Gorilla trekking in Congo

Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo is an extraordinary adventure, offering travelers a chance to see both mountain and eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitats. The primary destination for mountain gorilla trekking is Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set against dramatic volcanic scenery. For those interested in eastern lowland gorillas the largest gorilla subspecies Kahuzi-Biega National Park near Bukavu is the top destination. Treks are led by experienced rangers, guiding visitors through lush rainforests and volcanic slopes to observe gorilla families up close. The DRC is often less crowded than Uganda or Rwanda, providing a more intimate and wild trekking experience. Gorilla permits in Congo are also more affordable, making it an attractive choice for adventurous travelers. Safety and security have improved in recent years, but travelers should always check current conditions before visiting. Gorilla tourism in Congo supports vital conservation work and local communities. Besides gorillas, visitors can enjoy birdwatching, volcano hikes, and cultural encounters.

Overview

Where to find Gorillas

Virunga National Park: Home of Mountain Gorillas

Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in eastern DRC along the borders with Rwanda and Uganda. The park is famous for its breathtaking scenery, including active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and vast savannas. Virunga is most celebrated for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, attracting trekkers eager for a raw, immersive wildlife experience. Several habituated gorilla families can be tracked in Virunga, such as the Rugendo, Munyaga, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Humba, Bageni, and Kabirizi families. Each group has its own territory, social dynamics, and history, providing trekkers with a unique and intimate encounter led by skilled local guides and rangers. The park also offers opportunities to hike Mount Nyiragongo, spot chimpanzees, and support vital conservation efforts.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park: The Stronghold of Eastern Lowland Gorillas

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, located near the town of Bukavu in eastern DRC, is the premier destination for tracking eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas), the largest of all gorilla subspecies. This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers a vast area of montane and lowland rainforest, offering trekkers the rare chance to observe these gentle giants in a less visited, pristine wilderness. The main habituated gorilla families in Kahuzi-Biega include the Chimanuka and Mpungwe groups, both well-studied and accustomed to human presence. Treks in this park are known for their relative ease compared to mountain gorilla tracking, and visitors are often rewarded with longer viewing times and fewer crowds. In addition to gorillas, Kahuzi-Biega is home to a wealth of biodiversity, scenic hiking trails, and spectacular views of extinct volcanoes.
Gorilla Trekking rates in Congo as of 2026 are; $400(FNR) and $200(EAC)

Congo’s Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks provide two very different but equally unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences. Whether you seek the iconic mountain gorillas among the volcanoes of Virunga or the mighty eastern lowland gorillas in the rainforests of Kahuzi-Biega, each adventure supports conservation and offers a profound connection with some of our closest wild relatives.