Gorilla Trekking in Congo, Did you know that Congo has got mountain gorillas? Yes, Congo has got the endangered mountain gorillas. However, planning a gorilla safari in Congo is a bit hard since the country often experiences a series of wars. These have led to civil unrest and fear among tourists to visit the country.
As the second largest country in Africa, Congo has got a population of 78.80 million people and quite a number of natural resources. There range from tropical rain forests, water bodies, birds, animals to pygmy chimpanzees. Unlike Uganda and Rwanda, one has a chance to spot both lowland and mountain gorillas and also the endangered golden monkeys.
Where To Do Gorilla Trekking In Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country where tourists can have both mountain and lowland gorilla experience. Gorillas are in three countries which are Uganda, with the highest gorilla population. These are in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. In Rwanda, you can trek Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. And finally in Congo, you can trek gorillas at Virunga National Park.
Gorilla trekking starts very early in the morning. The activity starts with a briefing at the park headquarters by the park rangers on the rules and regulations of the trek. During briefing, passports are checked, this helps in allocating gorilla groups according to the language of the trekkers.
Kindly note that fitness levels and personal preferences are considered when assigning clients to a particular gorilla family. You will enjoy traditional local dances. And finally, when you start the trek, the chances of spotting the gorillas are very high. However, there are quite a number of challenges that come along the way which makes trekking time longer.
Some of these challenges include weather, slippery terrain and many others. If you get a chance to locate a gorilla family, you will spend an hour in their presence. During this one hour, you will see gorillas grooming each other, breast feeding, playing and stubborn adolescents jumping on trees.
What Is The Cost Of Gorilla Trekking In Congo
A gorilla permit in Congo costs 400$ which makes it the cheapest gorilla trekking destination. These permits have to booked in advance through a tour operator like Vibrant Holiday Safaris. Or you can book directly from the Virunga National Park headquarters.