family groups consistently monitored for tourism and research purposes.
How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Congo Cost
We provide an 8-day Odzala Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari, as well as an 11-day Congo Gorilla Safari and River Adventure, to Odzala-Kokoua National Park, allowing extensive engagement with the area’s natural splendour and fauna.
Gorilla trekking in the Congo is typically more economical than in Rwanda, although expenses may fluctuate based on the luxury level and exact trip package selected. Here is a preliminary analysis:
- Gorilla trekking permits cost approximately $400-$450 (£280-£360) per individual, considerably less than the $700 (£560) permits in Uganda or the $1,500 (£1,200) permits in Rwanda.
- Accommodation Expenses: Rates for lodging at Ngaga, Lango, or Mboko Lodge vary from $500 (£400) to $1,200 (£960) per night, contingent upon the season and degree of opulence.
- Supplementary Expenses: You must also include the expenses for flights, transfers, meals, and gratuities. Anticipate a comprehensive journey, encompassing permits and lodging, to cost between $5,000 (£4,000) and $8,000 (£6,400) for a 7–10-day expedition.
Best Time to Visit for Gorilla Trekking in Congo
Gorilla trekking in Congo is accessible throughout the year; however, the optimal periods for visitation are the dry seasons, occurring from June to September and December to February. During these intervals, the weather is more consistent, and the woodland paths are less saturated, facilitating trekking.
The wet seasons, occurring from March to May and October to November, remain a viable alternative for the most intrepid; however, one should be ready for arduous conditions characterised by treacherous terrain. Nevertheless, the jungle exhibits its utmost vibrancy during these months, and the reduced number of tourists may provide a more lonely encounter with the gorillas.
Is Gorilla Trekking in Congo Safe
Gorilla trekking in the Republic of the Congo is typically safe, especially in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. The park is situated in a stable area of the country, distant from the conflict zones that have impacted other regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Expeditions are conducted by seasoned guides and trackers proficient in safeguarding both tourists and gorillas.
Like any wilderness expedition, there are physical challenges, and participants should be ready for strenuous hiking through thick woodlands. The experience is appropriate for the majority of healthy folks, and porters are available to assist with the transportation of baggage and equipment if necessary.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Congo
- Durable Hiking Boots: Crucial for traversing the forest’s challenging landscape.
- Lightweight, Long-Sleeved Attire: Shields against insects and dense foliage.
- Waterproof Jacket: Rain showers are prevalent even during the dry season.
- Insect Repellent: The rainforest harbours numerous insects, hence an effective repellent is essential.
- Camera (No Flash): Photography is permitted; however, ensure the flash is disabled to prevent upsetting the gorillas.
- Hydration and Sustenance: Although the hotels typically offer meals, maintaining hydration throughout your walk is essential.
Final Thoughts
Gorilla trekking in the Republic of the Congo provides a distinctive and fulfilling experience, away from the congested routes of Uganda and Rwanda. With less foot traffic, an unspoiled natural habitat, and the opportunity to observe the elusive western lowland gorillas, it constitutes an expedition that amalgamates nature, conservation, and exploration.
A stay at the opulent Ngaga Lodge or an exploration of the wetlands near Lango guarantees an unforgettable walk in Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
