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CONGO GORILLA TREKKING – CONGO GORILLA SAFARIS & TOURS
Discover the unmatched wilderness of the Congo Republic, one of the largest countries in Africa and home to Virunga National Park, Odzala National Park, and Kahuzi-Biega National Park—some of the world’s top destinations for Congo gorilla safaris.
Congo gorilla tours offer rare encounters with mountain gorillas plus eastern and western lowland gorillas in their habitat, plus diverse wildlife species, active volcanoes, and rich cultural experiences. This makes Congo a great Africa gorilla trekking destination compared to Rwanda and Uganda that offer only Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, plus Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Join our unforgettable Congo gorilla safari excursions and experience nature at its rawest and most breathtaking.
What Makes Gorilla Trekking in Congo Unique? | Why Choose a Gorilla Safari in Congo?
Both the Democratic Republic and the Republic of the Congo offer unmatched Congo gorilla trekking experiences/Congo tours.
Explore mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, or western lowland gorillas in Odzala National Park.
Unlike Uganda ($800) or Rwanda ($1,500), Congo gorilla safaris feature fewer tourists, affordable gorilla permits ($400), and rich biodiversity, including chimpanzees, okapi, birds, forest elephants, and rare wildlife species.
Trek through UNESCO World Heritage Sites, discover natural beauty, and even hike the Nyiragongo volcano—a rare opportunity for adventurous travelers on Congo gorilla tours/Congo safaris.
Congo is the only country in the world where you can see the mountain gorillas and eastern and western lowland gorillas in the wild.
Let us interest you with a detailed overview of Congo gorilla safaris!
Top Congo Gorilla Safari Destinations | Where Can I See Gorillas in Congo?
Some of the outstanding travel destinations worth visiting for immersive Congo gorilla safaris/Congo tours include.
Virunga National Park in DR Congo
Located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo near the border with Rwanda and Uganda, Virunga National Park (formerly called Albert National Park) is Africa’s oldest national park and a World Heritage Site (UNESCO).
It’s famed for mountain gorilla tracking in Congo, offering rare encounters with habituated mountain gorilla families like Kabirizi, Lulengo, Rugendo, Humba, Mapuwa, Munyaga, and Bageni etc.
Visitors can track habituated mountain gorilla families led by dominant silverbacks, with gorilla treks starting from the Park Headquarters near Mikeno Lodge. Gorilla permits in Virunga are priced around $400, significantly lower than Rwanda’s $1500.
The park also features active volcanoes such as Mount Nyiragongo Active volcano (home to the world’s largest lava lake), lush biodiversity, and scenic hikes that begin from near Mikeno Lodge, creating an unforgettable adventure in Central Africa’s wild heart.
The famous mountain gorillas seen in Virunga National Park in DR Congo can only as well be seen in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga National Park, plus Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, during Uganda gorilla tours or Rwanda gorilla safaris, respectively.
Book your Virunga National Park Congo safari today and experience an adventure of a lifetime!
Kahuzi-Biega National Park in DR Congo
Located near the western bank of Lake Kivu in Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a top destination for trekking eastern lowland gorillas in Congo (Grauer’s gorillas).
As a World Heritage Site (UNESCO), it offers rare encounters with large gorilla families like Mpungwe and Chimanuka, among other habituated gorilla families in its thick forests and mountainous terrain, during a lowland gorilla trekking excursion.
Visitors can track the eastern lowland gorillas, larger and more robust than mountain gorillas as well as explore lush forests teeming with primates like chimpanzees, giant forest hogs and dent’s mona monkeys, other primates, plus other unmatched biodiversity, waterfalls, and scenic hikes through one of Central Africa’s most pristine forest national parks—making it a must-visit on Congo gorilla safaris and an unforgettable wildlife experience.
It is worth noting that Kahuzi-Biega is the only national park in the world that is home to the eastern lowland gorillas.
Visit Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park for unforgettable lowland trekking tours!
