Gorilla safaris in DRC take place in Virunga National Park; home to over 250 habituated mountain gorillas and is the Congo portion of the Virunga conservation region, which is shared by Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. All the 3 countries are directly interjoined by the Virunga massif. Less adventured and feared by many African travelers because of her past insecurities, Congo is a very safe destination currently taking many visitors to visit the eastern part of Congo rich with the best spots to visit in Africa.

Virunga national park is home to 8 habituated gorilla families that are available for tracking all throughout the year. Gorilla tourism in Congo is strictly in central and east African where gorilla safaris take place, trekking gorillas in Congo is a gorilla conservation project based on gorilla protection as well as safety. The guides, trackers, armed guards, and the porters lead the visitors to where a family of the mountain gorillas is located.

Notwithstanding the civil war that congested the country for long, Congo is rising up security and is presently a peaceful country. Gorilla conservation is at the forehand as the country bounces back to normal and even though much of the efforts are required for gorilla conservation, the country is doing what they can to protect the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.

The gorilla permits in DRC cost $400 per person which is presently the cheapest option of trekking these gorillas in their natural habitats. Uganda‘s gorilla permits cost $600 per person while Rwanda’s permits go at $1500 per person. Congo gorilla trekking gives a cheaper alternative for the tourists to meet the rare mountain gorillas and fulfill a lifetime adventure. It’s also possible for the guests to tour the gorillas in Congo on just a 2-day itinerary package from Gisenyi crossing through Goma city.

DRC is a land of diversity and is one of the best spots for a great adventure in Africa. Congo is the place where you can see the world’s largest active Lava Lake of Nyiragongo Volcano. The hiking safaris to the top of Mount Nyiragongo are carried out on a daily basis with an overnight stay at the top of the volcano. This is the only country that offers both mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas which can be trekked in KahuziBiega National Park.

Congo is accessed via Gisenyi from Rwanda crossing into Goma. The visas must be applied for at least 4 hours in advance. The visas to Congo cost only $100 per person. The requirements for the Visa application include;

Downloading Congo visa application from here and fill it and send it back

Have a copy of up to date yellow fever certificate

Have a copy of your itinerary, hotel booking that verifies what you will be doing in the country.

Packing for Gorilla trekking

Virunga National park gives moderate hikes within the jungle Forest through the bushes, vines, trees. You will need walking sticks that are available at the park offices. You will need good hiking boots, plan for rain, long sleeve shirts, water, snacks, long pants, long socks, gloves, hire porter as well as money to tip the guides. The common accommodation facilities include; Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Lodge and many more.