Gorilla Trekking in Congo’s Virunga National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Congo’s Virunga National Park: Planning for Gorilla Trekking in Congo can be confusing without Safari Vacations & Travel Services about the country and the National Parks. Previously known as the Belgian Congo and more recently Zaire, the Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced a series of wars that have led to civil unrest. However, as the second-largest country in Africa with a population of 78.74 million people, the country has vast untapped human and natural resources.
Whereas some of her neighbors can brag about having most of the remaining families of mountain gorillas, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country in the world where you can spot both lowland and mountain gorillas. They even quietly have the endangered golden monkeys.
Gorillas in Virunga National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Congo’s Virunga National Park: The Democratic Republic of Congo is the only countries were visitors can track both mountain gorillas and their lowland cousins in the wild. It is the best country for seeing wild eastern lowland gorillas. Lowland gorillas in DR Congo are tracked at the Kahuzi Biega National Park, while the mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park. Mountain gorillas are generally larger in size than lowland gorillas, with darker and thicker coats that are designed to help them survive in cold high altitudes.
Both subspecies feed on leaves, tree shoots, and fruits. Both subspecies live in families/groups led by a dominant male silverback that is responsible for the safety of the rest of the group members and keeping unruly individuals in check. Mountain gorilla groups are generally larger, with over 30 individuals at times. The males in both gorilla subspecies stay with the group longer, while the females usually leave to join other silverbacks or groups once they reach maturity.
Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Mountain Gorilla tourism is possible only in three countries – Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Gorilla trekking is the most popular and attractive activity among tourists visiting Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo at the moment. This is mainly because mountain gorillas are close relatives to humans, are extremely rare, and are an endangered species. These reasons collectively make watching a family of mountain gorillas a very special wildlife event.
Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park starts very early in the morning on the day of the trek. Trekkers need to wake up early, take breakfast, and carry all the things they will need while tracking the gorillas. These include long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, hiking shoes, warm long stockings, hand gloves, cameras, water, a passport, a VISA, and gorilla permits. The briefing covers several topics, including the history of each gorilla group, gorilla habitats, and gorilla trekking rules.
Checking passports helps the rangers allocate gorilla groups according to the language of the trekkers. Other criteria, such as fitness level and personal preference, are also taken into consideration when assigning visitors to Congo gorilla families. As you wait to be allocated a particular gorilla group, you may be entertained by traditional local dances. After the briefing and gorilla group allocation is concluded, you will head out tracking in groups of 8 people per gorilla group under the guidance of park guides and armed rangers.
Tips for planning gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
Gorilla watching in Virunga is an exciting experience, but remember that tracking can really get you worn out, sweaty, and hungry. There are some simple tips and things you need to take into consideration to enjoy the whole experience, right from the time you enter the forest, look for the gorilla family. You should;
Prepare mentally before tracking the gorilla and be reasonably fit. When ready physically and mentally, navigating through the difficult terrain can be a walkover. If you are not sure of your general fitness, train yourself before the tour by walking in the sun or walking on foot for long distances.
Keep yourself warm and well covered with gardening gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and pants. Long and thick synthetic stockings will also help keep you warm in high altitudes.
Gorilla tours are carried out throughout the year, but the dry season is the best time for gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park. The heavy rains in the months of October to November and March to April can make the pathways muddy and slippery.
What to consider?
Hire the services of a good and well-organized tour operator that will get everything ready with regard to bookings. A good tour company provides you with detailed information about the tour and removes the burdens of getting everything done by yourself, leaving you free with the task of only showing up for the trek.
For a well-planned gorilla trek, pack a high-quality camera, plenty of water, snacks, a waterproof backpack, and insect repellent.
Hire the services of a porter in case of extra heavy luggage that might make you tired during gorilla tracking.
Make sure you apply for the Congo visa before entering Congo. A Congo Visa costs $100.
Arrange for travel insurance if you can.
Book accommodations near the starting point of the trek.
Getting to Virunga National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Congo’s Virunga National Park: After booking your gorilla permit, accommodation, and Visa, you might wonder how you will get to a large country like the DR Congo,o or more precisely, Virunga National Park. The first step is landing in either Kigali International Airport in Rwanda or Entebbe Airport in Uganda.
