Congo Gorilla Trekking – Virunga & Kahuzi-Biega Gorilla Safaris

Congo Gorilla Tours & Safaris - Ultimate Guide for Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Congo Gorilla Trekking Experience takes you on a trek to see not only mountain gorillas but also the Eastern Lowland gorillas in their natural habitat.

Trekking to see these world's Great Apes is undoubtedly a lifetime experience.

The Congo Gorilla Trekking adventures are offered to holidaymakers only in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park.

About Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are an endangered species of primates endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda.

They live in the tropical rain-forests of the Virunga region and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Mountain gorillas are our closest relatives, sharing 98% of their DNA with humans.

They have low birthrates, with females having only 1-2 fertile days in a month.

Once a female gorilla conceives, it goes through a gestation period of 8 and a half months.

Female mountain gorillas wean their infants from birth, as they are just as vulnerable as human babies, surviving on breast milk.

The mothers carry their children on their backs and protect them with their lives.

Baby mountain gorillas sleep in the same nest as their mothers until about 4 years old when they can sleep in their own nests but still close to their mothers.

Gorillas are very social and gentle animals, living in groups dominated by Silverbacks.

They are usually calm but can become very dangerous when they feel threatened.

Even then, they first send a warning to their opponent by throwing vegetation, making loud hoots, screaming, beating their chests, and many other expressions.

If their warning doesn't deter the opponent, then a gorilla will charge, which can be very dangerous.

Mountain gorillas spend most of their day foraging for vegetation, with females eating up to around 18 kilograms of vegetation while males can eat up to 34 kilograms of vegetation in a day.

They start foraging early in the morning until midday when they rest while grooming and then resume foraging until evening when they build their nests.

Mountain gorillas build new nests daily on the ground, except on some occasions when it's extremely wet, then they can sleep in the same nests as the previous day.

Young mountain gorillas below the age of four years sleep in the same nests as their mothers until they reach four years when they make their own nests but sleep close to their mothers' nests.

Mountain gorillas are also very intelligent, as observed by their use of logs to cross streams, checking the depth of a river, using sticks to pick termites from holes, using stones to crush nuts, and more.

They also use different sounds and body language for communication.

For unknown reasons, mountain gorillas are afraid of chameleons and caterpillars.

Infant gorillas, who are always fond of following any creeping thing, avoid caterpillars and chameleons when they come across them on their way.

Congo Gorilla Trekking Experience in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is a splendid UNESCO Heritage Site protecting an estimated number of about 300 mountain gorillas.

It is an expansive park covering an area of 7,800 sq.km in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Virunga National Park in Congo presently consists of 8 habituated gorilla group families.

The mountain gorillas in this park are concentrated in the southern part, and the groups to expect to track here include Humba gorilla family, Mapuwa family, Kabirizi, Nyakamwe group, Munyaga gorilla family, Lulengo, Rugendo, and Bageni.

Virunga National Park is one of Africa's oldest parks, created in 1925 with the primary purpose of protecting the endangered mountain gorillas.

It is also part of the Virunga Conservation Area that encompasses Uganda's Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.

Congo Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a spectacular destination mainly visited for Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking adventures.

A close encounter with the Eastern Lowland gorillas in the wild is truly a mesmerizing experience of a lifetime.

These are a sub-species of Eastern gorillas and they range not only in Kahuzi-Biega National Park but also in Maiko National Park, Itombwe Massifs, Usala Forest Reserve, and Tayna Gorilla Reserve.

Unlike mountain gorillas, Eastern Lowland gorillas are a bit larger, comprising larger hands, a short muzzle, teeth, and they can stand tall at about 4-5 ft.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is also one of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the DR Congo.

It is named after the two dormant volcanoes within it; Mount Kahuzi and Biega.

It stretches up to 6,000 sq.kms of land area and protects an estimated number of about 250 Eastern Lowland gorillas in its jungles.

Holidaymakers on Congo gorilla safari in Kahuzi-Biega can trek any of the park's 5 habituated gorilla families, with the most famous ones including Chimanuka and Mugaruka gorilla group families.

Congo Gorilla Permits

The Congo gorilla trekking permits for Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park are within visitors' budget range.

Each of the gorilla permits can be obtained for US Dollars 400 per person on a Congo gorilla safari.

These permits can be booked with a reliable, registered local tour company/operator in the DRC or directly with park authorities.

