Virunga Gorilla Trekking

Preparing for Gorilla Trekking in Congo can be quite a challenge without insight into the country and its National Parks. Once referred to as The Belgian Congo and later Zaire, the Democratic Republic of Congo has undergone a tumultuous history marked by a succession of wars and civil unrest. As the second largest country in Africa, home to 78.74 million people, this nation boasts an abundance of untapped human and natural resources waiting to be explored. Her potential for great wealth in the future is linked to the vast treasures of oil, gold, diamonds, and other mineral resources waiting to be discovered.

Gorilla Tracking in Virunga National Park. The DR Congo is a treasure trove of tourism resources, featuring expansive untouched tropical rainforests, majestic mountains, vibrant crater lakes, and a variety of rare bird and animal species such as the Okapi and pygmy chimpanzee (Bonobos) – many of which remain to be explored. While some of her neighbors can boast about hosting many of the last families of mountain gorillas, the Democratic Republic of Congo stands out as the sole country on the planet where you can encounter both lowland and mountain gorillas. They also quietly host the rare golden monkeys.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the few places left where you can truly immerse yourself in the essence of Africa – untouched and authentic. If stability and effective governance were put in place, the Democratic Republic of Congo could effortlessly transform into a premier travel hotspot in Africa.

Gorillas in Virunga National Park are a thrilling sight to behold.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the few places where visitors can track both mountain gorillas and their lowland cousins in the wild. This country offers incredible opportunities to encounter wild eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. Lowland gorillas can be spotted in zoos across the globe, while the mountain gorilla flourishes exclusively in its natural habitat. In the DR Congo, one can embark on a journey to track lowland gorillas at Kahuzi Beiga National Park, while the majestic mountain gorillas await in Virunga National Park. Mountain gorillas tend to be more robust than their lowland counterparts, sporting darker and denser coats that equip them for life in the chilly heights. Both sub-species thrive on a diet of leaves, tree shoots, and fruits. In these vibrant communities, a dominant male silverback takes charge, ensuring the safety of his family and maintaining order among the more spirited members. Mountain gorilla groups often boast impressive numbers, sometimes exceeding 30 individuals. The males in both gorilla sub-species remain with the group for an extended period, while the females typically venture out to join other silverbacks or groups upon reaching maturity.

Exploring the wonders of Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Mountain Gorilla tourism can be experienced in just three countries – Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Gorilla trekking captivates tourists exploring Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, making it the most sought-after experience right now. This is primarily due to the fact that mountain gorillas share a close kinship with humans, are incredibly rare, and are classified as an endangered species. The combination of these factors makes observing a family of mountain gorillas an extraordinary wildlife experience.

Embarking on a journey to encounter gorillas in Congo, the adventure in Virunga National Park begins at the break of dawn on the day of the trek. Trekkers must rise with the sun, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and gather all the essentials for their thrilling journey to track the gorillas. Essentials for your journey encompass long sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, hiking shoes, warm long stockings, hand gloves, cameras, water, passport, VISA, and gorilla permits. Once everything is organized, guests make their way to the park headquarters for an exciting briefing by the park rangers and wardens. The briefing explores a variety of subjects, including the fascinating history of each gorilla group, their unique habitats, and the essential rules for trekking with these magnificent creatures. Passports will be essential for verification. Verifying passports allows the rangers to assign gorilla groups based on the trekkers’ language preferences. Additional factors like fitness level and individual preferences are also considered when matching visitors with Congo gorilla families. While you await your assignment to a specific gorilla group, you might find yourself captivated by the vibrant performances of traditional local dances. Once the briefing and gorilla group assignments are complete, you’ll embark on an exciting journey, tracking in groups of 8, accompanied by knowledgeable park guides and armed rangers.

Gorilla Trekking in Congo offers an exhilarating experience, as the likelihood of encountering these magnificent creatures is quite high, thanks to the Rangers’ expertise in tracking their most recent whereabouts. Yet, there are obstacles on the journey that could extend the time needed to locate the group. These challenges encompass unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and the considerable distance from the starting point to the specific gorilla group’s location. Once you find the gorilla group, be prepared for some keen observation from the dominant silverback. Once the silverback has carefully assessed its surroundings for any potential danger, it typically allows you to go about your business. You will have the opportunity to spend one hour with the gorilla family. This is the perfect moment to observe and capture images of the powerful male silverback, the group members engaging in grooming rituals, nurturing mothers with their young, playful juveniles frolicking about, determined adolescents scaling the short trees, and any other male silverbacks that may be present. You may catch a glimpse of some members crafting their nests for a cozy afternoon rest or getting ready for the night ahead. You will encounter incredible experiences and visuals that will evoke reflections on human behavior – be sure to capture plenty of photos. Our 2-day gorilla tour in Congo package is sure to capture your interest.

