Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) offers a thrilling and less crowded alternative to its neighbors, Rwanda and Uganda. The DRC is home to some of the most pristine and remote habitats for both mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas, making it a top destination for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic wildlife experience.
Virunga National Park is the premier destination for mountain gorilla trekking in the DRC. This UNESCO World Heritage Site shelters about a quarter of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park is located in the Virunga volcanoes region and includes eight habituated gorilla families open for trekking, such as Kabirizi, Rugendo, and Humba.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is renowned for eastern lowland gorillas (also called Grauer’s gorillas), a unique subspecies found only in this part of the world. Located near Bukavu, this park offers a slightly easier trekking experience compared to Virunga and is ideal for those interested in seeing these rare gorillas.
Other notable sites include Maiko National Park and Tayna Gorilla Reserve, which provide more remote and community-based trekking experiences, especially for eastern lowland gorillas
The best time for gorilla trekking in the DRC aligns with the dry seasons, which are generally from June to September and December to February. These months offer better trekking conditions with less mud and rain, making the trails more accessible and the wildlife easier to spot.
Gorilla trekking permits in the DRC are more affordable compared to Rwanda, costing approximately $400 to $450 per person for mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park.
Permits for eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park are also required, with limited groups available, so booking at least five months in advance is recommended due to limited availability and to ensure conservation efforts are supported.
Permits grant trekkers the opportunity to spend one hour with the gorillas once they are located, under the supervision of expert guides and rangers
Gorilla trekking in Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega usually starts early in the morning with a briefing around 7:00 AM.
The trekking duration varies widely depending on gorilla location and terrain but generally lasts between 2 to 8 hours, followed by a one-hour close encounter with the gorillas.
Trekkers should plan for at least 2 to 3 days in the region to accommodate travel, briefings, and the actual trekking experience.
Security concerns have occasionally affected access to Virunga National Park, with some areas temporarily closed due to conflict. However, Kahuzi-Biega remains open and safe for tourists.
The trek is physically demanding, often through dense forest and challenging terrain, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
The DRC offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience with fewer tourists, making it ideal for travelers seeking solitude and adventure while contributing to vital conservation and community projects
