Regulations to Congo Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park & Kahuzi Biega National Park
- A total of eight (8) people are allowed to track one gorilla family per day so as to minimize stress
- Only trekkers with a minimum of 15 years of age are allowed to visit Mountain Gorillas in Congo.
- The Gorilla Trekking time is from 8 am to 7 pm.
- The duration of the actual Mountain Gorilla Viewing is limited to one hour for conservation purposes
- Visitors with infections, including the flu, are not allowed to track Mountain Gorillas as such diseases can easily be transmitted
- A minimum distance of 7 meters is mandatory while with the Mountain Gorillas to avoid close contact that may result in disease transmission
- The hands must be washed before commencing the gorilla trek
- Turning away the face from the Mountain Gorillas in case of sneezing or coughing is recommended
- Keeping the voices down while in the gorilla forest is recommended
- The visitors should do away with smoking and eating while with the Mountain Gorillas
- The gorilla trekkers should desist from littering in the gorilla forest as the garbage attracts bacteria and yet the Mountain Gorillas can as well wish to taste the materials, especially foodstuffs
- The gorilla trekkers should keep calm in the situation of Gorilla charging, desist from direct eye contact with the gorillas and crouch down.
- In case of toilet need, the trekkers should let the park ranger know about it and dig a hole in the forest, which will be fully covered after use.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Congo requires one to be in possession of a gorilla trekking permit, which is given out at $400. The low-season months of April, May, October, and November present a challenging trek due to heavy rains but offer discounted permits at $350.
Congo’s gorilla permit stands as the cheapest in the region if compared to Uganda’s gorilla safari permit of $600 during the normal season and $450 in the low season and Rwanda’s gorilla safari permit stands at $1500 throughout the year.
Besides the Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park, the Democratic Republic of Congo also features Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The lowland gorilla safaris in Congo commence in Kigali, Rwanda which is the closest International airport, but can also start in Bukavu if the person is already in Bukavu.
CONGO SAFARI PARKS, GAME RESERVES, AND CONGO SAFARI ATTRACTIONS
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, recorded as Africa’s second-largest country, is considerably vast, and its biodiversity is unmatchable. However, the political unrest that has characterized her for decades has compromised the conservation efforts, leading to the heavy loss of wildlife species.
But the destination Congo still features a range of National parks, and following the ceasefire, especially to the East of the country, the wildlife populations have begun to breathe again.
The notable Congo Safari National Parks include Virunga National Park, Garamba National Park, Salonga National Park, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Kundelungu National Park, Mangrove National Park, Upemba National Park, and Maiko National Park.
Congo Safari Travel Information
Congo Travel Information, Best Time to Travel to Congo, Congo Health Considerations, Congo Visa Information, Congo National Parks Game Reserves, Congo Safari Attractions. Following the civil wars that occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo since independence, travel to the destination has been limited and only undertaken by the most adventurous or daring travelers, along with businessmen.
Fortunately, the Congo is no more. The expanses of Congo stretching from Kinshasa to Goma, the Rwanda border to the Congo River system until its emptying in the Atlantic Ocean, destination Congo only features amazing riches of the continent of Africa with a diversity of wildlife, scenery, and culture all thriving in a tranquil and peaceful environment.
With the assistance of the Chinese, a range of infrastructural developments, including roads and rail lines, connect the Democratic Republic of Congo with neighboring states, especially the Republic of Congo. The range of airlines also connects to Congo, including Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airways, South African Sky, Air France, Lufthansa, and Brussels Airlines.
Kinshasa, the main capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, features a range of twenty (20) carriers that operate flights to it.
The City of Kinshasa is one of the most lively cities on the continent of Africa, with rich internet access. International cuisine, including European, Middle Eastern, Asian, Western, and Asian cuisine, is available in most of the restaurants and actually across the main Cities of Congo, while the Nightlife is full of fun listening to the famous indigenous Lingala songs.
At the centerpiece of the famous Congo base, ranked as the second-largest tropical rain forest in the world following the Amazon, lies the famous Congo River, noted to be offering the world’s greatest river journey. Apparently, the cruise along the Congo River is possible, subject to correct homework.
Regarding accommodation, a range of comfortable hotels and lodges, including 5-star hotels, are being constructed across the main towns, while Safari lodges present accommodation for travelers on Congo Safaris and tours. The Kinshasa Hotels range from around $60 but a Congo safari undertaker-friendly room is around $80–$300.