Rwanda to Congo route:
Flights to Kigali usually arrive in the late afternoon or evening hours, implying that you might have to first sleep in a hotel in Kigali before embarking on the trip to the Congo border because the border offices don’t open 24/7. You should start the journey to the border early in the morning the next day. The journey from Kigali to Gisenyi takes about 4 hours by road. A hired private car will cost you $100, while public transportation costs way less. From Gisenyi, you can take a local taxi for less than a dollar to the Congo Rwanda Border.
You will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate, a passport, and a Congo Visa to cross the border to Congo. Border officials from the Rwanda side will stamp your passport, and then you will cross for another stamp at the Congo side office.
Uganda to Congo route
On landing at Entebbe Airport, it takes less than an hour to drive to Kampala using the new express highway. The journey from Kampala to Kisor,o the nearest town to the Congo border, er takes about 8 hours. This long journey to the Bunagana border is tiring to take by public means. If you decide to use public transport anyway, prepare to pay between $15 and,$20 depending on the season – public vehicles hike their fares during festive seasons like Easter and Christmas. The most recommended method to travel to Kisoro is to hire a private vehicle or use the services of a tour operator like Safari Vacations and Travel Services. Using a tour company is quicker, safer,r and more comfortable. Once you reach Bunagana, the journey to Virunga National Park takes only 30 minutes driving on the road.
Water transport: For the more adventurous travelers, there is another way of reaching Goma in Congo. You can go for a boat cruise on Lake Kivu all the way to Goma in DR Congo. The boat cruise costs between $300 to $400 and takes about 5 hours. The more expensive speed boats take 3 hours to reach Goma. The speed boats are in high demand, and you should book one early enough. Because of the security situation in the area, we recommend that you use public boats instead of private ones.
The cost of gorilla trekking in Congo
A mountain gorilla permit in Congo costs $400, which is lower than in Rwanda ($1500) or Uganda ($800). You could even get them at discounts during the low seasons of the year. One needs to take into consideration the cost of transportation, accommodation, and Visas. The final cost will depend on which category you choose. The estimated cost of a 3-day gorilla tour is $1500 for budget and $2000 for Luxury. For those planning on doing a budget Gorilla trekking tour on their own, you don’t need to book the more expensive accommodations within Goma. There are cheaper accommodations in the city that still offer good services.
Accommodation during gorilla tours in Virunga National Park
A gorilla safari in Virunga National Park involves choosing one of the various accommodation options depending on your budget and choice.
The budget for accommodation
However, these may lack services like bars, television, and warm bath showers. But that was just a generalization. Most of the budget accommodations will surprise with quality and personal services that don’t look budget at all.
The Mid-Range Accommodations:
One can call them 2 or 3-star facilities that are slightly more expensive, going for between $100 and $290 per night. These offer a wider range of services compared to the budget accommodation. They usually have self-contained rooms, better bedding, room televisions, dining services, restaurants, and bars.
Luxury Accommodation:
One can call them 5-star hotels or lodges, and they are built in strategic locations that allow visitors to marvel at the great scenery in Virunga National Park. The prices range from between $250 and $500. These facilities offer high-quality services with great rooms, restaurants, and bars.
Let’s look at some of the lodges within the Virunga National Park
Kibumba Tented Camp and Lodge
KibumbaLodgee is one of the newly opened lodges within the Virunga National Park. The budget rooms cost $200 per night. Expect to find self-contained bathrooms, 24-hour hot water showers, Linen bedding, dining, and lounge services.
Mikeno Lodge
The strategic location of Mikeno Lodge near the Virunga National Park allows visitors to have great wildlife experiences like watching chimpanzee, Colobus Monkeys, blue Monkey,s and several bird species from near their rooms. The lodge offers spaciouen-suiteit bathroowith of stone showers and curved baths. Moreover, there is a dining hall, bar,r and a lounging area with a fireplace.
Lac Kivu Lodge:
Gorilla Trekking in Congo’s Virunga National Park is located within Goma and sits on the banks of one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa – Lake Kivu. With African-style decorations, the hotel has 20 rooms overlooking a beautifully manicured garden to one side and Lake Kivu on the other side. Besides the beautiful scenery, they offer en-suite bathrooms that have Nespresso coffee machines and Italian showers. There is a large swimming pool, conference rooms, WiFi, a fitness/beauty center, and constant power.
