DR Congo Gorilla Tours
DR Congo Gorilla Tours are the best way to learn about primates in Africa, especially the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Consider this virgin destination for your next African vacation. D.R. Congo provides a unique opportunity to see two gorilla species at the same time. These are Eastern lowland gorillas and the mountain gorillas that live in the south-Kivu region and on the foothills of the Virunga mountain ranges respectively. The two have been adapted to the continent of Africa’s high-altitude areas in the east and central regions. The eastern lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas are two different species belonging to the large eastern gorilla category.
Eastern gorillas have enormous proportions, short hair and spend most of their time on the ground. Endangered mountain gorillas, on the other hand, are fascinating creatures with dark hair that enjoy spending time on the ground and rarely in treetops and they feed as a family. These gorillas roam freely in the misty forests, occasionally feasting on the rich foliage, fruits, and insects. The reason to go gorilla trekking in D.R. Congo is because of is one of the few gorilla destinations in the world that presents affordability and life-changing moments.
Congo is part of the three major gorilla destinations for gorilla tours
There are three well-known gorilla trekking destinations on planet Earth; Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, all of which share the huge Virunga Mountain range. The highest mountain gorilla population is found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which has almost 50% of its total numbers. While Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, volcanoes National Park in the Republic of Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo present the other half of all mountain gorillas and Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is home to the continent’s biggest concentration of eastern lowland gorillas.
D.R. Congo is a less expensive gorilla trekking destination as compared to other gorilla countries, making it ideal for budget travelers and those with limited time but want to see their cousins – mountain gorillas. Unlike Uganda, which charges $800, and Rwanda, which charges $1500, a Democratic Republic of Congo permit only costs $400 per person. The price is valid per day, per participant, 14 years and older for only the hiking day. The payment covers park entrance, ranger guide fees, contribution to the conservation of the gorilla habitat, and contribution to the park’s surrounding community.
Contrary to popular belief, the Democratic Republic of Congo is a safe safari destination with good infrastructure, security, and unmatched hospitality. It is located in the central part of Africa, along a 25-mile Atlantic Ocean coastline, though it is landlocked. It is Africa’s second-largest country, after Algeria, with Kinshasa as its capital. It is bordered on the east by the Republic of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania, to the north by South Sudan and the Central African Republic, to the southeast by Zambia, and to the southwest by Angola.
With high plateaus, low coastal plains, gorgeous valleys, and large water bodies, the Congo is a magnificent destination to visit. Its climate is influenced by tropical climatic conditions, with the dry season spanning from April to October, depending on distance from the equator, and the wet season from December to March. However, whether it rains or shines, it only lasts a few hours and not the entire day.
Gorilla tours are available to anyone from anywhere on the planet to celebrate a wedding anniversary, a honeymoon escape, a primate trekking vacation, research, school group trips, business vacations, and more, whether traveling solo or in a group. It can be adapted to your budget and made opulent, with everything you’ll need for the vacation already in place. When it comes to planning this gorilla excursion, we recommend going with the most trustworthy, registered, and trusted tour operator.
As previously noted, Congo Gorilla excursions take you to the misty tropical jungles of Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park, two of the continent’s most popular safari destinations.
Gorilla Trekking Destinations in Congo
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park, which was first established in 1925 as Africa’s first national park and was renamed some years later to its current name, has evolved into one of the most popular gorilla trekking destinations on the African continent. The park is located in D.R. Congo’s eastern region, between the Congo-Nile banks and lush Albertine Rift, north of the Semuliki river basin.
Nyamuragira, Mikeno, and Nyiragongo mountains, which are covered by montane forests at the base, border the Republic of Rwanda and run to the coasts of Lake Kivu. Nyiragongo volcano, which is one of the world’s most active volcanic mountains is located in the park’s neighborhood. Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda’s southern region connect to the park from the north.
There are over 700 bird species, 2,077 plant species, 197 animal species, 65 amphibian species, and over 197 mammal species. These figures are susceptible to vary due to reproduction, conservation, and other factors. Virunga National Park is home to a fifth of the world’s mountain gorillas who feed, groom, and repose in the lush tropical jungle.
Visitors can track any of the approximately 10 habituated gorilla species in Virunga National Park starting early in the morning. The workout begins with your arrival at the park headquarters, where you will embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. The ranger guides greet, register, and inform all visitors about the tour, including the rules that regulate it. It takes between 2-6 hours to hike depending on your speed and how far the apes have moved, plus an hour for snapping photos and conversing with the guide about the apes’ distinctive traits. It’s a wonderful moment in the nature with your close relatives.
Kahuzi Biega National Park
Do you want to explore some more, and the thrill of discovering something new draws you in? It’s the time you spend in Kahuzi Biega National Park, which is home to the enormous eastern lowland gorillas. Mount Kahuzi and Mount. Biega are the names of two extinct volcanoes in this park. It is located near the town of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s eastern region. The park is home to the endangered eastern lowland gorillas, which tourists may interact and spend time with. Gorillas are fascinating creatures that spend most of their time roaming and grazing on the vegetation.
Keep a distance of about 7 meters from the apes to avoid infecting them, lower your voice while with the Apes, don’t litter the park with human waste or paper, wash hands before encountering the Apes, no smoking, no use of flashlights while taking photos, and only a maximum of eight people is allowed to encounter the apes in their natural habitat.
Trekking permits in the Democratic Republic of Congo cost $400 per person aged 15 and more. The gorilla permit fee is non-refundable and will be used to cover park admission charges, conservation fees, and ranger guides. The permit fee is regular and mandatory, and it does not include lodging, transportation, or other expenses. DR Congo Gorilla Tours!
Best time to do Gorilla trekking in D.R. Congo
Visitors are welcome to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo at any time of year. When it comes to Gorilla trekking, though, you’ll want to go during the dry months, which are June to early September and late December to February. Hiking is more enjoyable during the dry season since the terrain is less muddy and slippery. During the rainy season, budget tourists can still enjoy the best of their experience while braving mud and slides. You’ll need to consult your trip planner to find the optimum time to avoid disappointments caused by the weather.
Lodging facilities in D.R. Congo
Is it worth staying one night on a gorilla tour in D.R. Congo?
The answer is yes: Though people in the eastern part of Congo have a single-day tour and term it a well-done activity, those looking for comfort and the greatest safari experience should look elsewhere. In these jungles, you may need to stay in a luxury lodge, midrange lodge, budget camp, or urban hotel in one of the parks or nearby cities. Meals, room service, and bedding are all of the highest quality in most of the lodges.
What to carry for a gorilla tour in D.R. Congo?
Good hiking boots for an easy and safe hike; a water container for carrying water during the activity; a raincoat to protect you from the rain; gloves to protect your hands from the thorns; a professional camera for great photography; long-sleeved shirts, a trouser, stockings; insect repellants; first aid; the trekking permit, visa; Covid-19 negative test form and many other items. DR Congo Gorilla Tours!
Other tours in D.R. Congo
Gorilla tours aren’t the only reason to go on vacation to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hiking Mount. Nyiragongo, one of the world’s most active volcanoes with a distinctive burning Lava Lake on its top, is one of the other tours available in this fantastic location. Bird viewing, guided nature walks on spectacular paths, and dramatic cultural performances during community tours, wildlife safaris, and city tours are just a few of the activities available.
Gorilla trekking tours in the Democratic Republic of Congo provide the world’s best safari experience. This destination has more to offer than the rest of the world, and visitors are always eager to return. Enjoy DR Congo Gorilla Tours with us now.