Best Time to Travel For a Safari in Congo
The average daytime temperature in the Democratic Republic of Congo is 24 degrees Celsius, while the nights are between 16 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius. The annual rainfall ranges from 1100mm to 2000mm, while seasons of the year are categorized into four, namely: October to December, which is a long rainy season, January to February, which is a short dry season, March to April, which is a short rainy season; and May to September, which is a long dry season.
Odzala National Park is the main destination in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and receives 1500mm every year. The best time to visit it is from May to December.
Kinshasa City Congo
Kin La Belle stands a long-aged misnomer nestled in its monster of electric African sky, visible across all the streets. Kinshasa stands as one of the vibrant African cities famed for its indigenous music and is less dangerous compared to some other African cities. Lola ya Bonobo is about an hour’s drive from Kinshasa, which is the popular site for a day excursion from the city.
The Democratic Republic of Congo features the best hotels in the center of Africa, including the famous Kempinski Residence and Fleuve Congo Hotel. Though the nightlife is buzzing in Kinshasa, you can’t take a walk in a range of places at night, apart from the areas close to embassies and good hotels.
Kinshasa is popular for its history, music, and culture, the neighboring McVallee Lake, and the Bonono Orphanage. The boat ride to Kisangani is a lasting adventure into the Congo’s darkest wild. The Avenue de Tourisme presents the best scenic drive along River Congo in Kinshasa.
The men in uniform are common along with the road drives in the Democratic Republic of Congo and they may or may not request money from foreigners but it is advisable to carry along a pocket change for a bottle of soda for them. It is important to keep calm and have a sense of humor, as it would help to make things smooth along the way.
If you opt to connect to Kisangani by public ferry, be prepared for an awful but lasting adventure of its own. It is always expensive, if not dangerous, to procure or hire your own boat to Kisangani. The public ferry departs Kinshasa with 2–4 platforms in tandem that turn into floating dirty marketplaces every 10–20 days.
Connecting to Kisangani takes about 15 – 20 days and the boat does not pass through the secluded and beautiful parts of the Congo River. There is a need for flexibility until you land on a bunk and though you may be required to secure a four-bedroom apartment alone, the guarantee is low that you will have it yourself.
Mosquitoes and theft are common on the ferry, and this is not a cruise ship, so it is hot, not clean, and unsafe. It is always exciting to see some fish being sold, some of which have never been documented in science before.
Private boat operators also exist and can be used where you travel in a covered boat marked by powerful engines along with a full team of porters, cooks, camping gear, and permits.
On a sad note, at about 400 km, the River Congo stretch in the south of Kisangani has developed man-eating crocodiles, and canoeing and kayaking should be avoided along that area.
IS CONGO SAFE FOR SAFARI?
It can be noted that Congo is Safe. Kinshasa City is recorded as being even safer than Johannesburg and Nairobi, where the crime rate is high. However, like other cities, there are parts of Kinshasa that one should not walk into alone at night.
Despite the negative media coverage positioning Congo as a land of war-torn people, the destination Congo is steadily rising from the civil war conflict, especially to the east of the country, and presents a harmonious travel platform for world travelers. But the issues of men in uniform still remain, though they could be avoided with a friendly gesture and compliance.
CONGO VISA INFORMATION AND AIRPORT HASSLES IN KINSHASA
Travelers intending to take up the Democratic Republic of Congo Safaris and tours require a valid passport and tourist Visa. The passport should be valid for six (6) months, with at least one blank passport page on which the visa can be stamped.
You require a letter of invitation from your host company in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which you will attach to the visa application letter submitted to the local embassy or online at Travis. The letter of invitation has to specify the period of stay, place of stay, and contact information.
A computer-generated flight itinerary from a travel agency or an airline detailing the port of entry and exit from the Democratic Republic of Congo is also required.
Other requirements include a birth certificate copy and a notarized consent letter for minors; medical requirements, especially the International Yellow Fever Vaccination; and a financial statement with enough money to sustain you during the entire period of your stay in DR Congo.
It is important to note that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is usually given the name Congo-Kinshasa to avoid confusion with the neighboring Congo Republic.
