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Budget Gorilla Trekking Congo

Gorilla trekking Congo price, Congo gorilla trekking packages, Best congo gorilla trekking, Congo Gorilla trekking Reddit, Virunga National Park gorilla trekking, Virunga gorilla trek cost, Gorillas in DRC, Congo safari

Budget Gorilla Trekking Congo

Gorilla trekking in Congo, Congo gorilla tours, Congo gorilla safaris 

Congo Gorilla Trekking Tours – The Democratic Republic Of Congo is one of 3 countries in the world where you can see the mountain gorillas in their habitat. Congo however has both the Mountain and Lowland Gorillas making it unique as compared to Uganda and Rwanda the other two gorilla tracking destinations.Congo Gorilla Trekking

While planning your Congo gorilla tour, there are two destinations to consider i.e Virunga National Park for the mountain Gorillas or Kahuzi Biega national Park for the lowland gorillas. You may consider tracking both the lowland and mountain gorillas also available in our packages.  The Congo gorilla trekking permits cost $400 buts other costs and high lodge prices make the congo Gorilla trekking safari price difference with Uganda and Rwanda minimal.
While on your Congo gorilla trekking expedition, one of our most recommended add-on activity is hiking mountain Nyiragongo. Climbing Nriyagongo is a very exciting and intressting activity which takes 2 days with a night spent at the top of the mountain. The view from the top of Nyiragongo is very impressive, it’s the ultimate dream for every mountaineer.

Congo Gorilla Safari packages

We have several gorilla trekking packages in Congo ranging from short 2 day congo gorilla treks to multi day gorilla trekking, Nyiragongo hiking and wildlife safari packages.

Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Preparing for Gorilla Trekking in Congo can be quite a challenge without a good understanding of 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 journey marked by conflicts that have sparked civil unrest. As the second largest country in Africa, home to 78.74 million people, this nation is brimming with unexplored human and natural treasures waiting to be discovered. Her potential for great wealth in the future is linked to the abundant deposits of oil, gold, diamonds, and various mineral resources.

Gorilla Tracking in Virunga National Park.

The DR Congo is a treasure trove of tourism resources, featuring expansive untouched tropical rainforests, majestic mountains, sparkling crater lakes, and a variety of rare bird and animal species, including the Okapi and pygmy chimpanzee (Bonobos) – many of which remain to be explored. While some of her neighbors may boast about their proximity to the last remaining families of mountain gorillas, the Democratic Republic of Congo stands out as the sole country in the world where both lowland and mountain gorillas can be observed. 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 achieved, 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 embark on the thrilling experience of tracking both mountain gorillas and their lowland cousins in the wild. This country offers an incredible opportunity to encounter wild eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. Lowland gorillas are often found in zoos across the globe, whereas the mountain gorilla exclusively flourishes in its natural habitat. In the DR Congo, you 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 fur that equips them to thrive in the chilly heights of their mountainous habitats. Both sub-species thrive on a diet of leaves, tree shoots, and fruits. In these vibrant communities, a dominant male silverback takes the lead, ensuring the safety of his family and maintaining order among the spirited members of the group. Mountain gorilla groups often boast impressive numbers, sometimes exceeding 30 individuals. The males in both gorilla sub-species remain with their group for an extended period, while the females typically venture off to join other silverbacks or groups upon reaching maturity.

Exploring the wonders of Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

Mountain Gorilla tourism is exclusively found in 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. These reasons together create an extraordinary experience when observing a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Embarking on a journey to see 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. Essential items for your journey consist of 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. Other factors like fitness level and personal preference are also considered when assigning visitors to 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 will embark on an exhilarating journey in groups of 8, accompanied by knowledgeable park guides and vigilant armed rangers.

Gorilla Trekking in Congo offers an exhilarating experience, as the Rangers are always aware of the gorillas’ most recent whereabouts, increasing your chances of an unforgettable encounter. However, there are obstacles on the journey that might extend the time spent in locating 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 a watchful eye from the dominant silverback. Once the silverback has carefully assessed its surroundings for any potential danger, it typically allows you to continue on your way. You will have the opportunity to spend one hour with the gorilla family. This is the moment to observe and capture images of the impressive male silverback, while other group members engage in grooming, nurturing mothers care for their young, playful youngsters frolic, determined adolescents scramble up and down the small trees, and any other male silverbacks that may be present. You could 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 highlight the essence of human behavior – be sure to capture plenty of photos. Our 2-day gorilla tour in Congo package is sure to pique your interest.