Other places to visit in the Democratic Republic of Congo where gorillas can be tracked and seen during Congo safaris include the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, Mount Nyiragongo, the Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and Maiko National Park.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park in The Republic of Congo
In the Republic of Congo, Odzala-Kokoua is a top safari destination to see western lowland gorillas during Congo safaris/Congo wildlife safaris.
This remote rainforest park offers intimate, low-impact tracking experiences led by expert guides.
Discover gorilla families in their habitat, walk through bai clearings, and enjoy the rich diversity of wildlife in one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests.
Other game parks in the Republic of Congo with western lowland gorillas include Lesio Louna Gorilla Reserve and Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park.
Journey to Congo for a gorilla tour and experience the best African safari!
What To Expect on A Congo Gorilla Trekking Experience?
A Congo gorilla trekking experience is an unforgettable adventure that offers a rare opportunity to witness endangered mountain gorillas and western and eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat during a Congo gorilla trip/Congo wildlife safaris/Congo safaris.
Whether trekking through the dense rainforests of Virunga National Park or exploring Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Odzala National Park, this journey requires preparation, physical effort, and respect for conservation rules.
Below is everything you need to know.
Age Limit for Trekking Gorillas in Congo
The minimum age requirement for gorilla tracking in Congo is 15 years. This policy is strictly enforced by the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN), along with park authorities and stakeholders, for several important reasons:
- Physical Demands: Tracking gorillas involves hiking through rugged and steep terrain.
- Health Risks: Younger children are more vulnerable to human illnesses that could be transmitted to gorillas.
- Safety Concerns: Younger trekkers may struggle to follow safety instructions or react calmly around wild gorillas.
There is no maximum age, but older travelers are encouraged to consult with reputable tour operators to assess their fitness level and possibly arrange support such as porters.
Duration Of a Congo Gorilla Trek
The length of a gorilla trek in Congo depends on the gorilla family’s location, terrain, and weather but one can expect the following:
- 1–6 hours of gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
- 1–4 hours of trekking gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
- 2-7 hours of gorilla trekking in Odzala National Park
Note: The Time allowed with Gorillas: You are allowed 1 hour (one hour) for observation and photography, maintaining a safe 7-meter distance.
It is worth noting that the entire tracking excursion—including briefing and debriefing—may take between 4 and 7 hours.
Congo Terrain and Physical Fitness | How Hard Is the Gorilla Trek?
Gorilla tracking in Congo requires moderate to high physical fitness. The trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery, especially during the rainy season. Trekkers should prepare for:
- Dense tropical vegetation
- Hiking through high-altitude forest terrain
- Warm and humid conditions
- Use of walking sticks, porters, and proper hiking boots is strongly recommended.
Your guides will set the pace based on the group’s ability, but being fit enhances your overall safari experience and safety so that you’re not left behind.
Congo Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations
To protect both visitors and Congo gorillas, strict guidelines are enforced during all gorilla trekking safaris in Congo and the same are followed in Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Forest Park and Mgahinga Park. They include:
| Before the Trek · Minimum age: 15 years · Valid gorilla permit and Yellow Fever vaccination certificate required · Attend a mandatory pre-trek briefing by park rangers · Health screening to assess whether trekkers have any human-borne diseases. |
| During the Trek · Maintain a 7-meter distance from wild Congo gorillas · No flash photography when taking pictures, eating, drinking, or smoking near gorillas · Stay quiet—speak in whispers only · Do not trek if sick or showing signs of infectious human illness . Don’t panic if a silverback gorilla charges at you; stay calm and follow guide instructions |
| General Health and Hygiene · Sanitize hands before entering gorilla zones · Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, or wear a mask. · Dispose off human wastes properly. · Do not litter the parks with food wraps from a packed lunch |
| Conservation Etiquette · Do not litter or disturb the habitat for these endangered animals · Avoid pointing, shouting, or making sudden movements · Follow instructions from park rangers and stay with your trekking group |
Please note that violations of these rules can result in the termination of a trekking excursion and jeopardize future access for others.