The duration of the Congo Tourist Visa, which can be obtained at all accredited Congo Consulates worldwide, is 90 days for single entry, but multiple entry visas are also available. Kinshasa Airport, though not so developed, handles considerable traffic compared to Brazzaville across the river.
At Kinshasa, you may have issues going through the Immigration formalities in terms of delay and intensive scrutiny but a small tip can take you through such hurdles.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONGO SAFARIS
Travelers planning a safari to Congo are advised to consult with their doctors for any necessary medical arrangements. But generally, on top of the yellow fever vaccination, the traveler has to take malaria medicine as recommended by his / her doctor.
It is always advisable to have travel insurance or look out for embassy assistance in case of an emergency. Advice on recommended hospitals through emergency evacuation to South Africa or Europe is much better if the problem is too serious.
GETTING TO AND AROUND THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
A range of Airlines connect to Kinshasa from Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa, along with a range of other European cities. Asia and America have not yet had direct flights to Kinshasa.
In DR Congo, Korongo Airlines is the dominant carrier operated by Brussels Airlines and it flies between Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Johannesburg.
The African low-cost carriers, though affordable, haven’t reached Kinshasa but once they do, it will be great.
The Plane Charters of up to 10,000 connecting to Basankusu with thousands of Bonobos in the heart of Congo can be arranged either from Entebbe Uganda or Kinshasa.
The Democratic Republic of Congo can also be accessed overland through a range of border posts, including Bunagana for Uganda and Goma for Rwanda for those interested in Congo Gorilla Safaris in Virunga National Park.
It is also possible to enter close to Bangui in the Central African Republic or from Cameroon and these borders are less troublesome so long as you are in possession of a visa. Entering Angola is still a challenge due to a range of illegal stops along the road by even people who pose as officials.
Crossing at Ndola, close to Lubumbashi, from Zambia is possible and would cost $40–$60 for the Visa with no questions. But Lubumbashi is quite far from Kinshasa.
Katanga region has good road access constructed by the French, Chinese, and African hands as they seek to connect the mineral-rich region to the ports of the Atlantic Ocean at Matadi.
There are buses from Kinshasa that connect to the main towns, including Matadi, for $13 and Boma for $20.
Virunga National Park is a proud habitat for close to 1004 of these gentle mountain giants, according to the latest gorilla counting reports from the park. Scientifically termed Gorilla beringei beringei, mountain gorillas are typically gentle, amazingly shy, and calm animals that have thick and long fur, which enables them to live in cooler climate zones.
Each gorilla can be identified based on its unique nose print. Adult males can weigh as much as 195 kg with a standing height of 168 cm or 66 inches, while their female counterparts can weigh 100 kg with a standing height of 140 cm or 55 inches.
Mountain gorillas are diurnal animals, as they are very active in the early morning and evening hours, which they use for foraging or eating. They maintain an herbivorous diet that consists of leaves, fruits, tree branches, and bamboo shoots. These gentle mountain giants are both D.R. Congo’s and Virunga National Park’s tourism signature symbols.
Due to the silvery lining on its back, the dominant male of these gorilla families—which range in size from 5 to 30—is known as a silverback. It should be noted that not all gorilla families that habituate in Virunga National Park can be viewed by tourists because not all of them have been habituated to human interaction and there is also a high risk of passing diseases between humans and gorillas.
Virunga National Park has 8 habituated gorilla families and these include
Rugendo family
The Rugendo family was one of the gorilla families that were habituated first in 1985. A silverback named Rugendo initially served as its leader, but he tragically passed away in 2001.
Silverback Rugendo is believed to have fathered most of the silverbacks, such as Mapuwa, Humba, Nyakamwe, Baska, Ruzirzbwoba, Mukunda, Kongomani, Mburanumwe, Lubutu, and Bahati, and these silverbacks head various gorilla families in the Virunga region.
Rugendo was succeeded by his son, Senkwekwe. In 2008, the leadership of the Rugendo family saw another silverback named Bukima come to power due to a power vacuum that had been created by the mysterious death of Senkwekwe in 2007.
Bukima was a solitary silverback who was formerly a member of the Buhanga group and also had a spell with the Munyaga family. The Rugendo family comprises 9 members: 3 silverbacks, 1 blackback, 1 adult female, 2 sub-adult females, and 2 babies. This family is found habituating in areas around the Mikeno sector between Bukima and Bikenge.
