Best Sites for Congo Safaris – Where to Go For Congo Wildlife Tours

There are numerous amazing places in the Democratic Republic of the Congo you can choose to explore on your Congo Wildlife safaris and gorilla safari trip. Each place holds unique game animals, attractions, and activities therefore, you need the guidance of a tour operator to choose the best!

These are the best places to visit on wildlife safaris in Congo/ during Congo safaris:

1. Congo Gorilla Tours: Virunga National Park

Popularly known for gorilla safaris in Congo, Virunga National Park (formerly Albert National Park) is among the oldest parks in Africa gazetted in 1925.

Found within the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Virunga National Park is a famous UNESCO world heritage site in Central Africa, home to a third of 1,063 Mountain gorillas on Earth and other wonderful game animals such as Forest Elephants, Buffalos, Chimpanzees, bushbucks, etc.

Animal species such as the Forest Elephant as well as Forest Buffalos are rarely spotted due to thick tropical rainforests.

Putting aside Gorillas, other major attractions in Congo’s Virunga National Park are the Nyiragongo active volcano- (holding the world’s largest lava lake) and other unique birdlife species such as the African grey Parrot. There are no Western lowland gorillas in Virunga park. Among countries to track Western lowland gorillas include; Gabon, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, and Guinea.

Top activities in Virunga National Park- Congo’s oldest national park:

• Gorilla treks
• Nyiragongo volcano hike
• Bird watching
• Chimpanzee trekking
• Taking nature walks
• Exploring Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage- It’s just close to the park headquarters and Mikeno Lodge.

Expect to enjoy the scenic views of the lovely landscape and diverse biodiversity within Virunga park- one of the most beautiful places on Earth

2. Kahuzi Biega National Park

Named after Mount Kahuzi & Biega, Kahuzi Biega National Park is a great UNESCO world heritage site in the Democratic Republic of the Congo- popularly known for its habituated Eastern lowland gorillas.

Kahuzi Beiga National Park is the only place to have lowland gorilla trekking tours in Africa.

Travelers intending to go for Congo gorilla safaris should note that Eastern lowland gorillas are bigger than Mountain gorillas. Also, the Eastern lowland gorillas live in lower altitudes, unlike the endangered Mountain gorillas.

Putting aside Grauer’s gorillas, visitors on Congo wildlife tours in Kahuzi Biega park can also encounter other wonderful animals in this park. For example, Chimpanzees, Bush Elephants, Forest Buffalo, Golden Monkeys, Owl-faced monkeys, Forest hogs, Bongo, and several birds such as the African grey Parrot and other bird species.

Note that:

• There are no Western lowland gorillas in Kahuzi park. Visitors on African safaris interested in western lowland gorilla excursions can only find Western lowland gorillas in Angola, Gabon, Congo Brazzaville,  Guinea as well as Cameroon, etc.
• You can spot Golden monkeys in Kahuzi park however, they are not open for tracking

3. Mount Nyiragongo Active Volcano

Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano within Virunga park- the best area for budget gorilla safari tours in East Africa. Within Africa, Nyiragongo Volcano is the most active! Its violent last eruption was in May 2021 and it left hundreds of people homeless and surrounding areas in ashes.

Currently, the summit of Nyiragongo volcano features an amazing lava-boiling crater that has been visited by thousands of travelers. This lava-boiling crater lake is the biggest in the world. These hikes are safe!

In the night, Nyiragongo volcano wonderfully brightens the skies of Goma City as well as Virunga NP.

Other sites worth exploring on Congo gorilla safari tours include:

• Lwiro Conservation Center
• Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center- the only gorilla sanctuary globally!
• Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary
• Salonga National Park- it’s as well another great safari destination in the DR Congo basin
• Garamba National Park
• Tchegera Island
• Odzala Kokoua National Park. A tour to  Odzala Kokoua National Park is the best way to explore the River Congo in the scenic Congo basin
• Maiko National Park- is among the richest and most biodiverse parks in Congo basin

Congo Wildlife Tours: Best Things to Do in Congo on Your Congo Gorilla Tour: What to Do in Congo?

There is something thrilling for every adventure lover on Congo gorilla safaris. Among the top things include taking; mountain gorilla safaris, lowland gorilla expeditions, and Nyiragongo volcano hiking expeditions.

Here are the top Congo safari activities to enjoy on your wildlife safaris in Congo:

1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Virunga National Park

Mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga park is the top highlight of wildlife safaris in Congo Virunga park.

It’s a stimulating adventure that takes you to encounter the breathtaking cool giants- Gorillas in their wonderful habitat.

The Mountain gorilla trek in Congo takes roughly 2-8 hrs and on spotting the endangered Mountain gorillas, visitors are limited to one hour with them. You’re free to choose the gorilla family out of the many gorilla families to trek.