Guidelines for organizing an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in the stunning Virunga National Park of Congo
Observing gorillas in Virunga is an exhilarating experience, but keep in mind that the journey can leave you feeling exhausted, sweaty, and famished. There are a few straightforward tips and important factors to keep in mind to fully embrace the experience from the moment you step into the forest in search of the gorilla family. Here are some suggestions:

Get ready in your mind before embarking on the thrilling journey of tracking gorillas, and ensure you are in good physical shape. When prepared both physically and mentally, traversing the challenging landscape can feel like a breeze. If you’re uncertain about your overall fitness, prepare for the journey by enjoying long walks under the sun or exploring on foot for extended distances.
Stay cozy and protected with gardening gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and pants that shield you from the elements. Thick and long synthetic stockings are perfect for staying cozy in lofty heights.
Gorilla tours take place all year round, but the dry season offers the most thrilling opportunities for trekking in Virunga National Park. The downpours from October to November and March to April can transform the pathways into a slippery, muddy challenge.
Engage the expertise of a skilled and well-organized tour operator who will handle all the arrangements for your bookings. A great tour company offers you comprehensive details about the journey, lifting the weight of planning off your shoulders and allowing you to focus solely on the excitement of participating in the trek.
A thoughtfully organized gorilla trek is one that includes a high-quality camera, ample water, snacks, a waterproof backpack, and insect repellents.
Consider enlisting the help of a porter if you have heavy luggage that could weigh you down during your gorilla tracking experience.
It’s essential to secure your gorilla permits ahead of time – ideally 3 to 6 months prior to your intended trekking adventure.
Before embarking on a journey to many African countries, proof of yellow fever vaccination is essential. Crossing to Congo will pose quite a challenge without this vaccination. It is rumored that there are alternative routes for those lacking vaccination cards, but these can be quite tedious and often create hassle for everyone involved. While it’s not mandatory, you might consider bringing along medication for Malaria, Meningitis, typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, and malaria.
Ensure you have applied for the Congo Visa prior to your arrival in Congo. A visa for Congo is priced at $100.
Consider securing travel insurance if possible. Finding companies that cater to visitors seeking thrilling safari experiences in foreign lands can be a challenge, yet there are some that provide this exciting service.
Secure your stay close to the beginning of the journey. For an unforgettable experience in Virunga National Park, consider staying in Goma and Bukima.
Journeying to Virunga National Park
Once you’ve secured your gorilla permit, accommodation, and Visa, you may find yourself pondering the journey to a vast destination like the DR Congo, specifically Virunga National Park. Your journey begins with your arrival at either Kigali International Airport in Rwanda or Entebbe Airport in Uganda.

The journey from Rwanda to Congo begins with flights landing in Kigali during the late afternoon or evening. This timing suggests that an overnight stay in a hotel in Kigali may be necessary before setting off to the Congo border, as the border offices operate on a limited schedule. Embark on your journey to the border at the break of dawn tomorrow. The trip from Kigali to Gisenyi spans approximately 4 hours by road. A hired private car will cost you $100 while public transportation costs way less. From Gisenyi, you can hop into a local taxi for under a dollar to cross into the Congo Rwanda Border. When you choose a tour company like Maseke Adventure Co., your adventure begins the moment you arrive at the airport. A guide will be there to greet you, whisking you away to your hotel before embarking on an exciting journey to the border and park the following day.

To cross the border into Congo, ensure you have your yellow fever vaccination certificate, passport, and a Congo visa ready. Border officials from Rwanda will eagerly stamp your passport, inviting you to embark on a journey as you cross over for another stamp at the Congo side office. Once you’ve accomplished that, you’re ready to embark on your journey to Goma town in Congo and then venture into the breathtaking Virunga National Park.

Embarking on a journey to track gorillas in Virunga National Park along the Uganda – Congo route: Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, a swift drive of less than an hour on the new express highway will take you to Kampala. The trek from Kampala to Kisoro, the closest town to the Congo border, spans roughly 8 hours. The trek to the Bunagana border is quite exhausting when relying on public transportation. If you choose to take public transport, be ready to spend between $15 and $20, as fares tend to rise during festive times like Easter and Christmas. Several bus operators traverse the Kampala – Kisoro route, including Bismarkan, Post Bus, Jaguar, and Horizon. Travelers find Post Bus coaches to be quite cozy and enjoyable. The best way to journey to Kisoro is by hiring a private vehicle or utilizing the services of a tour operator such as Maseke Adventure Co. Opting for a tour company offers a more efficient, secure, and enjoyable experience. Kisoro can be reached by air via the Kajjansi airstrip situated along the Kampala – Entebbe highway. Upon arriving in Bunagana, the drive to Virunga National Park is a mere 30 minutes along the road.