Munyaga family
The head of the Munyaga family is a dominant silverback by the name of Munyaga, who in February 1998 was a lone silverback roaming the Virunga jungles. He met a Buhanga gorilla family that was under the leadership of an adult female named Nsekuye; hence, Munyaga imposed himself as the male-dominant head of this family, taking over from Nsekuye.
This family lost all the females of the group due to numerous interactions with other gorilla families, such as Kabirizi, and this forced Munyaga to abdicate from his due to a lack of females to mate with within the family in 2007. This, in turn, created space for the top leadership position, which had become vacant after Munyaga’s abdication.
Mawazo, another silverback in the family, stepped up to fill the void and he now reigns as the dominant silverback of the Munyaga family. The Munyaga family has 9 members, which include 3 silverbacks, 2 adult females, 2 juveniles, and 2 babies. This family traverses’ the area around Bukima.
Mapuwa family
One of Rugendo’s sons, Mapuwa, founded the Mapuwa family after leaving his father’s family, Rugendo, for a life of solitude in 1995, around the same time that his brother Ruzirabwoba also left the Rugendo family.
In 1998, Mapuwa interacted with the Lulengo family and he managed to annex 2 of its adult females, namely Kagofero and Kanepo, with whom he started his own family.
Over a period of close to 20 years, the Mapuwa family has expanded and evolved to reach a membership count of 22 individuals with 3 silverbacks, 3 blackbacks, 6 adult females, 4 juveniles, 2 sub-adult females, and 5 babies. During all this transformation, Mapuwa is still at the helm of this family as the dominant silverback.
Lulengo family
Initially named the Rugabo family, this was one of the first gorilla families to be habituated in Virunga Park in 1985, with Rugabo as the dominant silverback. Rugabo’s reign at the helm was cut short only after 9 years at the top, when he got shot dead along with 2 other females and abducted one of the juveniles in the group named Mvuyekure in 1994, although Mvuyekure was successfully rescued from the poacher who had intended on selling him in neighboring Uganda.
One of Rugabo’s sons, Lulengo, assumed the position of leadership after his untimely passing. Being a younger leader, the Lulengo family experienced the loss of many of its family members due to interactions with other gorilla families, such as Rugendo.
As of today, the Lulengo family has 9 members: 1 silverback, 3 adult females, 1 sub-adult male, 3 babies, and 1 juvenile. The Lulengo family resides in areas around Jomba.
Kabirizi family
This group was habituated around 1994 and by this time it was under the leadership of Zunguruka as the dominant silverback. Zinguruka, later on, died of old age and was succeeded by his son Ndungutse, who stayed at the top and only lasted for a few years as he got fatally shot amidst a crossfire between the Congolese army and a Rwandese rebel group around the Bukima patrol area.
After Ndungutse passed away, his son Buhanga assumed leadership of the group, but he encountered fierce opposition from his brother Karateka. As a result of their bitter standoff, Karateka was able to annex three family members, but Buhanga quickly took them back on January 10, 1998, following a conversation with Karateka, leaving Karateka an isolated wanderer with no family to belong to. On February 6, 1998, the fight for supremacy continued when Buhanga had a bitter contest with Kabirizi, who was by then a loner silverback.
The contest left Buhanga severely bruised but, out of sheer power, he managed to keep the family stuck together. Buhanga, later on, succumbed to his injuries, which left the family without a dominant silverback to take over the reign. This led to an adult female named Nsekuye taking on the leadership role of acting as a dominant silverback to keep the family together.
Nsekuye’s rule was brief because Munyaga, a recluse who was wandering the Virunga jungles, overthrew her on February 23, 1998. Kabirizi continued interacting with Munyaga until he managed to get back all his females that Munyaga had annexed earlier on. He also managed to annex more family members from the Luwawa family, whose dominant silverback had been killed sometime back in 1995.
This made the Kabirizi family so large and as a result, the group split into 2 groups on January 27th, 2013. The breakaway faction under the leadership of Kabirizi’s son Bageni had 20 members left while Kabirizi had 16. Kabirizi as of now comprises 19 members: 2 silverbacks, 1 blackback, 1 sub-adult male, 3 sub-adult females, 4 juveniles, and 4 infants. This group can be found in the Bukima area.
