DR Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost (2025–2030) – Book Your Trek Today

Understanding DR Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost

If you are planning a gorilla trekking adventure and looking for the most affordable destination, DR Congo stands out as the best-value option in Africa. The DR Congo gorilla trekking permit cost is significantly lower than in neighboring countries, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers, researchers, and adventure seekers who want to witness these endangered primates in their natural rainforest habitat.

A gorilla trekking permit is a mandatory document issued by park authorities that grants you one hour of guided access to a habituated gorilla family. In Democratic Republic of Congo, permits are mainly issued for Virunga National Park (home to mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (home to eastern lowland gorillas). While Rwanda charges $1,500 USD and Uganda $800 USD, Congo’s permits cost only $400 USD, and even less during promotional seasons.

But lower cost doesn’t mean lower quality. Congo offers raw, off-the-beaten-path trekking with experienced rangers, intimate group sizes, and unmatched biodiversity. Booking through a trusted operator like Nextgen Safaris ensures your permit is secured properly, your travel is safe, and your experience is unforgettable.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the DR Congo gorilla trekking permit cost, including current pricing, how to book, where to trek, and why Congo might be the most rewarding destination for your gorilla safari.

Gorilla Permit Costs in DR Congo Full Breakdown

The DR Congo gorilla trekking permit cost is the most affordable among Africa’s gorilla trekking destinations. Below is a breakdown of current and upcoming permit prices, helping you plan your safari budget accurately.

Permits must be booked in advance and are issued only through authorized tour operators like Nextgen Safaris. This ensures your spot is secured and all park regulations are met.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo

DR Congo offers two gorilla trekking destinations unlike anywhere else in Africa—each with its own ecosystem, gorilla species, and level of adventure. Your DR Congo gorilla trekking permit grants you access to one of these incredible parks, both operated under strict conservation guidelines.

Choose your destination below

Virunga National Park

Africa’s oldest national park and home to the rare mountain gorillas, Virunga National Park offers a wild and thrilling trekking experience. Located near the Goma border with Rwanda, Virunga is ideal for travelers booking the $400 DR Congo gorilla trekking permit and seeking close access from Kigali. Trekking here feels raw and untouched, guided by expert rangers in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Located near Bukavu in eastern DR Congo, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is the only place in the world where you can trek eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. Larger than mountain gorillas and equally captivating, these apes live in the forested highlands of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Permits are the same cost—$400 USD—and the experience is deeply immersive and uncrowded.

These two parks offer distinctly different experiences but share one thing in common: unbeatable access to Africa’s most iconic primates at a fraction of the cost of Rwanda or Uganda. Your DR Congo gorilla trekking permit cost grants you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with nature in its rawest form.

How to Book a Gorilla Permit in DR Congo

Booking a gorilla trekking permit in DR Congo isn’t as straightforward as in Rwanda or Uganda—but that’s why it’s important to use a trusted local operator like Nextgen Safaris, who can handle every detail professionally and reliably.

To secure your DR Congo gorilla trekking permit, you must go through an authorized tour company that has clearance to operate in Virunga or Kahuzi-Biega National Parks. Direct booking through park offices is no longer recommended due to unpredictable political and logistical conditions. Reputable operators ensure your permit is valid, your entry is approved, and your itinerary is coordinated with park rangers and border authorities.

Required for Booking;

• Full name (as per passport)
• A scanned copy of your passport bio page
• Desired travel dates
• Preferred park (Virunga or Kahuzi-Biega)

Once confirmed, Nextgen Safaris will process your permit with the ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature) and issue official documentation. This permit will be required at the park gate, along with your passport and visa.

When to Book;

Due to limited daily trekking slots, it’s best to reserve your DR Congo gorilla permit at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially during the dry season (June–September or December–February). For cross-border entries via Kigali to Goma, your tour company will also assist with acquiring a DRC tourist visa and setting up reliable, safe transfers.

With Nextgen Safaris, all of this is done for you ensuring that your gorilla trek in Congo is secure, ethical, and unforgettable.

Why DR Congo Is the Most Affordable Gorilla Trekking Destination in Africa

When it comes to cost, no destination in Africa rivals the affordability of DR Congo for gorilla trekking. With permit prices starting at just $400 USD, and even lower during the low season, the DR Congo gorilla trekking permit cost is less than half of what you’d pay in Uganda and more than 70% cheaper than in Rwanda.

