Congo gorilla permits cost only $400 each, making them the cheapest. You need a permit before taking part in gorilla trekking in Congo.
The cost is much lower compared to Rwanda and Uganda, where permits cost $1,500 and $800 respectively.
You can get a gorilla permit directly from the park or through a trusted travel agency.
Using a travel agency is better because they can also help you with accommodation and transport.
It is important to buy your Congo gorilla permit early, especially if you plan to travel during the dry season.
The demand during these months is very high.
You should book your permit at least 3 months in advance before trekking mountain gorillas in Congo.
A gorilla permit is valid for only one day.
Only eight people are allowed to visit each gorilla family per day.
Once you find the gorillas, you will have a maximum of one hour to observe and take photos while following the trekking rules.
If the gorillas show signs of discomfort or start to charge, the guide may end the visit early.
You will get a 50% refund if you show signs of illness before the trek. This is because gorillas can catch human diseases like flu, cold, or Ebola, and they do not have the immunity to fight these illnesses.
You will not be allowed to join the trek if you are sick, to avoid passing the disease to gorillas.
After getting a gorilla permit, be ready to hike.
Mountain gorillas live in high-altitude forests on volcanic mountains, so you need enough energy for trekking.
When packing, carry good hiking boots, garden gloves, insect repellent, energy snacks, drinking water, and any other important items.
There are several mountain gorilla families you can trek in Congo’s Virunga National Park with your permit. Group assignments are random, and you cannot choose the family you want.
Checking Online Availability for Gorilla Permits in Congo
We can help you check the online availability of Congo gorilla permits. You can also contact the Virunga Foundation directly through their main website: https://virunga.org.
Congo is a country in Central Africa. It is one of the three countries where you can see mountain gorillas.
The other two are Rwanda and Uganda. In Rwanda, you can trek in Volcanoes National Park. In Uganda, you can trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The best months to book your Congo gorilla permit are during the dry seasons, which are from June to September and December to February.
During these months, the roads to the park are easier to access and the hiking trails are less muddy and slippery.
The wet season can also have an advantage because gorillas do not move to higher ground.
Food is plenty on the slopes, so they stay close and the hike may be shorter.
