Looking to book impressive Congo safaris and gorilla trekking tours in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park, or hike Mount Nyiragongo in Goma? Look no further! Congo has two gorilla species, the eastern lowland gorillas in Bukavu and mountain gorillas in Goma, making it a top African safari destination. Congo is also the second largest country in Africa and a major contributor of oxygen to the planet, as per multile Congo travel guides.
Virunga National Park is the oldest park in Africa and offers a unique gorilla trekking experience with stunning scenic views. Additionally, Kahuzi Biega National Park is home to lowland gorillas. Hiking Mount Nyiragongo to see its lava lake is another must-do activity. Let us tailor a lifetime safari in Congo for you at affordable rates. Check out our packages below or read through our detailed Congo travel guide after the itineraries section.
Top Congo Safaris and Tours - Compare Vacation Packages
Despite the prolonged instability over the years in the Congo tourism industry, the security of Congo is bound to improve, especially for open tourist attractions.
So many tourists have always wanted to visit Virunga, but due to the instability in the country, many have backed out and visited neighboring countries instead.
This has been a major hindrance for Congo gorilla trekking tours, except for those that trek with lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Trekking gorillas in Congo is also one way of conserving mountain gorillas.
Over the years, many mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park have been poached for various reasons like bush meat and medicine, causing their numbers to decrease.
The remaining ones are often fearful of humans.
When you go gorilla trekking in Congo, the money you spend on gorilla trekking permits is used to conserve these primates and help their population grow.
You can support Virunga by booking gorilla trips.
You do not always have to donate to them; trekking Congo gorillas is an easy way to show your support.
Where to go for a Gorilla safari in Congo
Virunga National Park, Congo
Virunga National Park Travel
Virunga National Park is the number one destination for trekking mountain gorillas in Congo.
However, it’s important to note that the gorilla groups in this park are still in the process of habituation, which means they are not yet fully accustomed to human presence and may not be available for trekking by tourists at this time.
Although they are similar, they have a few differences in terms of habitat, size, behaviors, and diet.
The Bonobo, also known as dwarf or gracile chimpanzees and sometimes referred to as the Pygmy chimpanzee, is a species of chimpanzee that inhabits the primary and secondary forests of the Congo basin in the Democratic Republic of Congo, located in Central Africa.
Bonobo chimpanzees are distinguished from common chimpanzees by their parted long hair on the head, tail tuft, black face, pink lips, and longer legs.
There has been little research about Bonobo chimpanzees due to their timidity, which has been exacerbated by the political instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The estimated population of Bonobos in the wilderness is between 30,000 to 50,000 individuals, categorizing them as an endangered species.
Bonobos have been observed to resolve conflicts through sexual contact, which is a unique behavior compared to other species of chimpanzees that may resort to violence when outsiders encroach on their territories.
Congo Safaris – What to Expect!
Mount Nyiragongo Volcano, Congo
If you are looking for an affordable gorilla trekking destination, Congo should be at the top of your bucket list.
Congo gorilla permits cost only $400 each, and in some scenarios, you might be subject to further discounts.
These permits are the cheapest compared to Uganda’s $700 and Rwanda’s $1500.
The mountain gorillas are the same, and I would say the trek in Congo is much more interesting because of Virunga’s scenery.
Congo gorilla trekking hasn’t been experienced by many, making the experience feel more raw.
The gorillas are less visited and won’t try to hide away from humans, unlike in other gorilla tracking destinations.
We also arrange combined gorilla trips where you can visit Congo and other gorilla trekking destinations.
We offer what we have experienced and will provide you with advice on potential challenges you might face.
In case of emergencies, our team will always be there to assist you.
Best Time to See Gorillas in Congo
Congo is a tropical country, hence it experiences two dry seasons and two wet seasons in a year.
Although the park can be visited all year round, some months are better than others.
For example, from June to August and December to February are the best months for visiting the park when the roads leading to the park are in good condition, and the trekking trails are not very slippery and muddy.
Congo Gorilla Permits
When thinking of traveling to Africa to trek mountain gorillas, you need to obtain a gorilla permit that will give you permission to trek gorillas.
Gorilla permits must be booked in advance, at least 3 months prior to arrival, to avoid disappointment at the last moment.
Persons under the age of 15 years will not be allowed to trek gorillas.
You can use a trusted local travel agent that will help with the whole process of getting a permit, transportation, and accommodation as well.
For travelers on a strict budget but who would like to trek mountain gorillas in Africa, Congo offers the cheapest mountain gorilla permits compared to other gorilla trekking destinations.
Gorilla permits cost $400 for foreign non-residents, $200 for foreign residents, and $250 for Congolese citizens.
Congo also offers tourists discounted low season gorilla permits from March 15th to May 15th and from October 15th to December 15th.