Guidelines for organizing an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in the stunning Virunga National Park of Congo

Gorilla watching in Virunga offers an exhilarating experience, but be prepared for the tracking to leave you feeling worn out, sweaty, and hungry. There are a few straightforward tips and factors to consider to fully immerse yourself in the experience from the moment you step into the forest in search of the gorilla family. Consider the following suggestions:

Get ready in your mind before embarking on a gorilla tracking journey 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 are uncertain about your overall fitness, prepare for the journey by embracing the outdoors—take long walks under the sun or explore on foot for extended distances.
Stay cozy and protected with gardening gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and pants. Long and thick synthetic stockings are perfect for staying cozy in lofty heights.
Gorilla tours take place all year round, but the dry season offers the most exhilarating experience for trekking in Virunga National Park. The intense downpours from October to November and March to April can turn the pathways into a slippery, muddy challenge.
Engage the expertise of a skilled and well-structured 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 the trek ahead.
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 extra 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.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is necessary prior to entering numerous African nations. Crossing into Congo will pose a challenge without this vaccination. It is rumored that there are alternative routes for those lacking vaccination cards, but these can be lengthy and often create hassle for everyone involved. While it is not mandatory, you might consider bringing along medication for Malaria, Meningitis, typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, and malaria.
Ensure you have obtained your Congo Visa prior to your arrival in Congo. A Congo Visa is priced at $100.
Consider securing travel insurance if possible. Finding companies that cater to visitors embarking on safaris in foreign lands can be quite a challenge, yet there are indeed some that provide this exciting service.
Secure a place to stay close to where the journey begins. Stay in Goma and Bukima for an unforgettable experience while trekking with gorillas in Virunga National Park.
Journeying to Virunga National Park
Once you have secured your gorilla permit, accommodation, and Visa, you may find yourself pondering the journey to a vast land like the DR Congo, specifically to the enchanting 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 often means you will need to spend the night in a hotel in Kigali before setting off on your adventure 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 road trip from Kigali to Gisenyi spans approximately 4 hours. A private car at your service will set you back $100, whereas taking public transportation is a much more budget-friendly option. 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 Mission Africa Safaris, your adventure begins the moment you arrive at the airport. A friendly guide will be there to greet you, whisking you away to your hotel before embarking on the 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 mark your passport, and then you will proceed to the Congo side for another stamp. Once that is accomplished, you are ready to embark on your journey to Goma town in Congo and then venture into the Virunga National Park.

Embarking on a journey to track gorillas in Virunga National Park, the route from Uganda to Congo begins with a swift drive from Entebbe Airport to Kampala, thanks to the new express highway that makes the trip under an hour. The trek from Kampala to Kisoro, the closest town to the Congo border, spans roughly 8 hours. The trek to the Bunagana border can be quite exhausting when relying on public transport. 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. A variety of bus operators traverse the Kampala – Kisoro route, including Bismarkan, Post Bus, Jaguar, and Horizon. Travelers find Post Bus coaches to be a more enjoyable experience. The best way to journey to Kisoro is by hiring a private vehicle or utilizing the services of a tour operator such as Mission Africa Safaris. Opting for a tour company offers a faster, more 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 a thrilling boat cruise across Lake Kivu, journeying all the way to 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 well in advance. 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 price of gorilla trekking 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 through your tour operator or obtained directly from the Virunga National Park headquarters. The cost of gorilla trekking in Congo includes only a small portion for the permits. It is important to think about the expenses related to getting around, where you will stay, and the necessary travel documents. Gorilla tours with Mission Africa safaris come in three exciting 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 and $2000 for luxury. For those looking to embark on a budget gorilla trekking adventure independently, there is no need to reserve the pricier accommodations in Goma. In the city, you will find budget-friendly places that provide excellent services.

Places to stay while exploring the wonders of gorilla tours in Virunga National Park

A gorilla safari in Virunga National Park offers a thrilling selection of accommodation options tailored to your budget and preferences. The diverse options for lodging are categorized into luxury, mid-range, and budget or basic accommodations.

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 may be devoid of 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 are the 2 or 3 star facilities that offer a bit more comfort, with prices ranging from $100 to $290 per night. These provide a broader array of services in contrast to the budget lodging. They typically feature self-contained rooms, improved bedding, in-room televisions, dining services, 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 more popular lodges within the Virunga National Park

Kibumba Tented Camp and Lodge: Kibumba lodge is a fresh addition to the offerings within the stunning 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, linen bedding, and dining and lounge services.

Mikeno Lodge: This exquisite lodge is nestled close to Goma town and features twelve thatched opulent rooms crafted from mahogany and adorned with lava stones. The prime setting 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 roomy en-suite bathrooms complete with stone showers and elegantly curved baths. Additionally, you will 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 meticulously maintained 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. The facility boasts a spacious swimming pool, well-equipped conference rooms, reliable WiFi, a fitness and beauty center, and uninterrupted power supply.

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