Gorilla Tracking in Congo vs Rwanda

Compare Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda with Maranatha Tours and Travel. Gorilla trekking is popular in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park, while Volcanoes National Park is the main destination in Rwanda. Both places allow year-round gorilla tracking, but each has a distinct and unique experience.
While the basic norms and procedures for gorilla trekking are the same in both countries, the total experience varies, including landscape, wildlife encounters, and park dynamics. Trekking in Virunga National Park in Congo, as compared to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, can provide benefits such as a deeper historical context, larger gorilla families, and a more isolated wilderness experience.

Two gorilla trekking parks

Congo boasts two gorilla tracking venues Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Park, giving you the option of where to track, and both are safe and accessible year-round, unlike Rwanda, which only has Virunga National Park. Travelers on Congo gorilla safaris might choose to hike mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park or Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park. 

Cheap gorilla permits 

Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is often less expensive than in Rwanda, making it one of the most economical gorilla tracking experiences in Africa. A gorilla permit in Congo costs around $400 per person each trek and can be used in either the Virunga or Kahuzi-Biega National Parks. Purchasing a permit not only gives you the amazing opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close, but it also directly supports current conservation initiatives, which play an important role in conserving Congo’s gorilla populations and ecosystems. 

Easy to Hike

The hiking paths in Congo’s gorilla national parks are generally easier and less strenuous than those in Rwanda, providing hikers with a more open environment and unimpeded views of the surrounding surroundings. In most situations, it takes less than three hours to reach the gorilla family, though the time may vary based on the group you are following.

Two gorilla species

Congo provides guests with a unique opportunity to trek with both mountain and lowland gorillas because the two gorilla parks are located close together. This allows guests to enjoy a double gorilla walk in a single trip. In contrast, gorilla interactions in Rwanda are limited to Volcanoes National Park in the country’s northwest, where only mountain gorillas can be found.

Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage 

Visiting Congo for gorilla tracking provides travelers with a unique opportunity to view gorillas at the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, which is not available anywhere else in the world. The orphanage is strategically located within walking distance of Virunga National Park, allowing visitors to combine wildlife observation and conservation education in a single trip. Virunga National Park also provides a gorilla habituation experience, in which trekkers can spend around four hours with gorillas—an immersive activity comparable to, but distinct from, that offered in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. This private trip in Congo costs roughly $600 per person per trek and includes both adventure and insight into gorilla conservation initiatives. 

Hike Nyiragongo Volcano

In addition to gorilla trekking, Congo offers travelers a magical hike to the summit of mount Nyiragongo, which hosts the World’s largest Lava Lake. The mountain found within the Virunga National Park gives you a second chance to enrich your adventurous experience

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda Vs Congo

The drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, to Volcanoes National Park is very short and convenient, taking around two hours by automobile on typically well-maintained roads—much easier than traveling to Virunga National Park, Congo. Gorilla tracking safaris in Rwanda can be personalized to your specific schedule. You can choose a one-day walk or a two-day safari that starts and concludes in Kigali. Hiking to the Dian Fossey Graveyard is a unique Rwandan experience. Dian Fossey, an American primatologist, dedicated her life to saving mountain gorillas, and her memorial gives visitors with an insightful look into the history and conservation of these endangered primates. 

Volcanoes National Park also provides golden monkey trekking, which adds another layer to your animal encounter. The park is home to approximately 12 gorilla families that live alongside golden monkeys, resulting in a unique and stunning environment. Rwanda’s luxury lodges are another draw, with world-class accommodations like as Bisate Lodge, One & Only Nyungwe, Gorilla’s Nest, and Singita Kwitonda providing a higher-end safari experience than what is currently offered in Congo. Rwandan gorilla trekking is a long-term conservation initiative that helps local populations greatly. Permit price increases have increased community revenue-sharing from 5% to 10%, benefiting projects including schools, hospitals, local enterprises, clean water programs, and improved sanitation. These efforts have improved the quality of life in the communities surrounding the park. 

Volcanoes National Park is home to around 160 habituated mountain gorillas divided into 12 groups, with up to 96 gorilla permits available each day—more than Congo’s 8 habituated families combined.Rwanda is known for its safety, order, and cleanliness. Governance is transparent, with little corruption, ensuring that operations function smoothly and effectively.