Kabirizi gorilla family was initially called Ndugutse mountain gorilla family, though the name was later changed to Kabirizi in loving memory of ICCN director called Kabirizi who died in a traffic accident in the 1990s.
At the time of habituation, the group was dominated by Silverback Ndugutse, who later died in crossfire between the Rwandese rebels and the Congo army within the park in 1997.
Kabirizi is currently facing challenges from another silverback known as Masibo.
Humba Gorilla Family
Humba gorilla family was formed when silverback Humba left Rugendo mountain gorilla family with six members to start up his own in 1998.
Humba expanded his family, and they reached 16 members until 2014 when his brother Nyakamwe left with 10 members to make his own family.
Nyakamwe Gorilla Family
Nyakamwe gorilla family is one of the newly habituated gorilla groups in Virunga national park.
The group was formed when silverback Nyakamwe split from Humba gorilla family to start his own family.
This group can be trekked from Bukima areas of the park.
Bageni Gorilla Family
Bageni gorilla family is one of the interesting gorilla groups to visit while at Virunga because they are many in number.
The group was formed when silverback Bageni split off from Kabirizi mountain gorilla family to start his own.
Munyaga Gorilla Family
Munyaga gorilla family was also one of the lucky groups to have twins in the park although the twins died before barely reaching their first birthday.
The group is dominated by Silverback Gasore, and another interesting factor about this group is the bald-headed silverback known as Kadogo.
Rugendo Gorilla Family
Rugendo gorilla family is one of the early habituated gorilla groups at Virunga national park in 1989.
The group derives its name from silverback Rugendo that dominated the group at the time of habituation.
The group is now dominated by Bukima the silverback, and the former dominating silverback Rugendo is known to have fathered a lot of silverbacks now leading gorilla groups in Virunga.
Lulengo Gorilla Family
Lulengo gorilla family was first known as Masekura gorilla family, but the name was later changed in loving memory of the park technical director who died on a land mine.
Lulengo the dominating silverback of the group stepped in to dominate after the death of his father Rugabo who was killed by poachers.
Lulengo mountain gorilla family can be trekked around Jomba area near the Uganda-Congo border.
Mapuwa Gorilla Family
Mapuwa gorilla family was part of Rugendo gorilla family until silverback Mapuwa decided to take two females with him to start up his own family.
Mapuwa is known for being ambitious, fighting other gorilla groups to grab members to add up to his family.
He one time engaged in a fight with silverback Pilipili and took away all his members, leaving him a lone silverback.
Birding Safaris in Congo
Birding in Congo
With over 1,189 bird species recorded in Congo, there is no better destination we can recommend than this.
These species include endemic birds, those introduced by humans, and accidental species residing in swamps, mountains, forests, and various national parks such as Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega.
With the guidance of an expert birder, some of the bird species you may encounter include Guineafowl, flamingos, geese, ducks, waterfowl, pigeons, nightjars, bustards, turacos, finfoots, thick-knees, plovers, Egyptian plovers, cranes, jacanas, jaegers, skimmers, pratincoles, Anhinga, storks, pelicans, shoebills, shags, hammerkops, egrets, secretary birds, herons, ibises, eagles, osprey, barn-owls, mousebirds, trogons, starlings, wood hoopoes, kingfishers, hornbills, rollers, bee-eaters, bulbuls, African barbets, pittas, honeyguides, falcons, new world parrots, green broadbills, shrikes, reed warblers, tree creepers, and drongos, among others.
Birding safaris are best conducted during the morning hours or in the afternoon with the guidance of an experienced birder.
This is one of the most affordable safari options in the country and can be done either independently or as a combination with any other safari.
Camping Safaris in Congo
Tchegera Island Camp, Congo
In the parks, there are camps where you can spend the night, enjoy a campfire, and listen to the sounds of the wilderness in the dead of night.
You can either set up your own camp in designated areas or use those already established in the location.
Camping options range from budget to luxury, and they provide a safe and secure experience.
Packing List for your Congo Safari
Your backpack or suitcase should only contain items needed for the trip.
Depending on the number of destinations you intend to visit or the number of days you plan to spend, here are some of the items you will need for the trip:
A hat to protect your head
Gloves for your hands
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots to navigate the park
A raincoat
Your passport
A visa
A yellow fever vaccine certificate
A gorilla trekking permit if you plan to engage in trekking
A camera for photography
Appropriate clothing
Stockings
A power bank for recharging your devices
Binoculars for capturing distant creatures
A sleeping bag in case you need to spend the night
A flashlight
A first aid kit
A phone for communication with your family and friends
Sanitary towels
Among other essentials.
Best Time to Visit Congo for Travel Holidays
The best months for your gorilla safaris in Congo are January to February and May through to September.
The other months are rainy, and given Congo’s road network, visiting during the rainy season is not advisable.
While you can’t predict the weather during your Congo safari, you can reduce uncertainty by booking your safari for the dry months.
