What is the cost of a Gorilla Permit in Congo

The cost of a gorilla permit in Congo is essential for those planning a trekking adventure. In Virunga National Park, you can trek mountain gorillas, while lowland gorillas can be found in Kahuzi Beiga National Park. Similar to Uganda and Rwanda, a gorilla permit is required for trekking in Congo. Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd assists with the booking process, ensuring availability for your preferred dates and purchasing permits upon payment. It is advisable to secure your permit several months in advance, ideally at least five months before your visit, as there are only two trekking groups available in Kahuzi Beiga National Park. Planning ahead will enhance your gorilla trekking experience.

Gorilla Permit Prices

The Cost of a Gorilla Permit in Congo varies depending on your residency status:

• Non-Residents: USD 400
• East African Residents: USD 200
• National Citizens of Congo: USD 20

In Virunga National Park, gorilla trekking is a daily activity. During the high season months of mid-December to mid-March and June to October, the permit costs USD 400 per person per trek. In the low season months of mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December, the permit price drops to USD 200 per person per trek. Eco Adventure Safaris offers all-inclusive gorilla tour packages with transparent pricing, ensuring there are no hidden costs. The gorilla permit is the most important cost, and their packages range from budget to luxury options, tailored to your interests.

Tour Packages and Highlights

Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd provides various tour packages, including options starting from Kigali for a DR Congo mountain gorilla safari. For example, a 2-day trip from Kigali costs USD 1100 per person in a group of two, inclusive of Gorilla Permit, transportation, accommodation, meals, and guide services.

While visiting Congo, there are many highlights and activities to enjoy:

• Mountain Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
• Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Beiga National Park
• Hiking the Nyirangongo Volcano
• Exploring Goma City
• Visiting Lake Kivu

These activities offer unique experiences and opportunities to immerse yourself in Congo’s stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and most diverse tropical rainforests. It’s famous for mountain gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Besides gorilla trekking, visitors can also enjoy activities like hiking the Nyirangongo volcano, bird watching, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, and habituation experiences. It’s essential to note that there are only three countries in the world where mountain gorillas live: Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. Rwanda’s gorillas are in Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while Congo’s are in Virunga National Park. These parks are all close to each other and are part of what’s called the Virunga Massif.

Kahuzi Beiga National Park

Kahuzi Beiga National Park was established in 1970, and the first lowland gorilla trekking took place in 1973. It’s renowned for its lowland gorilla trekking, aiming to conserve the Grauer’s gorilla species, the world’s largest gorilla species. The Eastern Lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas, are the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. Trekking Eastern Lowland gorillas is a unique experience offered only in Kahuzi Beiga National Park, located in Congo, about 30 kilometers from Bukavu town. The park can be reached by road or air. Out of the 12 gorilla families in the park, only two are habituated and open for visitors to trek. These families are called Chimanuka and Mugaruka, both named after dominant silverbacks. Chimanuka is especially popular among visitors as it boasts one of the largest gorilla families in the world, with over 36 individuals.

Best Time to Visit Congo

Congo has a tropical climate, experiencing tropical weather throughout the year. Both Virunga and Kahuzi Beiga National Parks share this weather pattern and are prone to receiving uncertain rains at any time. The best time to visit Congo for gorilla trekking is during the dry season months: December, January, February, June, July, August, and September. During these months, the trails are drier, making it easier to walk, and the vegetation is not as dense, which makes spotting gorillas easier and clearer. The slightly wet months, including March, April, May, October, and November, are less popular among travelers because the vegetation is thicker, and the trails are more slippery, making trekking more challenging.

Gorilla Permit Costs in Congo

For tourists interested in gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, there’s a special offer during the wet season or low season. From mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December every year, Cost of a Gorilla Permit in Congo is USD 200 per person per trek. During these months, there are fewer visitors, and the permit costs are lower compared to the peak season.

Where to Stay for Gorilla Trekking

If you’re planning to go gorilla trekking in Congo, there are various accommodation options available in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Beiga National Park. These options range from budget to luxury, so you can choose what works best for you.

Accommodations in Virunga National Park

• Budget Options: If you’re looking for something affordable, you can consider staying at places like Bukima Tented Camp or Kibumba Tented Camp. These options typically cost between 90 to 100 dollars per night per person.
• Mid-Range Options: For a bit more comfort, you might prefer staying at Tchegera Island Camp or Lulimbi Tented Camp. These mid-range options range from 100 to 200 dollars per night per person.
• Luxury Options: If you’re after luxury, Mikeno Lodge is a top choice. Prices for luxury accommodations range from 200 to 400 dollars per night per person.

Just let us know your preference, and we’ll check availability and book accordingly.

Accommodation in Kahuzi Beiga National Park

• Budget Options: In Kahuzi Beiga National Park, budget accommodations include places like Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu, and Lake Side Hotel Bukavu. These options also cost between 90 to 100 dollars per night per person.
• Mid-Range Options: For a step up in comfort, consider staying at Coco Lodge Bukavu, among others. Mid-range options range from 100 to 200 dollars per night per person.
• Luxury Options: Luxury accommodations in Kahuzi Beiga National Park include places like L’Orchids Safari Club, where prices range from 200 to 400 dollars per night per person.

Once you’ve decided on your preferred type of accommodation, we’ll handle the booking for you.

How to Access Congo for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Congo takes place in Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Virunga National Park, both located in the eastern part of the country. Here’s how you can get there:

1. Fly to Kigali International Airport: Your journey starts with a flight to Kigali International Airport.
2. Connect to Gisenyi Town: From Kigali, you’ll make your way to Gisenyi town.
3. Cross the Rwanda-Congo Border: Once in Gisenyi town, you’ll cross the border from Rwanda into DR Congo.
4. Drive to Park Headquarters: After crossing the border, you’ll drive towards the park headquarters of Kahuzi Beiga National Park or Virunga National Park. It’s approximately a 2-hour drive from Gisenyi town to reach the park headquarters.