Planning And Booking Congo Gorilla Permits
Gorilla trekking permits are mandatory and should be booked in advance due to high demand and limited daily slots.
- Permits are issued by Virunga National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park authorities, and authorized tour operators.
- Costs vary depending on the season, park, and nationality.
- A permit includes park entry, ranger guidance, one hour with a gorilla group, and trekking support.
- Booking through a trusted Congo safari tour operator ensures smooth logistics, secure accommodation, and transportation support.
It’s advisable to plan at least 3–6 months and align your trek with the dry season (June–September or December–February) for better trail conditions.
By understanding what to expect on your Congo gorilla trek, you’ll be better prepared to fully enjoy the unparalleled wildlife experience and help protect these endangered species for future generations.
Whether tracking mountain gorillas in Virunga or lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega and Odzala, this journey will be one of the most awe-inspiring adventures in Central Africa.
Safari Activities Done on Congo Gorilla Tours | What to Do During a Gorilla Trip in Congo
Visitors planning a gorilla trip in Congo can choose to partake in any of these three main gorilla trekking options during their Congo safari tour.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is a key highlight of any Congo gorilla safari.
Located in eastern DR Congo, this UNESCO World Heritage Site (Virunga National Park) is home to several habituated gorilla families like Kabirizi and Bageni.
The gorilla trek begins at the park headquarters, with a 1–2.5-hour guided hike through dense rainforest terrain to see the critically threatened mountain gorillas.
With a valid gorilla tracking permit (USD 400), visitors spend 1 hour observing endangered mountain gorillas—from playful juveniles to the mighty dominant silverback.
The activity done in Virunga National Park in DR Congo can also be done in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, plus Volcanoes National Park, during Uganda gorilla tours or Rwanda gorilla safaris, respectively, to see a habituated gorilla family.
Book and visit Virunga National Park for this thrilling activity that is unmatched in its intimacy and adventure.
Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Trek through Kahuzi-Biega National Park, one of the top national game parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to encounter the largest gorilla species—the eastern lowland gorilla (Grauer’s Gorilla).
This gorilla trekking adventure, guided by experienced armed rangers, takes 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.
With a lowland gorilla trekking permit ($400), visitors spend one hour with habituated groups like the Chimanuka or Mpungwe families.
The park’s highland forests and rich biodiversity make it a top place to visit to see its top attraction, thelowland gorillas, for those seeking a deep wildlife experience.
Contact a reputable tour operator to organize your next lowland gorilla trek in Kahuzi-Biega NP!
Western Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Odzala National Park
Head to Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo for an immersive western lowland gorilla trekking experience.
Known for its untamed/pristine rainforests, muddy trails, and forest clearings (bais), Odzala offers a more remote, challenging, and rewarding trekking option.
The gorilla trek can last from 2 to 7 hours and often involves river crossings and sightings of forest elephants or bird species.
Unlike the more accessible mountain gorilla treks, Odzala’s western lowland gorilla trekking provides rare, crowd-free encounters with these fast-moving, agile primates in their natural environment.
Choosing from any of these tracking gorilla experiences will offer any traveler the best safari adventure in the country!
OTHER TOURIST ACTIVITIES DONE DURING A CONGO GORILLA SAFARI
- Chimpanzee trekking (Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks)
- Cultural Experiences and Nature walks (Virunga, Odzala, and Kahuzi Biega National Parks)
- Mount Nyiragongo Hike (Virunga Park)
- Wildlife viewing (Virunga, Odzala, and Kahuzi Biega Parks)
- Camping safaris (Kahuzi Biega NP)
- Boating Trips on Lake Kivu
- Congo River Cruises (Odzala NP)
- Hiking and Climbing Mount Kahuzi and Biega (Kahuzi Biega NP)
- Birding tours (Virunga, Odzala, and Kahuzi Biega National Parks)
- Gorilla conservation efforts and research
- Photography to take pictures of the stunning scenery, fauna, and bird species.