Bageni family
The Bageni family was formed when Bageni silverback son of Kabirizi decided to split from his father’s family Kabirizi and form his own family in January of 2013. Bageni left the Kabrizi family with 20 individuals, including his mother Mapendo and some of his brothers.
Over the past few years, Bageni has managed to oversee the growth of his family and now controls a family of 26 individuals, with Bageni as the dominant silverback, 2 blackbacks, 10 adult females, 1 sub-adult female, 3 juveniles, and 9 babies. This family can be seen in Bukima and Gatovu areas
Nyakamwe family
The Nyakamwe family came into existence after splitting from the Humba family, which was a result of internal bickering between Humba, the leader of the Humba family and his younger brother Nyakamwe.
Nyakamwe managed to break away from Humba with 10 family members on April 24, 2014, leaving Humba with only 6 members under his control. Nyakamwe now leads a group of 11 members with 2 silverbacks, 1 blackback, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles, 1 sub-adult female, and 2 babies.
This family is found in the Bukima area of Virunga national park
Humba family
The Humba family was created after a split from the Rugendo family in 1998. Humba is the son of Rugendo but he left his natal family with 6 individuals, among them his brother Silverback Nyakamwe.
By 2014, Humba had grown his family to 16 members but a bitter rivalry erupted between Humba and Nyakamwe, after which Nyakamwe managed to break away from Humba with 10 of his family members and start his own group.
After a few months, Humba managed to get new members into his family, like a sub-adult female Kakule who left the Munyaga group and joined Humba. As of now, Humba has 10 family members, of which 3 are silverbacks, 2 are adult females, 1 is a sub-adult female, 2 are juveniles, and 2 are babies. The
The Humba family is located in the Gatovu and Bikenge areas.
With 8 habituated gorilla families, Virunga National Park gives you a new dimension of gorilla tracking as you get to explore this beautiful tucked-away paradise as you search for the gorilla families that habituate in the forests of Virunga ranges.
Just like in Bwindi’s impenetrable national park in Uganda and volcanoes national park in Rwanda, gorilla tracking here is also done in groups of not more than 8 people who get to track each family of gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park, D.R. Congo
Kahuzi Biega National Park has eastern lowland gorillas. Eastern lowland gorillas are the largest of the 4 existing gorilla species, with a male eastern lowland gorilla having an average weight of 210 kg or 460 ib, while females weigh less, with an average weight of 100 kg or 220ib.
The males have an average standing height of 1.85 m or 6.1 ft, while females stand at an average height of 1.6 m or 5.2 ft.
The eastern lowland gorilla has large, stocky arms and a short muzzle with less fur on the head. These gorillas have a jet-black coat similar to that of mountain gorillas. The male eastern gorillas still have a grey coat, which will eventually turn into a silver-grey coat, especially on the back, hence the term silverback.
Lowland gorillas also live in large groups called families like their mountain cousins, with an alpha-dominant male serving as the family’s primary protector.
The family can consist of members ranging from 2 to 35 on average, including a number of adult females and their offspring. When these offsprings mature, especially males, they are likely to leave their natal family and become bachelors for the time being as they try to attract females to join them and form their own family.
These gorillas are usually calm giants who will even shy away when directly contacted. These gorillas are normally herbivores eating leaves, fruits, stems, and small insects such as termites and ants. They are not usually seen drinking water and it is believed that this is so because their foliage is mostly on leaves that are highly succulent with high water content.
Eastern gorillas have a gestation period of about 8 and ½ months and will breastfeed their babies for around 3 years’ time. Male infants will only reach maturity at 12 years, while female babies will attain maturity at 10 years.
How many gorilla families are in Kahuzi Biega National Park, D.R. Congo?
Kahuzi Biega National Park has 8 gorilla families but only 2 of these have been habituated for tourism purposes and they are
Chimanuka family
Chimanuka, a dominant silverback, is in charge of the Chimanuka family. This family comprises 36 members, which include 17 females and 18 infants aged 6 months to 9 years old. This family has heavily defied the odds by having 4 sets of twin births, which are highly uncommon among gorillas.
Mugaruka family.
This is the second habituated gorilla family in Kahuzi Biega National Park. This family is under the leadership of Mugaruka, the dominant silverback, and he is highly protective of his family members, always fighting with Chimanuka and other gorillas who come to annex some of his family members.
