How To Book A Gorilla Trekking Permit In Congo

Booking Congo gorilla permits is not as easy as it is in Uganda and Rwanda. There is no online platform for booking a gorilla permit in Congo and hence one has to do it directly with Virunga tourism office or through any trusted travel agent offering Congo gorilla safaris. Gorilla Trek Africa is your ultimate safari company to book and reserve a gorilla permit in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s with no doubt that Congo has the least number of travelers doing gorilla safaris compared the neighboring Uganda and Rwanda where gorilla permits sell out due to high demand. The continuous rebel threats and civil conflicts have made Congo an insecure gorilla destination limiting the number of tourists. For long, Congo has been a victim of rebel attacks especially in Virunga national park, the center for Congo gorilla safaris. The few visits have kept Congo natural and a hidden gem offering you fresh and less crowded gorilla encounters.

Where to trek gorillas in Congo
Travers trekking gorillas in Congo have two options for gorilla destinations. Visit Congo to trek mountain gorillas in Virunga national park or eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National park.

In other words, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the only destination to see 2 gorilla species giving travelers a chance to do multiple gorilla trek experiences. Virunga national park has 8 mountain gorilla families, namely Lulengo, Kabirizi, Humba, Munyaga, Rugendo, Mapuwa, Bageni, and Nyakamwe gorilla families habituated for trekking. Interestingly, each gorilla family is unique in its own kind offering you an exceptional experience. Like in Uganda and Rwanda, each gorilla family is visited by a group of 8 people per day for an hour’s interaction.

Congo gorilla permits prices
The Democratic Republic of Congo offers you the cheapest gorilla permit at $450 each. This is far cheap compared to $1500 in Rwanda and $700 in Uganda with effect from 1st July 2020. A gorilla permit is a must-have for anyone visiting gorillas in Congo. Anyone without a permit will not be allowed to trek the endangered gorillas in Virunga and Kahuzi Biega national parks.

Booking a gorilla trip in Congo
You can either book direct with Virunga tourism office in Goma or contact Gorilla Trek Africa for tailor-made Congo gorilla safaris. Booking is advised at least 4 months to the trekking date to ensure timely planning and smooth flow of all operations. Interestingly, our Congo gorilla packages are flexible and can be adjusted to meet every traveler’s needs, budget and time.

Other tourist activities in Congo
Besides gorilla trekking, the democratic republic of Congo offers you much more tourism experiences to see and do making your experience a complete package. Among the must-do activities in Congo include:

Nyiragongo Volcano hiking

Donot dare miss hiking to the summit of Nyiragongo Volcano, which houses the world’s largest lava lake. The active strata volcano is situated in the heart of Virunga national park and is the most hiked volcano in the chain of Virunga Volcano Mountains. The main crater of Nyiragongo Volcano is roughly two kilometers wide and usually contains a lava lake. The crater presently has two distinct cooled lava benches within the crater walls. Nyiragongo’s lava lake has at times been the most voluminous known lava lake in recent history. The depth of the lava lake varies considerably. Hiking starts at10: 00 am preceded by a safety briefing at the base of the volcano in Kibati Village. The actual hiking time is roughly 6-7 hours depending on your physical fitness and hiking abilities. You spend an overnight on the summit of the Volcano to experience the glowing lava lake, which is clearly seen at night. A 3 Days Nyiragongo Volcano tour is the best package for you. When going for Nyiragongo volcano hiking, endeavor to carry sleeping gear, wear hiking boots, wear gardening gloves, carry warm jackets for cold nights, drinking water and energy-giving snacks.

Lola Ya Bonono
Spare time to visit Lola ya Bonobo, the sanctuary for critically endangered bonobos. Enjoy the company of adorable bonobos, learn about their social behaviors and have an up-close encounter with them. Bonobos are the close relative to human beings sharing over 99.9% human genes. The resemblance of Bonobos to humans is like looking in a mirror and definitely worth a visit.

Zongo Falls
Visit the beautiful 65m high waterfalls of Zongo to experience and enjoy the beauty of this wonderful natural beauty. You will fall in love with the natural beauty and breathtaking rain forest. Enjoy the falling river with shattering noise, the serenity and witness the fall of this legendary mythical which people call “Eternal Rain”. The road from Kishasha to Zongo falls is rocky and bumpy but the experience of being at the waterfall is magical and worth the effort.

Lake Kivu
Refresh and chill on the shores of Lake Kivu with scenic views of the surrounding mountains and the emerald green waters. Take a boat cruise o to explore the different island of Lake Kivu and enjoy the cold breezes of the lake. Sunbathing and swimming on the beaches is not miss at Lake Kivu.

The Democratic Republic of Congo remains your best and affordable gorilla destination in Africa. Contact Gorilla Trek Africa today, book our gorilla permit to enjoy memorable gorilla encounters, Nyiragongo volcano hiking and other wildlife experiences in Congo at affordable rates in the shortest time possible.