With expert tour guides and tailored tours, you’ll make unforgettable memories in the heart of Africa. Book your Congo safari trip today!
Tourist Attractions Seen on Gorilla Trips in Congo | What to See on A Congo Gorilla Trip?
Some of the fascinating things to see during Congo gorilla adventures include.
Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park
Encounter the critically endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, the oldest national park in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Home to around 300 mountain gorillas, found in several habituated gorilla families, including the famous Kabirizi gorilla family, that visitors can track on a thrilling gorilla trekking safari led by experienced rangers.
Gorilla tracking permits cost $400 and are issued at the park headquarters, and booking your gorilla tracking in Congo early due to high demand is strongly recommended.
it is worth noting that the mountain gorillas seen in Virunga National Park in DR Congo can also be seen in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park during Uganda gorilla tours or Rwanda gorilla safaris, respectively.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park, located in DR Congo, a prime site for spotting eastern lowlands (Grauer’s Gorillas), the largest of all gorilla species.
With just around 6,800 left globally, trekking to see these endangered gorillas is a rare and unforgettable wildlife experience.
The park is home to several habituated gorilla families, making it perfect for lowland gorilla tours.
Kahuzi-Biega offers a unique opportunity to observe their distinctive size, social behavior, and jungle habitat during a Congo gorilla safari.
Western Lowland Gorillas in Odzala NP
The Western lowland gorillas are native to Central Africa’s dense tropical rain forests, including remote areas of Congo, mainly found in Odzala NP.
Smaller and more widespread than mountain or eastern lowland gorillas, they remain elusive.
While trekking western lowlands is less common, their conservation is equally vital within the rich biodiversity of the Congo Basin.
OTHER THINGS TO SEE ON A CONGO GORILLA TOUR
- Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage (the world’s only orphanage for mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park)
- Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Mount Nyamuragira
- Mount Mikeno
- Lake Kivu
- Batwa Communities
- Mount Nyiragongo Active Volcano
- Mount Kahuzi
- Mount Biega
- Diverse Flora home to wild animals
- Chimpanzees (seen when on chimpanzee trekking tours)
- Bonobos (only found in the DRC)
- Central African red colobus monkeys
- Olive baboons
- Giant Forest Hog
- African elephants
- Rare bird species
- Antelope and duiker species
- Other Unique wildlife species like the Okapi seen on Wildlife safaris
Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee trekking, Nature walks, bird watching, and boat cruises on Lake Kivu add to the diversity of your safari experience.
Safari Lodges and Accommodation Options in Congo to Stay at During Gorilla Tours
Depending on your budget, accommodations range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury safari lodges. And some of these include.
| Virunga National Park Mikeno Lodge Kibumba Tented Camp Nyiragongo Summit shelters Lac Kivu Lodge Bukima Tented Camp | Kahuzi-Biega National Park Orchid Safari Club Begonias Hotel Coco Lodge Lakeside Hotel Bukavu Mount Kahuzi Hotel | Odzala National Park Ngaga Camp Lango Camp Mboko Camp |
Most tour operators provide full safari packages including lodgings, permits, guides, transport, and meals. Contact any reputable one to organize accommodation fit for your safari activities.
Safari Prices to Incur During Congo Gorilla Safaris | How Much Does a Congo Gorilla Safari Cost?
Gorilla tracking in Congo is one of the most budget-friendly safari options among African countries for adventure travelers.
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Gorilla Trekking Permit (Virunga) | $400–$500 |
| Eastern Lowland Gorilla Permit | $400 |
| Nyiragongo Volcano Permit | $300–$350 |
| Mid-Range Accommodation | $100–$250 per night |
| Transportation (Goma to Park) | $100–$150 round-trip |
Tailor-made tour packages combining trekking, lodging, and transport are available through various Congo gorilla tour operators, so contact them for the best deals!
How To Get to Congo for Gorilla Trekking Safari Excursions?