Unfortunately, Mugaruka lost one of his hands to a poacher’s trap and this greatly hindered his ability to protect his family. As a result, all his family members left him and joined Chimanuka, hence leaving him in a solitary state.
With 2 habituated gorilla families, Kahuzi Biega National Park gives you a new dimension of gorilla tracking as you get to explore this beautiful tucked-away paradise as you search for the gorilla families that habituate in the forests of Kahuzi Biega National Park ranges.
Just like in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, gorilla tracking here is also done in groups of not more than 8 people who get to track each family of gorillas.
When a family tracked is seen, the tourists are given an hour to photograph and observe these gorillas as they go about their rounds in their natural habitats. Kahuzi Biega National Park offers 16 gorilla permits per day; hence, prior booking is recommended. Gorilla permits here cost $400 per person per day.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN TRACK A GORILLA FAMILY IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, D.R. CONGO?
A group of between 1 and 8 people can track each gorilla family in Virunga National Park. This means that if you come into a group of more than 8 people, you will be divided into groups of not more than 8 individuals and each group will track a different gorilla family at the same time.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, D.R. CONGO?
In order to experience the thrill of tracking these adorable but shy mountain gorillas, you need to come to Virunga National Park during the dry season months of June–October and January – February.
The dry season is the best time to track gorillas in Virunga National Park because accessibility is quite easy during the dry season and the trails for gorilla tracking are also navigable.
During the dry months, the weather is very fine in Virunga National Park, with temperatures ranging in the mid-20s and there are low chances of rain, though it may occasionally rain, especially in the afternoon hours.
You can also track gorillas during the wet months. Gorilla families tend to stay nearer to the lower slopes of these ranges due to the abundance of food on these lower slopes, making the trekking time shorter and quite easy for you but still loaded with a multitude of unimaginable experiences.
During the rainy season, you should come with some rain gear, as it can shower any time of the day but it doesn’t rain all day.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK A GORILLA TREKKING PERMIT IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, D.R. CONGO?
A gorilla trekking permit in Virunga National Park should be booked for at least 3 months. This is because the demand for gorilla trekking permits in Virunga National Park is very high, as there are only 8 gorilla families in Virunga National Park, translating into only 64 permits available per day.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A GORILLA TREKKING PERMIT IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, D.R. CONGO?
A gorilla trekking permit in Virunga National Park comes with services that include entry fees to the park, the services of a guide/ranger that will accompany you as you track a gorilla family and an hour with the gorilla family after successfully tracking and finding its current location.
HOW AND WHERE TO GET GORILLA PERMITS FOR GORILLA TRACKING IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, D.R. CONGO?
Gorilla tracking permits for Virunga National Park can only be obtained from the park using their website or through a tour operator who will buy them on your behalf as part of your tour package to Virunga National Park.
WHAT IS THE COST OF GORILLA TRACKING PERMITS IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, D.R. CONGO?
Gorilla tracking permits in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Virunga National Park are relatively cheap as compared to other permit prices within the region, only costing 400 USD for a permit. Secure yourself a magical experience of a lifetime with these gentle mountain giants.
DOES VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK HAVE DISCOUNTED GORILLA PERMITS?
Yes, very true. Since 2018, Virunga National Park has discounted gorilla permits. The discounted gorilla permits are available in low-season periods. During this time, discounted gorilla permits can be bought for as little as 200 USD. These discounted permits are only available between March 15 and May 15 for the first batch and the second batch of these permits is available between October 15 and December 15 every year.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE OF GORILLA TRACKING IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, D.R. CONGO?
All people of all ages are welcome in Virunga National Park. However, the gorilla tracking experience is only available to visitors who are aged 15 years and older.
This is so because of the greater challenges that might be involved, like tracking gorillas for a long time or getting scared of seeing the gorillas themselves, as they are huge animals. Children under 15 shouldn’t be left behind on a visit to Virunga National Park, as there are other activities they engage in, such as birding and game drives.
HOW LONG IS GORILLA TRACKING IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, D.R. CONGO?
Gorilla tracking in Virunga National Park can take anywhere from 1 hour to possibly 8 hours before you find the gorilla family you have tracked.