Congo Gorilla Families

Mountain gorillas live in groups of 5 to several individuals, dominated by an adult silverback.

These groups have been habituated so that tourists can have the chance to trek mountain gorillas peacefully.

Gorilla groups in Congo can be seen below:

Kabirizi Mountain Gorilla Family

Kabirizi mountain gorilla family was initially called Ndugutse mountain gorilla family, though the name was later changed to Kabirizi in loving memory of ICCN director called Kabirizi who died in a traffic accident in the 1990s.

At the time of habituation, the group was dominated by Silverback Ndugutse, who later died in crossfire between the Rwandese rebels and the Congo army within the park in 1997.

Kabirizi is currently facing challenges from another silverback known as Masibo.

Humba Mountain Gorilla Family

Humba mountain gorilla family was formed when silverback Humba left Rugendo mountain gorilla family with six members to start up his own in 1998.

Humba expanded his family, and they reached 16 members until 2014 when his brother Nyakamwe left with 10 members to make his own family.

Nyakamwe Mountain Gorilla Family

Nyakamwe mountain gorilla family is one of the newly habituated gorilla groups in Virunga national park.

The group was formed when silverback Nyakamwe split from Humba gorilla family to start his own family.

This group can be trekked from Bukima areas of the park.

Bageni Mountain Gorilla Family

Bageni mountain gorilla family is one of the interesting gorilla groups to visit while at Virunga because they are many in number.

The group was formed when silverback Bageni split off from Kabirizi mountain gorilla family to start his own.

Munyaga Mountain Gorilla Family

Munyaga mountain gorilla family was also one of the lucky groups to have twins in the park although the twins died before barely reaching their first birthday.

The group is dominated by Silverback Gasore, and another interesting factor about this group is the bald-headed silverback known as Kadogo.

Rugendo Mountain Gorilla Family

Rugendo mountain gorilla family is one of the early habituated gorilla groups at Virunga national park in 1989.

The group derives its name from silverback Rugendo that dominated the group at the time of habituation.

The group is now dominated by Bukima the silverback, and the former dominating silverback Rugendo is known to have fathered a lot of silverbacks now leading gorilla groups in Virunga.

Lulengo Mountain Gorilla Family

Lulengo mountain gorilla family was first known as Masekura gorilla family, but the name was later changed in loving memory of the park technical director who died on a land mine.

Lulengo the dominating silverback of the group stepped in to dominate after the death of his father Rugabo who was killed by poachers.

Lulengo mountain gorilla family can be trekked around Jomba area near the Uganda-Congo border.

Mapuwa Mountain Gorilla Family

Mapuwa mountain gorilla family was part of Rugendo gorilla family until silverback Mapuwa decided to take two females with him to start up his own family.

Mapuwa is known for being ambitious, fighting other gorilla groups to grab members to add up to his family.

He one time engaged in a fight with silverback Pilipili and took away all his members, leaving him a lone silverback.

Congo Gorilla Trekking Regulations

Trekking gorillas in the DR Congo comes with some strict restrictions that all trekkers on a Congo gorilla safari must observe.

They include:

1. Gorilla tour group size: A maximum of 8 people are allowed to trek one habituated gorilla group each day.
2. Only persons above 15 years have the opportunity to trek a gorilla group.
3. Upon finding a gorilla group, you will be given only 1 hour to have a close encounter with Congo gorillas.
4. Anyone on a gorilla trekking safari who is sick or ill won't be allowed to go trek gorillas.
5. Noise is highly prohibited, and it is advisable to keep your voices low.
6. Never use a flashlight camera for photographing mountain gorillas or Eastern lowland gorillas.
7. Maintain a distance of 7-10 meters at all times away from mountain gorillas or Lowland gorillas in their natural habitat.
8. Eating, smoking, or drinking before mountain gorillas or Lowland gorillas is highly prohibited.
9. To go track the Congo gorillas, all holidaymakers must have a valid gorilla permit.
10. Always ensure the Congo gorilla habitat is kept clean.

Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking vs. Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Both mountain gorilla and Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking are memorable primate encounters.

However, they are slightly distinct from each other.

Mountain gorilla trekking entirely takes holidaymakers on a trek to see the endangered mountain gorillas.

Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking takes you on a trek to view the Eastern Lowland gorillas in their natural habitat.

