Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit
Congo Mountain Gorilla trekking (Virunga National Park) & Lowland gorilla trekking (Kahuzi Biega National Park) requires a Congo Gorilla permit, which is booked/bought from Virunga National Park headquarters. Virunga National Park, not only offers gorilla trekking permits, but also Visa processing, guiding services and transportation.
A Congo gorilla permit costs $400 for foreigners, $200 for resident/nationals (Congolese) to trek both Mountain Gorillas & Eastern lowland Gorillas, is most affordable compared to Uganda’s Mountain Gorilla permit at $800 and Rwanda’s Gorilla Permit of $1500.
Democratic Republic of Congo gorillas are in Virunga National Park in Goma District and Kahuzi Biega National Park in Bukavu District.
Congo among other gorilla trekking destinations in the world, has 2 gorilla trekking species of Mountain Gorillas and Low land Gorillas, Which can be visited in a 5 days Mountain & lowland Gorilla trekking safari.
The distance between the two Congo gorilla destinations of Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park, are not withing reach by road, because of the distance and poor road infrastructure, but the best and recommended way to connect the two, is by water transport, by use of A ferry from Goma through Lake Kivu to Bukavu Landing site for approximately 6-7 hours, ,otherwise one can also use a speed boat in 3 hours.
How to Book A Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit?
Booking a gorilla permit can be done directly through contacting Visit Virunga mail box, to check for Gorilla permit availability with your intended dates. You will be sent bank details , where you will be requested to pay for gorilla permits, as well hotel reservations. The two documents, upon payment, will help you acquire a Congo Visa easily.
Otherwise, the best way to book or secure a Congo gorilla permit, is through a trusted & reliable Tour Operator or Safari Company who will as well organize your ultimate Gorilla trekking Safari in Congo.
What does my Congo Gorilla permit Consist?
The Congo Gorilla trekking permit comprises of Park entrance Fees, and 1 hour of being up close with gorillas in the wild. The gorilla permit cost does not cover transportation and porter, though they are highly recommended for a Congo Gorilla trekking excursion.
A singer porter per trek goes for $15 per trek, which also provide an income opportunity to them.
How Hard is Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trekking in Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, Congo) entails an average level of fitness, the physically strong must be prepared to climb through the steep valleys and strenuous mountains.
While trekking, expect to trek at a moderate altitude range from 2500m to 3000m. The air within tends to be limited, which makes breathing a bit difficult in the gorilla hubs of: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Virunga National Park, & Volcanoes National Park. The landscapes are mountainous, with pristine undergrowth vegetation & rain forests, which then demands for a medium level of mental and Physical strength.
With the all time movement of Gorillas in the forests, Gorilla trekking time schedule remains unclear, that is, nearby families can be spotted in the first 30 minutes, while the rest, range between 1 to 8 hours.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Congo takes you through difficult landscapes, traversing through several water streams, ascending up/down steep valleys, making you weary, drained and muddy (during the low-rainy season). This then calls for prior preparation, before turning up for Gorilla trekking.