Expect to watch these giant humanlike primates grooming, feeding, playing, etc. If lucky, you can get a chance to watch the mighty silverback gorilla showing its dominance by beating its chest!

Trekking gorillas is such an amazing experience that will leave you with a lifetime story to tell. Never miss it on your wildlife tours in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

2. Congo Gorilla Safaris: Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking Tours in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Lowland gorilla trekking tours in Congo Kahuzi Biega park offer the same gorilla tracking experience just like Mountain gorilla safaris in Congo Virunga National Park.

The only difference is that lowland gorilla excursions are relatively easier just like western lowland gorilla expeditions in Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, and Angola, etc.

Visitors tracking Eastern lowland gorillas don’t trek longer distances on steep slopes, these gorillas dwell in lower altitudes.

During this gorilla trek, on lucky days beautiful wildlife species such as Forest Buffalo, Forest Elephant, Giant Forest Hog, primates as well as bird species,  such as the are spotted.

GORILLA TREKKING COST IN CONGO: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GO GORILLA TREKKING IN CONGO? : HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SEE GORILLAS IN CONGO?

The cost for Congo gorilla tracking permits is 400 USD.  The price for Congo gorilla permits is much cheaper than that of Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga national park (700 USD). Tracking gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is 1500 USD.

Therefore, Republic of Congo gorilla safaris offer the cheapest gorilla trekking experience in East Africa.

3. Hiking Mount Nyiragongo

Mount Nyiragongo hiking experience is a must-not-miss adventure on top of your Congo wildlife safaris/Congo gorilla trips.

Mostly, Nyiragongo hikes are done after gorilla safaris in Congo Virunga National Park.

Nyiragongo’s summit holds a boiling lava crater lake that sends smoke up in the air. Each year, thousands of adventurous travelers hike Mount Nyiragongo to witness this incredible natural wonder- the world’s largest boiling lava crater lake.

The hike to the summit of Nyiragongo Volcano takes 2 days. It includes a night at the summit of the rim of this boiling lava crater lake. The evening glowing views of the red-hot magma are pleasing!

The Nyiragongo hiking permit is 300 USD for each person. These permits are obtained at Virunga park headquarters and most travelers book them through their Congo tour operators.

Other things to do on your Congo gorilla safari holiday:

• Visiting Lwiro Conservation Center. On this tour, you can also visit the National Museum of DRC- Musée National de Kinshasa
• Visit Bonobos at Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary within the Congo basin
• Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center- the only gorilla sanctuary globally!
• Enjoying wildlife safaris in Salonga National Park or Garamba National Park. If lucky, you can spot the Forest Elephant.
• Exploring Tchegera Island on Lake Kivu
• Visiting Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Congo Basin
• A visit to Maiko National Park- allows you to see some endangered species of the Republic of Congo such as Okapis. Other charming animals in Maiko National Park include the Forest Elephant and the Eastern Chimpanzees
• Boat cruise or kayaking on the Congo River within the Congo basin especially while on wildlife safaris in Odzala Kokoua National Park/Odzala National Park.

Congo Wildlife Tours: Best Time to Visit Congo for Safaris: What is the Best Time to Go to Congo for Holidays?

What is the best season to visit DR Congo? Year-round, travelers can enjoy Congo safaris but, the dry season which runs from December to February as well as June-September is ideal. In these dry months, there is minimal rainfall interference to travelers undertaking gorilla trips in DR Congo.

September to November plus March to May receive much rain and usually the gorilla tracking trails become slippery. However, they remain passable.

Note that, since the Republic of Congo holds a tropical climate, its weather is warm all year round. During rainy seasons, some lodges offer discounts to visitors and this can be the ideal time for budget gorilla safaris in the Republic of Congo.

Accommodation on Congo Safaris: Where to Stay on Your Congo Wildlife Safari Trip?

Depending on choice and budget, tourists planning to go for gorilla expeditions in Congo have various accommodation options to use. They are grouped into luxury, mid-range, and budget safari lodges.

Luxury safari lodges on gorilla safaris in Democratic Republic of Congo

Such lodges are ranked as 5-star hotels. Most of them are built offering jaw-dropping views of Virunga park. Their price ranges from 250-500 USD. Luxury facilities have high-quality services with elegant rooms, bars, and restaurants. Mikeno Lodge and Bukima Tented Camp are commonly used.

Midrange lodges on Congo wildlife safari tours

The price of mid-range lodges in Congo usually ranges from around 100-250 USD dollars per night. They offer a wider service in comparison to budget facilities. Most of them have self-contained rooms, lovely bedding, TV in the room, restaurants, and bars. Tchegera Island Tented Camp

Budget lodges on Congo gorilla tours

Budget lodges in DR Congo offer basic services for instance moderate bedding as well as a restaurant where you can have good means. Often, these budget facilities lack bars and warm bath showers. Kibumba Tented Camp and Lodge is famously used.