Trekking to see mountain gorillas is only possible in Africa, strictly in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In the world, there exist only 4 parks where you can see mountain gorillas, namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in the Northwestern side of Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Eastern DRC.

In addition to mountain gorilla trekking, the DRC is one exceptional country that also offers the best of Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking adventures.

Best Time to visit Congo Gorillas

When it comes to Congo gorilla trekking safaris, the gorilla safari parks in the DRC welcome all holidaymakers at any time of the year.

But each year, 2 seasons must be observed when planning for Congo gorilla safari or gorilla safari tour to Uganda or Rwanda.

These are the dry and wet seasons.

Of the 2 seasons, the dry season is the most favorable, and you can plan your gorilla trip during the longest dry spell.

This season starts from May, June, July, August to September, and the shortest dry season is recorded starting in January to February.

It is during the 2 phases of the dry season when Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks experience relatively low/no rainfall, making it easier for holidaymakers on Congo gorilla trekking to enjoy a smooth trek to see gorillas.

Unlike the dry seasons, the wet season is when Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Virunga National Park record the heaviest amount of rainfall.

It is during the wet months of the year when Kahuzi-Biega and Virunga become muddy, slippery, and have dense vegetation cover.

There are also 2 phases of wet/rainy seasons: the first that commences from March to early May and October to November.

Essentials to Carry for Your Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari

Proper packing is key when it comes to a gorilla trekking safari holiday.

The essentials every holidaymaker must have on a Congo gorilla tour or Uganda gorilla trip include:

• A waterproof day-pack to help you keep your essential documents safe.
• A good camera that does not have a flashlight for you to take pictures.
• A torch.
• A rain jacket in case of rains.
• Waterproof hiking boots.
• A first aid kit.
• Bottled drinking water.
• Toiletries.
• Snacks.
• A pair of socks.
• Gardening gloves.
• Long-sleeved shirts.
• A hat.
• Sunscreen.
• A sweater.
• Sunglasses.
• Insect repellents.
• A yellow fever certificate.
• Passport.
• Visa.

These are essential whether you plan to travel for a Congo gorilla trekking experience during the dry or wet season.

Accommodation - Where to Stay

Travelers on a Congo gorilla tour can choose from budget, mid-range to luxury accommodation choices in and around Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

For a Virunga gorilla tour, the lodges to consider include Bukima Tented Camp, Mikeno Lodge, Kibumba Tented Camp, and Tchegera Island Tented Camp.

For Kahuzi-Biega gorilla safaris, the lodges to book include L'Orchids Safari Club, Exodus Bukavu Hotel, and Coco Lodge.

Getting to Congo

Access to Congo for gorilla trekking is possible using 3 options: by road, by water, and by air.

By road:

Virunga National Park is reachable for mountain gorilla trekking, located about 32kms West of Goma Town, which also serves as the capital of North Kivu.

While in Goma, you can get to Virunga with the park authorities or use a reliable, trusted local tour operator.

From Kigali in Rwanda, holidaymakers can drive for about 4 hours through Gisenyi Town on the shores of Lake Kivu to reach Goma. From there, it's a 1.5-hour drive to the offices of Virunga National Park.

If you plan to go on a Congo gorilla safari from Uganda, the best option is to drive up to Kisoro in Southwestern Uganda and cross via the Bunagana border, which takes about 30 minutes to get to Bukima.

There is also an option of driving up to Bukavu to have access to Virunga National Park for a gorilla safari.

By air:

Holidaymakers on a Congo gorilla trekking safari can take advantage of available flight services from Europe, landing at Goma International Airport in the DR Congo.

Notable airlines/agencies to fly to Goma airport include Kenya Airways, Air France, Turkish Airlines, and Swiss Airlines.

Using water transportation, Virunga National Park in Congo is reachable via ferries, starting from Bukavu to Goma through Idjwi Island on the beautiful Lake Kivu.

For speed boats, you may spend 3 hours, and public boats take 4-5 hours. Once you arrive in Goma, you will be picked up by an experienced driver guide.

Use a 4WD Land Cruiser for a smooth road trip to Virunga National Park.

To reach Kahuzi-Biega National Park, holidaymakers should be prepared to spend about an hour and a half driving from Bukavu Town, which is 40kms away.

By air, flight services are available to Kavumu airport, Miti airport, or Kamembe airport in Rwanda.