Water transport: For those seeking excitement, there is an alternative route to reach Goma in Congo. Embark on an exhilarating boat cruise across the stunning waters of Lake Kivu, leading you to the vibrant shores of Goma in DR Congo. The boat cruise is priced between $300 and $400 and lasts approximately 5 hours. The pricier speed boats make the journey to Goma in just 3 hours. The speed boats are in great demand, so be sure to secure your booking ahead of time. Given the current security circumstances in the region, we suggest opting for public boats rather than private ones.

N.B: Journeying across the border to Congo from Rwanda or Uganda typically takes under 10 minutes, provided you have all the necessary documentation in hand. Ensure that your Visa is secured and that you have your yellow fever vaccination card ready before you book your flight.

The expense of embarking on a gorilla trekking journey in Congo
Accommodation in Virunga National Park: A mountain gorilla permit in Congo costs $400, which is more affordable than in Rwanda ($400) or Uganda ($600). There are opportunities to snag them at reduced prices during the quieter times of the year. Gorilla permits can be secured via your tour operator or directly at the Virunga National Park headquarters. The cost of gorilla permits is only a small part of the overall expense for an exhilarating trek in Congo. One must consider the expenses related to getting around, places to stay, and necessary travel documents. Gorilla tours with Maseke Adventure Co. offer an exciting range of experiences across three distinct categories – Luxury, Mid-range, and Budget. The ultimate price will vary based on the category you select. The estimated cost of a 3-day gorilla tour is $1500 for budget options and $2000 for luxury experiences. For those looking to embark on a budget gorilla trekking adventure independently, there’s no need to reserve the pricier accommodations in Goma. In the city, you can find budget-friendly places that provide excellent services.

Staying in the heart of gorilla tours in Virunga National Park
A gorilla safari in Virunga National Park offers a thrilling array of accommodation options tailored to fit your budget and preferences. The different types of accommodations are categorized into luxury, mid-range, and budget or basic options.

Hotels and Lodges in Virunga National Park: The Budget Accommodation: These are affordable options that provide essential services such as simple bedding and dining facilities where you can enjoy well-prepared meals. However, these might be missing amenities such as bars, television, and warm bath showers. However, that was merely a broad statement. Many budget accommodations will astonish you with their quality and personal services that feel anything but budget-friendly.

The Mid-Range Accommodations: These include the 2 or 3 star facilities that come at a slightly higher price, ranging from $100 to $290 per night. These provide a broader array of services than the budget accommodations. They typically feature self-contained rooms, enhanced bedding, in-room televisions, dining services, as well as restaurants and bars.

Luxury Accommodation: These facilities are classified as 5-star hotels or lodges, strategically located to enable visitors to soak in the breathtaking scenery of Virunga National Park. The prices vary from $250 to $500. These facilities provide exceptional services featuring fantastic rooms, delightful restaurants, and vibrant bars.

Let’s explore some of the most popular lodges within Virunga National Park.

Kibumba Tented Camp and Lodge: Kibumba lodge is one of the newly opened lodges within the Virunga National Park. Nestled at the base of Mount Nyiragongo along a rugged path to the park, Kibumba lodge presents a variety of accommodations, including tented camps and beautifully adorned permanent rooms, catering to budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers alike. The budget rooms are priced at $200 per night. Prepare to discover private bathrooms, round-the-clock hot water showers, cozy linen bedding, and delightful dining and lounge services.

Mikeno Lodge: This exquisite lodge is nestled near Goma town and features twelve thatched opulent rooms crafted from mahogany and adorned with lava stones. The prime location of Mikeno Lodge adjacent to Virunga National Park offers guests incredible wildlife encounters, including the chance to observe chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of bird species right from their rooms. The lodge features expansive en-suite bathrooms complete with stone showers and elegantly curved baths. Additionally, you’ll find a dining hall, bar, and a cozy lounging area complete with a fireplace.

Lac Kivu Lodge is nestled in Goma, right on the shores of one of Africa’s most stunning lakes – Lake Kivu. The hotel boasts 20 rooms adorned with African style decorations, offering stunning views of a beautifully manicured garden on one side and the serene Lake Kivu on the other. In addition to the stunning landscapes, they provide en-suite bathrooms equipped with Nespresso coffee machines and luxurious Italian showers. There is a large swimming pool, conference rooms, WiFi, a fitness/beauty center and constant power.