Obtaining a gorilla trekking permit in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one essential thing every trekker on Congo safari should put into consideration. A gorilla permit is an essential tool when it comes to gorilla trekking safaris in the DR Congo or any gorilla destination. It is what lets you trek one of the habituated gorilla groups in the Congo Virunga National Park.
The process of obtaining gorilla trekking permits in the DR Congo is not complex provided you observe guidelines well. Not any permit is allowed but a valid gorilla permit is what gets you a chance to interact with the rare mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat. All gorilla trekking permits in the DRC like other gorilla destinations are priced. In order for you to trek mountain gorillas in the Congo Virunga National Park or you are interested in trekking the Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park, you need $450 to help you secure a gorilla permit.
Gorilla permits for gorilla trekking in the Virunga National Park can be obtained at the Virunga Tourism Office which is just near Goma. Because the process is tedious and can be trickier, to be on a safer side get in touch with our reservation team and we shall have everything done while you sit back home. In addition, we shall help arrange for you unforgettable gorilla safari package in the DR Congo Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Best time to book a gorilla permit
Due to high demand, we always advise all our clients who are interested in gorilla trekking safaris in the Congo Virunga National Park or Kahuzi Biega National Park to book their gorilla permits early enough. Preferably, do so at least 4-6 months before the actual date you plan to take a flight to the DR Congo. Note, other visitors even book their permits a year or two years earlier!
During the dry season, demand for gorilla trekking permits increases because this is normally the peak season and that is why we advise you to secure one early enough to avoid doing things on last minute which may come with lots of disappointments.
Compared to other gorilla destinations like Rwanda and Uganda, gorilla trekking permits in the DR Congo are relatively cheaper. Each gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $ 1500 per person and applies to all visitors. In Uganda, you can secure a gorilla trekking permit at $600 and this applies up to 30th June. From July, the new rate for gorilla trekking permits in Uganda will be at $700 per person for foreign non-resident, $600 per person for foreign residents and shs. 25000 for East African citizens.
Number of gorilla permits
The 8 habituated gorilla families in the Virunga National Park translate into 64 gorilla permits that are available for visitors on Congo gorilla safari to book. Each gorilla family is trekked by 8 visitors each day!
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of the Congo still features as an exceptional and pocket friendly gorilla destination in Africa. Gorilla safaris in the DR Congo can be incorporated with other exciting activities such as Nyiragongo Volcano hike, birding and many more.