Are you planning an amazing gorilla tour or a gorilla trekking safari in Africa? Congo tours should be part of the plan. The Gorilla trekking tours in Congo give travelers a thrilling safari experience.

The untamed beauty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is reason number one for taking on a gorilla tour in Congo. Located in central East Africa, Congo (Zaire) is the largest country in Africa. The country has several raw or untamed safari destinations. Tourism in Congo is not as vibrant as that of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. This implies that a gorilla tour or gorilla trekking safari in Congo is a journey to discovering the hidden treasures of the land.

National Parks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are crow-free throughout the year. This facilitates an up-close encounter with wildlife while on your Congo gorilla safari. Visiting a national park that has less number of tourists allows you to spend more time with the guides and learn more about a destination.

Congo can be accessed and connected to other African safari destinations. It is possible to take on a combined gorilla trekking tour or safari to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. One of the most popular safari packages in Africa is the 20 days wildebeest migration and gorilla trekking safari (Kenya, Uganda Rwanda, and Congo).

Lastly, Congo offers the cheapest gorilla trekking permits in East Africa. It is important to note that you do not have to break the bank for a gorilla trekking tour in Congo. In comparison to other gorilla trekking destinations like Uganda and Rwanda, Congo offers the cheapest rates for gorilla trekking safaris. A mountain gorilla trekking permit in Congo (Virunga National Park) goes for USD 400 per person per day. On the other hand, gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park go for USD 1500 and 800 per person per day respectively.

Located in the Virunga massif (Virunga Conservation Area) on the eastern side of DR Congo, Virunga National Park is a reliable gorilla trekking destination in Africa. The park is rich with diverse animal and bird species.  The park is home to almost half of the world’s gorilla population. Visiting Virunga National Park for a gorilla trekking tour in Congo allows you to follow a gorilla family and monitor their behaviors.

Virunga National Park has over 9 habituated gorilla families available for trekking. The park also allows travelers to hike to the most active volcano in Africa – Mount Nyiragongo. Mount Nyiragongo is part of a chain of 7 mountains spanning the areas of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. This is the Virunga massif comprising 4 national parks. The parks include; Virunga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Mgahinga National Park. All these parks are famous destinations for primate safaris in Africa.

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Parks starts early in the morning. Upon finishing breakfast at about 6:00 am, travelers got to the park headquarters for a pre-gorilla trekking briefing. It is here that they get to know about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking tours in Congo. After the briefing, travelers are grouped and assigned a particular gorilla family to track. The trekking begins there and then. Under the leadership of an experienced gorilla trekking guide, you will meet the gorilla family. Upon meeting the gorilla family, you are given one hour to spend in their presence. Take as many photos as you wish but do not forget to follow the gorilla trekking rules and regulations or gorilla trekking etiquette strictly. Travelers return to their lodges for lunch and dinner.

Did you know that Congo has a unique species of gorillas? Visiting Kahuzi-Biega National Park allows you to enjoy a different recipe on your Congo gorilla tours. You will get up close with lowland dwellers. This kind of tracking requires less physical fitness and expertise since the gorillas dwell in lowland areas. You will spend time monitoring these magical apes and learn the difference between lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas.

A mountain gorilla trekking permit in Congo (Virunga National Park) goes for USD 400 per person per day. It is important to note that this is not the overall price for a gorilla tour in Congo. You should consider transport and accommodation, depending on the number of days for your trip. It is advisable to book your permit with a tour operator in advance before setting off for your gorilla trekking tour.

The dry months of June to September and December to February are considered the best time. However, gorilla trekking in Congo is an all-year-round adventure. During the dry seasons, trails are not slippery since there are low chances of rain. Rain seasons are also good since they come with a reduction in accommodation prices.

Other than gorilla tours, visitor can engage in the following activities;

• Mountain hiking
• Birding tours
• Guided natures walk
• Wildlife safaris
• Adventure safaris
• Cycling tours