To go gorilla trekking in either the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or the Republic of Congo, travelers usually fly into Kigali, Rwanda, or directly into Goma or Brazzaville using Ethiopian Airlines or RwandAir.
For Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks in the DRC, most enter by road from Rwanda or Uganda border crossing.
For the Republic of Congo, chartered flights to Brazzaville connect to Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
Advance visas, valid passports, and permits are essential for both destinations. Tour operators provide cross-border and in-country transfers.
Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Congo
The best time for gorilla trekking in both the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and the Republic of Congo is during the dry seasons—June to September and December to February.
Trails in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (DRC) and Odzala-Kokoua National Park (Republic of Congo) are drier and more accessible, improving gorilla trekking safaris as the gorillas and other wildlife become easier to spot.
Avoid the heavy rains in March–May and October–November, especially in Kahuzi-Biega, where trails can be very muddy.
While permits are available year-round, the rainy season offers discounted rates or half-price permits. Spotting lowland and mountain gorillas is more rewarding in dry months.
Congo Gorilla Tours Vs Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Tours
Congo gorilla trips offer a more adventurous and budget-friendly experience compared to Uganda and Rwanda.
While Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are famous for mountain gorilla trekking, gorilla safaris in Congo’s Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Beiga National Park provide access to both mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas.
Gorilla trekking permits in DR Congo are cheaper, making it ideal for travelers seeking more remote gorilla trek excursions, rich wildlife species, and fewer tourist crowds compared to other national parks where gorilla trekking in Africa is done.
Congo Mountain Gorilla Trekking Vs Lowland Gorilla Trekking
On your gorilla tour in Congo, you can choose between mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park and lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park or Odzala NP.
Mountain gorillas live in higher altitudes, with steeper hikes and breathtaking views, while eastern lowland gorillas reside in denser, lower-elevation forests, making them easier to spot.
Though both gorilla trekking safaris offer the chance to see gorilla families, lowland gorillas are larger and easier to photograph.
Congo Gorilla Trekking Tours—What to Wear & Pack
For a successful Congo gorilla trekking adventure, wear moisture-wicking clothes, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, quick-drying socks, a waterproof jacket, gloves, and hiking boots.
Pack personal essentials like a waterproof backpack, reusable water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, gorilla trekking permits, snacks, a first-aid kit, and valid travel documents.
Whether trekking mountain gorillas in Virunga Park or lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega & Odzala, dressing appropriately ensures comfort and safety during your gorilla safari in Congo.
Top Congo Safari Operators Offering the Best Congo Gorilla Trips
Some of the best tour companies that offer the best gorilla safari packages are.
Contact a reputable tour operator today and schedule your next hassle-free gorilla trekking adventure!
Congo Gorilla Safaris: Commonly Asked Questions
- Is Gorilla Trekking in The Congo Safe?
Gorilla trekking in Congo is generally safe when booked through reputable tour operators, with armed rangers, trained guides, and real-time security updates, despite past park closures.
- How Much Does It Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Congo?
Gorilla permits cost around $400–$500, much cheaper than in Rwanda ($1,500) or Uganda ($800).
- Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking with Other Activities?
Yes during Congo safaris! You can hike Mount Nyiragongo in Virunga National Park ( probably the most thrilling active volcano trek in Africa), take nature walks, enjoy boat trips on Lake Kivu, or go chimpanzee trekking in nearby parks to see a number of animal species and other major attractions.
Congo gorilla safaris offer an unmatched gorilla trekking experience—raw, untamed, and deeply immersive. From Virunga National Park’s Mountain gorillas to Kahuzi-Biega’s eastern lowland gorillas and Odzala’s Western lowland Gorillas, Congo gorilla safaris promise close encounters with endangered mountain gorillas, rich biodiversity, and dramatic landscapes.
Unlike the costly gorilla tours in Uganda or Rwanda, Congo delivers authenticity for true adventurers. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore Africa’s hidden wilderness.
Contact us today to book your customized Congo gorilla trekking tour in east Africa!