Packing List for Congo Safaris: What to Pack for a Gorilla Safari in Congo?

All tourists coming for gorilla excursions in the Republic of Congo should have in mind that, there are some necessary safari items you should have for a rewarding vacation.

• A nice camera for taking photos
• Insect repellents keep away biting insects from biting you
• Hiking boots are of help during nature walks
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
• Gardening gloves
• Rain Jacket in case rain finds you along the gorilla trek
• Personal toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, and towels
• Binoculars will help you to see distant features clearly
• Anti Malaria pills
• First aid kit
• Water bottle
• Sun protection gear including sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreens

Best Wildlife Safaris in Congo: Top Congo Gorilla Tours: Popular Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Congo wildlife tour packages usually feature game viewing tours, chimpanzee trekking, and Mount Nyiragongo hike, among others. For the best Congo wildlife tours, book your trip with a tour company knowledgeable about East African safaris.

Republic of Congo wildlife safari packages! It’s possible to have combined wildlife safaris in Congo, Uganda, or Rwanda. Talk to our Congo travel expert for more details.

Below are some of the best Congo tour packages: best Congo wildlife Tours:

• 3 days lowland gorilla safari in Congo
• 3 days gorilla trip in DR Congo
• 3 days Nyiragongo hiking adventure
• 5 days Gorilla and Nyiragongo Volcano hike
• 5 days Lowland gorilla trekking tour and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
• 5 days Rwanda Congo gorilla safari trip
• 10 days Uganda Rwanda Congo safari tour
• 12 Days Uganda Rwanda and Congo Tour- Game viewing, chimpanzee trekking, and double gorilla visits

Best Congo Tour Companies to Travel With for Congo Safaris

These are the best tour operators you should travel with on your Congo safaris. They have incredible knowledge of organizing Congo gorilla excursions, and Nyiragongo volcano hikes, among others.

Here they are:

1. Wild Gorilla Safaris

Email: info@primeugandasafaris.com

Website: www.wildgorillasafaris.com

2. Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd

Email: info@primeugandasafaris.com

Website: www.primeugandasafaris.com

3. Congo Gorilla Safaris and Tours

Website: https://congogorillasafaristours.com/

4. Africa Safaris Tours

Website: https://www.africasafaris-tours.com/

Common Questions About Congo Wildlife Tours: Congo Gorilla Safaris

1. What Type of Animals Live in the Congo Rainforest? : What Kind of Wildlife is Found in the DRC? : What Wildlife is In the Republic of the Congo?

Congo rainforests hold several amazing wildlife but, they are renowned for Mountain gorillas in Virunga park and Eastern lowland gorillas of Kahuzi Beiga National Park. Other animals in Congo include Forest Elephants, Giant Forest Hog, Forest Buffalo, Bonobos, Okapis, etc.

Among East African countries, it’s only in Congo that you spot Central African animal species such as the Central African Red Colobus. There are no western lowland gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

2. Where Can I See Gorillas in Congo? : In Which Two National Parks in DRC Can Tourists See Gorillas?

Visitors on wildlife safaris in Congo can find gorillas in 2 national parks. Mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo live in Virunga park and Eastern lowland gorillas are spotted in Kahuzi Biega park.

Therefore, travelers on Congo gorilla safaris can have lowland gorilla excursions as well as mountain gorilla trekking tours. You can have western lowland gorilla excursions in Congo.

3. Congo Safari Cost: How Much Does it Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Congo? : How Much Does it Cost to Trek Gorillas in Virunga National Park?

The gorilla permit in Congo costs 400 USD. In comparison with the gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Congo gorilla permits are the cheapest.

Uganda gorilla permit costs 700 USD and in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park it’s 1500.

A 3 days Congo gorilla tour can be at around 1200 USD to 1500 USD per person. Talk to our Congo tour expert.

4. How Much Does It Cost to Go to the Congo Safari?

The price for Congo tours varies with your Congo safari interests and travel style.  For instance, it’s much influenced by the activities you’ll do, the duration of your adventure, and the accommodations you’ll use, among others.

A simple 3 days Congo gorilla adventure costs around 1200 USD while 3 days adventure in Congo- Nyiragongo hike is over 1000 USD per person. Email our Congo travel expert for more details!

5. Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money?

According to past travelers, the Congo gorilla trekking experience is worth the money and time! Among safari activities in Africa, gorilla tracking expeditions offer the most amazing and memorable safari experience. Imagine the thrill of encountering the mighty gentle giants of the forest in their stunning misty natural environment.