The tracking time will greatly depend on the location of the gorilla family, whether it is near or very far away. It will also depend on the moods of the gorillas you have tracked; if they seem to be agitated, your ranger guide will cut short your time with the gorillas so as to ensure that you are safe because these animals are wild and can sometimes be aggressive, though this is a rare occurrence because before gorilla families are open for tourism purposes, they go through a rigorous habituation process in which they get to acclimatize to human presence near them so rest assured that you will be safe.
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF SEEING A GORILLA FAMILY IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, D.R. CONGO?
Your chances of seeing a gorilla family in Virunga National Park are high, almost over 90%, because before you track a gorilla family, park rangers track it very early in the morning, establish its current location, and will radio to your ranger guide about the current location of the gorilla family you are to track so that you have prior knowledge of their location before you set out to track that family. The only challenge that might arise is for the gorilla family to keep changing its location.
WHAT RULES SHOULD I OBSERVE BEFORE STARTING THE GORILLA TRACKING PROCESS IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, D.R. CONGO?
- For anyone to take part in this activity, they should be at least 15 years old.
- A maximum number of 8 visitors may visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioral disturbance in the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
- Always wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas.
- Please always keep your voices low. You will also be able to observe the great bird life and other wildlife in the forest.
- Do not leave trash in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out with you.
- You will be taken to where the guides observed the gorillas the day before. From there, you will follow the gorilla’s trail to find them. Look out for the gorilla’s nesting sites along the way!
- When you approach the mountain gorillas, the guides will inform you to get ready.
WHAT RULES SHOULD I OBSERVE WHEN I GET TO SEE THE GORILLAS IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, D.R. CONGO?
- A 7-meter (21-foot) distance should be tried to be observed at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
- You must stay in a tight group when you are near the gorillas.
- Keep your voice down at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
- Do not smoke, drink, or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably increases the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
- Sometimes the gorilla’s charge. Follow the guide’s example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes, and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away, because that will increase the risk.
- Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures, move slowly and carefully.
- Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
- The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
- After the visit, keep your voice down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.
WHAT ARE THE GENERAL HEALTH RULES THAT ARE OBSERVED ON GORILLA TRACKING SAFARI IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, D.R. CONGO?
- Remember that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following rules are ways to minimize the risk your visit might pose to them:
- Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress for the group.
- If you are feeling ill or carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your money.
- If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
- Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
- Do not leave any rubbish (e.g., food wrappers) in the park; foreign items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
- If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole is 30 cm deep and fill it in when you are finished.
WHAT TO BRING OR CARRY ON A GORILLA TRACKING SAFARI IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK, D.R. CONGO?
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep, muddy slopes.
- Put on earplugs for those who feel uncomfortable with the jungle sounds.
- Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water
- Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable), and insect repellent.
- Bring a photo of a film camera. Using a flashlight is not permitted so we recommend using films of 400–800 ASA.
How many people can track a gorilla family?
A group of between 1 and 8 people can track each gorilla family in Kahuzi Biega National Park. This means that if you come into a group of more than 8 people, you will be divided into groups of not more than 8 individuals and each group will track a different gorilla family at the same time.
What Is the Best Time to Track Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park, D.R. Congo?
In order to experience the thrill of tracking these adorable giant but shy mountain gorillas, you need to come to Kahuzi Biega National Park during the dry season months of June–October and January – February.
The dry season is the best time to track gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park because accessibility is quite easy during the dry season and the trails for gorilla tracking are also navigable. During the dry months, the weather is very fine, with temperatures ranging in the mid-20s and there are low chances of rain, though it may occasionally rain, especially in the afternoon hours.
You can also track gorillas during the wet months. Gorilla families tend to stay nearer to the lower slopes of these ranges due to the abundance of food on these lower slopes, making the trekking time shorter and quite easy for you but still loaded with a multitude of unimaginable experiences.
During the rainy season, you should come with some rain gear, as it can shower any time of the day but it doesn’t rain all day.
How and Where to Get Gorilla Permits for Gorilla Tracking in Kahuzi Biega National Park, D.R. Congo?
Gorilla tracking permits for Kahuzi Biega National Park can only be obtained from Kahuzi Beige National Park using their email, where you write to the park and book a gorilla tracking permit or through a tour operator who will buy it on your behalf as part of your tour package to Kahuzi Biega National Park.
When Should I Book a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Kahuzi Biega National Park, D.R. Congo?
