Congo, also called the Democratic Republic of Congo or Congo-Kinshasa, is one of the best countries in Africa for gorilla safaris. It is located in Central Africa, bordered by Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, and other nearby countries.
The Virunga Mountains stretch across the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo, and are home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas.
Gorilla permits in Congo
A gorilla permit is a document that allows tourists to visit and see gorillas in their natural habitat. In Kahuzi-Biega National Park, which is home to eastern lowland gorillas, permits cost 400 USD for foreigners and 200 USD for Congolese nationals.
In Virunga National Park, permits for mountain gorillas cost 400 USD for foreigners and 200 USD for Congolese nationals. Congo is unique because it offers two subspecies of gorillas, mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas, each living in different habitats.
- Mountain gorillas live in Virunga National Park, in the North Kivu region, at altitudes of 8,000 to 13,000 feet. The cold climate is suitable for them because their long thick fur keeps them warm.
- Eastern lowland gorillas live in Kahuzi-Biega National Park at altitudes of 2,100 to 2,500 meters. They are the largest of all gorilla subspecies.
Gorilla trekking experience
Gorilla trekking in Congo involves hiking through the forest to find gorillas after getting a permit. The trek usually takes between 2 and 8 hours, including one hour spent with the gorillas once they are found.
Gorillas are often called gentle giants because they are calm and peaceful, becoming aggressive only if they feel threatened. Watching them is fascinating because of their human-like behavior such as breastfeeding, caring for their young, and living in family groups.
How to get Congo gorilla permits
Permits can be booked through recognized tour operators or directly from the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN), the authority responsible for managing national parks in Congo. Congo permits are in high demand because they are the cheapest in Africa compared to Uganda and Rwanda.
Besides Congo, gorilla trekking is also possible in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Uganda also offers gorilla habituation in Bwindi, which allows visitors to spend four hours with a gorilla family.
Booking & validity
It is advised to book permits at least 3 to 4 months in advance, especially during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February), which are the busiest times for trekking. Dry months make trekking easier since the trails are less muddy and the weather is clearer.
Gorilla permits in Congo are non-refundable and non-transferable but can be rescheduled to another date if not used. Each permit includes park entry and guide fees but does not cover accommodation, transport, or porter services.
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