Budget, Mid-Range or Luxury DR Congo Safaris
Planning a safari trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) offers options for different budgets and preferences. You can choose between Budget, Mid-Range, or Luxury safaris in the DRC. Here’s a simple breakdown of what each option offers:
1. Budget Safaris:
If you’re looking for an affordable adventure, consider budget safaris in the DRC. Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park are popular destinations for budget travelers. Virunga is famous for its mountain gorillas, but you can also experience chimpanzee trekking and volcano hikes there.
Accommodation options in Virunga vary from budget campsites to simple lodges. Camping can be a cheaper option, and you can find basic guesthouses in nearby towns like Goma.
Even though budget safaris may not have all the fancy extras, you’ll still get amazing wildlife encounters and access to the beautiful landscapes of Virunga.
2. Mid-Range Safaris:
Mid-range safaris offer more comfort and additional services compared to budget options. In Virunga National Park, you’ll find mid-range lodges and tented camps that provide extra amenities and comfort while still allowing you to experience the park’s wildlife and landscapes.
Mid-range safaris might also include activities like cultural experiences or guided nature walks, giving you a more comprehensive safari experience.
3. Luxury Safaris:
For those who want a top-notch safari experience, luxury options are available in the DRC, especially in Virunga National Park. Luxury lodges and tented camps offer spacious and well-appointed accommodations, gourmet dining, and personalized service.
Luxury safaris may include private guided tours, exclusive access to certain parts of the park, and extra amenities like spa services or private butlers. These safaris are perfect for travelers seeking a premium experience with attention to detail and comfort.
Where to Find Gorillas in Congo
Gorillas in Congo live in a few different places. One of these places is Virunga National Park. It’s home to Mountain Gorillas. Another place is Kahuzi Biega National Park and Maiko National Parks, where you can find Eastern Lowland Gorillas. In the north, there’s Lesio Louna National Park, which is home to Western Lowland Gorillas. You can trek to see these gorillas by boat.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is a big forest in Africa. It’s one of the oldest national parks there. People go there mostly to see Mountain Gorillas. But there are other things you can do there too. Like hiking up the Nyirangongo volcano, watching birds, going on nature walks, tracking chimpanzees, and watching gorillas get used to people being around them.
Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega National Park was made in 1970. It’s a special place for Lowland Gorillas. Lowland Gorillas are big gorillas. They’re also called Grauer’s gorillas. This park helps protect them. It’s in Congo, not far from Bukavu town. You can get there by road or by air. It’s got 12 gorilla families, but only 2 of them are used to people. Those families are called Chimanuka and Mugaruka. Chimanuka has lots of gorillas, more than 36!
How much is gorilla trekking in Congo?
If you want to go gorilla trekking in Congo, you’ll need to get a gorilla permit. This allows you to trek and see lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park or mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. Eco Adventure Safaris helps with gorilla permit bookings so you can plan your safari well. They’ll check for permit availability, book them for you once you pay, and handle all services on your behalf. It’s best to get your permit several months in advance, at least 5 months before your visit. This is because there are only 2 gorilla trekking groups available in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Gorilla Permit Prices
In Kahuzi Biega National Park, the prices for gorilla trekking permits are as follows:
- Non-Residents: USD 400
- East African Residents: USD 200
- National Citizens of Congo: USD 20
In Virunga National Park, gorilla trekking is available daily. During the high season from mid-December to mid-March and June to October, permits cost USD 400 per person per trek. In the low season from mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December, permits cost USD 200 per person per trek. Eco Adventure Safaris offers all-inclusive gorilla tour packages with transparent pricing. These packages range from budget to luxury options, and they can be tailored according to your interests. There are also gorilla tour packages that start in Kigali for those interested in a 2-day trip from there, which costs USD 1100 per person for a group of two.
Best Time to Visit Congo
Congo has a tropical climate, meaning it’s warm and rainy throughout the year. Both Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks experience similar weather conditions. The best time to visit for gorilla trekking is during the dry season, which falls in December, January, February, June, July, August, and September. During these months, the trails are drier and easier to walk on. Plus, the vegetation isn’t fully grown, making it easier to spot gorillas.
The slightly wet months of March, April, May, October, and November are less popular for gorilla trekking. This is because the trails become slippery and harder to navigate due to the fully grown vegetation. However, for tourists interested in visiting Virunga National Park during the wet season, there’s a special offer. Permits cost USD 200 per person per trek from mid-March to May and mid-October to mid-December.
Where to stay in Virunga National Park for Gorilla trekking
If you’re planning to go gorilla trekking in Congo, you’ll need to find a place to stay. There are different options available depending on your budget and preferences. In Virunga National Park, you can choose from budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodations.
Budget Options in Virunga National Park
If you’re looking to save money, there are budget-friendly options like Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp. These accommodations typically cost between $90 and $100 per night per person.
Mid-Range Options in Virunga National Park
For a bit more comfort without breaking the bank, consider mid-range options such as Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp. These accommodations usually range from $100 to $200 per night per person.
Luxury Options in Virunga National Park
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, you can stay at Mikeno Lodge. However, keep in mind that luxury comes with a higher price tag, ranging from $200 to $400 per night per person.
When booking, let Iconic Africa Safaris know your preferences, and they’ll help you find the best option for your needs and availability.
Accommodations in Kahuzi Beiga National Park
Similarly, if you’re planning to visit Kahuzi Beiga National Park, there are budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodations available.
Budget Options in Kahuzi Beiga National Park
Budget-friendly options in Kahuzi Beiga National Park include Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu, and Lake Side Hotel Bukavu. These accommodations typically cost between $90 and $100 per night per person.
Mid-Range Options in Kahuzi Beiga National Park
For a bit more comfort, consider mid-range options like Coco Lodge Bukavu, which usually range from $100 to $200 per night per person.
Luxury Options in Kahuzi Beiga National Park
Luxury accommodations in Kahuzi Beiga National Park include L’Orchids Safari Club, where you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 per night per person.
Just like with Virunga National Park, Iconic Africa Safaris can help you find the best accommodation option for your stay in Kahuzi Beiga National Park based on your preferences and availability.
How to Access Congo for Gorilla Trekking
Getting to Congo for gorilla trekking is relatively straightforward. Both Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Virunga National Park are located in the eastern part of Congo.
You’ll start by flying to Kigali International Airport. From there, you’ll need to connect to Gisenyi town. Once in Gisenyi town, you’ll cross the Rwanda-Congo border to reach Goma town in DR Congo. From Goma town, you’ll drive to the park headquarters of Kahuzi Beiga National Park or Virunga National Park, where your gorilla trek will begin. The drive from Gisenyi town to the park headquarters typically takes about 2 hours.
Why Book Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo through Iconic Africa Safaris
Iconic Africa Safaris specializes in organizing amazing gorilla safari experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. They have a strong reputation and are highly rated and reviewed on Trip Advisor.
In addition to gorilla trekking, Iconic Africa Safaris offers eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris. These safaris not only provide memorable experiences for travelers but also contribute to biodiversity conservation, wildlife preservation, and the upliftment of local communities.
Our safari experiences include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, game viewing, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters. Iconic Africa Safaris can help you plan your dream African safari, whether you’re interested in visiting Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, or other popular African safari destinations.
Feel free to contact Iconic Africa Safaris for more information about budget, mid-range, or luxury safaris in DR Congo.