A gorilla trekking permit in Kahuzi Biega National Park should be booked for at least 3 months. This is because the gorilla trekking permits in Kahuzi Biega National Park are only 16 in number; hence, there is a high demand for them.
What Is Included in a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
A gorilla trekking permit in Kahuzi Biega National Park comes with services that include entry fees to the park, the services of a guide/ranger that will accompany you as you track a gorilla family and an hour with the gorilla family after successfully tracking and finding its current location.
What Is the Cost of Gorilla Tracking Permits in Kahuzi Biega National Park, D.R. Congo?
Gorilla tracking permits in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kahuzi Biega National Park are relatively cheap as compared to other permit prices within the region, only costing 400 USD for a permit. Secure yourself a magical experience of a lifetime with these gentle eastern lowland giants.
Does Kahuzi National Park have discounted gorilla permits?
Yes, it’s very true. Kahuzi Biega National Park has discounted gorilla permits available to students at a cost of only 200 USD.
What Is the Minimum Age of Gorilla Tracking in Kahuzi Biega National Park, D.R. Congo?
All people of all ages are welcome to Kahuzi Biega National Park. However, the gorilla tracking experience is only available to visitors who are aged 15 years and older. This is so because of the greater challenges that might be involved, like tracking gorillas for a long time or getting scared of seeing the gorillas themselves, as they are huge animals.
Children under 15 shouldn’t be left behind on a visit to Kahuzi Biega National Park, as there are other activities they engage in, such as birding.
How long is gorilla tracking in Kahuzi Biega National Park, D.R. Congo?
Gorilla tracking in Kahuzi Biega National Park can take anywhere from 1 hour to possibly 8 hours before finding the gorilla family you have tracked.
The tracking time will greatly depend on the location of the gorilla family, whether it is near or very far away. It will also depend on the moods of the gorillas you have tracked if they seem to be agitated.
Your ranger guide will cut short your time with the gorillas so as to ensure that you are safe because these animals are wild and can sometimes be aggressive, though this is a rare occurrence because before gorilla families are open for tourism purposes, they go through a rigorous habituation process in which they get to acclimatize to the human presence near them so rest assured that you will be safe.
What Are the Chances of Seeing a Gorilla Family in Kahuzi Biega National Park, D.R. Congo?
Your chances of seeing a gorilla family in Kahuzi Biega National Park are high, almost over 90%, because before you track a gorilla family, park rangers track it very early in the morning and will radio to your ranger guide about the current location of the gorilla family you are to track so that you have prior knowledge of their location before you set out to track that family. The only challenge that might arise is for the gorilla family to keep changing its location.
What Rules Should I Observe Before Starting the Tracking Process in Kahuzi Biega National Park, D.R. Congo?
- Always wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas.
- Please always keep your voices low. You will also be able to observe the great bird life and other wildlife in the forest.
- Do not leave trash in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out with you.
- You will be taken to where the guides observed the gorillas the day before. From there, you will follow the gorilla’s trail to find them. Look out for the gorilla’s nesting sites along the way!
- When you approach the mountain gorillas, the guides will inform you to get ready.
What Rules Should I Observe When I Meet the Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park, D.R. Congo?
- A 7-meter (21-foot) distance should be tried to be observed at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
- You must stay in a tight group when you are near the gorillas.
- Keep your voice down at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
- Do not smoke, drink, or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably increases the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
- Sometimes the gorilla’s charge. Follow the guide’s example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes, and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away, because that will increase the risk.
- Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures, move slowly and carefully.
- Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
- The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
- After the visit, keep your voice down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.
What Are the General Health Rules That Are Observed on the Gorilla Tracking Safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park, D.R. Congo?
- Remember that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following rules are ways to minimize the risk your visit might pose to them:
- Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress for the group.
- If you are feeling ill or carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your money.
- If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
- Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
- Do not leave any rubbish (e.g., food wrappers) in the park; foreign items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
- If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole is 30 cm deep and fill it in when you are finished.
What Should I Bring or Carry on a Gorilla Tracking Safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park, D.R. Congo?
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep, muddy slopes.
- Put on earplugs for those who feel uncomfortable with the jungle sounds.
- Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water
- Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable), and insect repellent.
- Bring a photo of a film camera. Using a flashlight is not permitted so we recommend using films of 400–800 ASA.
