Gorilla Trekking Congo: Virunga & Kahuzi Biega National Park

Gorilla trekking in DR Congo is exceptional to do while on safari in the DR Congo visiting Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park. If you want to watch Mountain Gorillas, visit Virunga National Park and if you prefer Eastern Lowland Gorillas, get to Kahuzi Biega National Park located after the busy town of Bukavu,

Gorilla trekking in the Congo is not just about observing these magnificent creatures up close; it’s an opportunity to experience the raw beauty of Africa’s rainforests, the thrill of the wild and contribute to conservation efforts.

Follow up on this article to know what to expect when gorilla trekking in the Congo, including the different regions where trekking occurs, the best time to visit, how to prepare for the adventure, and the importance of conservation efforts in protecting these endangered species.

Gorilla Species Found in the Congo

The Congo Basin, one of the world’s oldest and most diverse rainforests, is home to two distinct species of gorillas: the mountain gorilla and lowland gorilla. Both species are critically endangered, making trekking to see them a unique privilege.

Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are watched in the vast Virunga National Park located a few kilometers off Goma Town in the Virunga Mountains which straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These gorillas inhabit the higher altitudes of the mountains, where the dense forest and cooler temperatures make the whole adventure exceptional.

Mountain Gorillas are generally larger and have thicker fur compared to lowland gorillas, an adaptation to the colder mountain climate. They live in tight-knit family groups led by a dominant male known as the silverback.

Lowland Gorillas

Lowland Gorillas are found in the rainforests of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. In the DR Congo travelers can watch Eastern Lowland Gorillas at Kahuzi Biega National Park. The lowland Gorillas differ from Mountain Gorillas with features i.e shorter fur, appear smaller in size, have smaller nostrils, etc.

Lowland Gorillas tend to be more elusive and are harder to track than mountain gorillas due to their preference for denser forests, but seeing these gorillas in their natural environment is an unforgettable experience.

Gorilla Trekking Locations in DR Congo

Trekking Gorillas in DR Congo is incredibly done in two differing safari destinations i.e Virunga National Park situated close to Goma Town and Kahuzi Biega National Park close to Bukavu Town.

Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is located in the Eastern part of the DR Congo covering an area of  7,800 square kilometers inhabiting the rare species Mountain Gorillas. There are many habituated Mountain Gorilla Families that are trekked.

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Virunga

The trekking experience in Virunga typically involves a hike through the rainforest, where visitors are guided by expert rangers and trackers. The time spent trekking can vary, depending on the location of the gorilla family, but expect hikes that range from one to several hours. The terrain can be steep, slippery, and challenging, which adds to the adventure.

Once you encounter the gorillas, trekkers are typically allowed a limited amount of time (usually one hour) to observe them. You watch them feed, play and interact within their family groups. This time is precious, as gorilla sightings are rare and remarkable. Visitors are advised to maintain a respectful distance and follow strict rules to minimize disturbance to the gorillas.

Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking at Kahuzi Biega National Park

Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking is exceptional to do in DR Congo at Kahuzi Biega National Park located a few kilometers off the busy town of Bukavu.

Gorilla Trekking Experience at Kahuzi Biega

Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking at Kahuzi Biega National Park does not differ from Mountain Gorilla Trekking at Virunga National Park. The procedure is the same requiring you to transfer from the park headquarters into the green forest vegetation to trek the Gorillas for a period of 3 to 5 hours depending where they are located. On meeting them, an hour is allowed to stay in their presence taking various photos to keep with you.

Best Time to Visit for Gorilla Trekking in the Congo

Trekking Gorillas in DR Congo can be done anytime around the year although, the best time to trek Gorillas depends on the region. The Best time to trek Gorillas is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August to September as the trails are less muddy, and the weather is more predictable, although some rain showers are still possible.

What to Bring for Gorilla Trek in DR Congo

• Sturdy, Waterproof Footwear: Good hiking boots are a must to navigate through wet and muddy terrain.
• Comfortable, Breathable Clothing: Long sleeves and long pants are recommended to protect yourself from thorns, insects, and exposure to the elements.
• Rain Gear: A light, breathable rain jacket is essential as weather conditions can change quickly.
• Binoculars and Camera: While gorilla sightings are often close, binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens will help capture the experience.
• Insect Repellent: The Congo rainforests are home to various insects, so insect repellent is essential to avoid bites.