The money collected as tourists buy their gorilla permits is mostly put back in the primate conservation of the Mountain gorillas by the Wildlife Conservation Society. For instance, paying park rangers and starting up community development projects within areas around gorilla national parks.

6. What is the Cheapest Way to See Gorillas? : What is the Cheapest Way to Go Gorilla Trekking in Congo?

From the great experience in arranging wildlife safaris in Congo, we have several ways how visitors can enjoy budget Mountain gorilla tours in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The best ways include using mostly budget lodges for accommodation, traveling in low season, and booking your trip with a local safari company in Congo. Still, you should travel as a group to allow cost-sharing on a safari.

You should note that there are no western lowland gorilla expeditions in DRC!

7. How Many Days Do You Need for Gorilla Trekking in Congo?

Visitors intending to go for gorilla expeditions on their Congo safaris need a minimum of 3 days.

Usually, Congo gorilla expeditions start from Uganda or Rwanda. You’ll travel the 1st day, track gorillas the 2nd day, and drive back on the 3rd day.

Gorilla safaris in Congo can go beyond the above days! On your trip, you can add Mount Nyiragongo hiking expeditions, chimpanzee trekking, game viewing, as well as community visits, among others.

8. Republic of Congo Safari Tours: Is Congo Safe to Visit? : Can You Visit the Congo Rainforest? : Is It Safe to Travel to Congo?

Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly called Zaire) is among the African countries that have experienced prolonged periods of political instability. It’s due to several rebel groups, corruption as well as poor governance structures.

Regardless of the above, hundreds of travelers come for Congo gorilla safaris every year and 99% of the trips end successfully. Political instabilities in Kenya are in specific areas not in tourism areas such as Virunga park and Kahuzi Biega National Park. Tourists are not the target!

Also note that, in the Republic of Congo national parks, there are armed park rangers who ensure that tourists are safe on their wildlife tours in Congo.

To wind up, though it’s safe to travel to the Republic of Congo, always inquire first about the safety of the place you wish to visit!

9. Congo Gorilla Trekking Difficulty: Is Gorilla Trekking Difficult? : How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo?

Trekking gorillas is not as challenging as most people might think however, the trek is fairly challenging.

While on the gorilla trek in the forest, the conditions vary. In some areas, the terrain can be wet, dry, and hilly but, passable.

The best way to be fit for your gorilla adventure is by raising the fitness level of your body before the tracking date. Also, you must put on appropriately i.e. hiking boots and long pants.

9. Congo Gorilla Tours: Is it Safe to See Gorillas in Congo? : Is Gorilla Trekking Safe in Congo? : Is it Safe to Go Gorilla Trekking in the Congo?

This is a common inquiry we get from travelers intending to take Congo wildlife tours in Virunga National Park or Kahuzi Biega park.

Please note that tourists on Congo gorilla expeditions are accompanied by armed rangers into the jungle. Also, all gorilla safaris in Congo are carried out on a fully habituated gorilla group or gorilla families which are familiar to people, thus, they can’t be aggressive.

10. Why Do Tourists Visit the Congo? : What is the Congo Famous for?

Tourists who visit the Republic of Congo are mostly interested in gorilla safaris in Congo Virunga National Park or Kahuzi Beiga NP.

Not only are Congo safaris known for gorilla tracking but, it also offers one of the best volcano hiking expeditions in Africa. Don’t miss hiking Nyiragongo active volcano to explore the incredible lava-boiling crater lake.

Other safari activities to enjoy on top of your gorilla tours in Congo include; chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, and nature walks in the lush green tropical rainforest.

11. Does Congo Have Safaris? : Does The Republic of Congo Have Safaris? : What is Congo Good for?

Tourists intending to visit Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) for Congo wildlife tours have numerous safari alternatives. The common safaris in Congo include gorilla tracking adventures, Eastern lowland gorilla excursions as well as Mount Nyiragongo hikes.

Other safari tours in Congo; birding, chimpanzee trekking tours, as well as nature walks- best for nature lovers.

Some of our popular Congo safari tours include; 3 days Eastern lowland gorilla trekking safari in Congo, 3 days Nyiragongo hiking adventure, and 5 days Gorilla and Nyiragongo Volcano hike trip, among others.

You can also try out this 5 days Rwanda Congo gorilla safari trip or 10 days Uganda Rwanda Congo safari tour.

Get in touch with us today for extraordinary Congo gorilla tours. The most common wildlife safaris in Congo include mountain gorilla trekking tours in Virunga NP, Eastern Lowland gorilla tours in Kahuzi Biega National Park, and Nyiragongo hiking adventures, among others.

TALK TO OUR RESPONSIVE TEAM TO BOOK YOUR TRIP!