But low price doesn’t mean low value. In fact, trekking in Congo offers an experience that is just as raw and authentic—if not more so—than anywhere else in the region. The trails in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park are far less crowded, allowing for a more intimate and less commercialized encounter with endangered gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking Cost Comparison: DR Congo vs Uganda vs Rwanda

Choosing Congo not only saves you money on the permit itself, but also reduces overall trip costs. Lodges are more affordable, transfers are shorter from Goma, and local community tourism is welcoming and authentic. For travelers on a budget or those looking to combine multiple destinations into a single trip, DR Congo provides unbeatable value.

And with professional support from Nextgen Safaris, you don’t have to worry about safety, logistics, or paperwork—we handle every step to ensure your affordable gorilla safari in Congo goes smoothly.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo

Knowing the best time to go gorilla trekking in DR Congo is just as important as knowing the permit cost. While permits remain affordable year-round, your overall experience can vary significantly depending on the season.

DR Congo experiences two dry seasons and two rainy seasons each year. The dry seasons are considered the best time to trek gorillas in Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks, offering easier hiking conditions, clearer photography opportunities, and better visibility of gorilla families in the forest.

Key Takeaways for Booking;

• June to September is the best time to go gorilla trekking in DR Congo — ideal for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and first-time trekkers.
• March–May and October–November are rainy but offer low season discounts on permits, lodges, and flights.
• Book your DR Congo gorilla permit at least 6–8 weeks in advance for peak months through Nextgen Safaris, especially if combining with Uganda or Rwanda.

Planning your trip around these ideal months not only maximizes your wildlife experience but ensures you get the best value out of your DR Congo gorilla trekking permit cost.

Safety and Entry Requirements for Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo

Before booking your gorilla trekking experience in Congo, it’s essential to understand the safety protocols and entry requirements that apply to foreign travelers. While DR Congo has a history of instability, gorilla trekking is operated under strict security coordination between the ICCN (Congolese Wildlife Authority), local rangers, and licensed tour companies like Nextgen Safaris.

Security Measures in Place

Gorilla tourism in Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks is conducted under escorted guidance with armed park rangers, and routes are opened only when deemed safe. As a traveler, you won’t trek alone—you’ll be in a small, guided group with trackers who monitor gorilla families daily.

When you book through Nextgen Safaris, your movements are coordinated with local authorities, transport is arranged by secure 4×4 vehicles or guided border pickups, and lodging is selected based on safety, reputation, and accessibility.

Entry Requirements for DR Congo

To enter the Democratic Republic of Congo for gorilla trekking, you’ll need:

• A valid passport (minimum 6 months before expiry)
• A DRC tourist visa, usually issued for 14 days
• A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (required at entry)
• A confirmed tour itinerary, often required to obtain a visa
• A confirmed gorilla trekking permit, which we help secure for you

Tourist visas are typically applied for through the Congolese Embassy in your country or arranged by your tour operator. If you’re entering via Goma from Rwanda, your visa and border crossing will be pre-arranged and guided by our team.

Important Travel Tips:

• Always travel with your permit confirmation letter and passport
• Do not carry drones or unauthorized photography equipment without prior approval
• Currency used in the parks is USD – bring small bills for tips, food, or extras
• Travel insurance is strongly advised, including evacuation coverage

Nextgen Safaris ensures full compliance with local regulations and is committed to your safety from arrival to departure. We monitor the conditions in Congo daily and will never confirm a trip to areas we consider unsafe or unstable.

Combine Congo Gorilla Trekking with Uganda or Rwanda

If you’re already traveling to East or Central Africa, one of the smartest ways to maximize your trip is to combine gorilla trekking in Congo with a safari in Uganda or Rwanda. Not only does this create a richer wildlife itinerary, but it also allows you to experience three of Africa’s most iconic gorilla trekking destinations in a single journey.

Why Combine?

• Start in Kigali, Rwanda — the most convenient international gateway for accessing Congo’s Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega parks
• Cross easily into DR Congo via Goma with guided visa and permit support from Nextgen Safaris
• Continue into Uganda for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or a second gorilla experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Benefit from lower permit costs in Congo, while enjoying Uganda’s diverse wildlife and Rwanda’s modern infrastructure

This kind of multi-country gorilla safari gives you the best of all worlds: budget-friendly gorilla permits in Congo, lush rainforest treks in Uganda, and smooth travel connections through Rwanda.

Sample Gorilla Trekking Itinerary Outline

• Day 1–3: Arrive in Kigali → Transfer to Goma → Gorilla Trek in Virunga
• Day 4–6: Cross to Uganda via Bunagana → Game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP
• Day 7–9: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi (optional second trek) → Lake Bunyonyi relaxation
• Day 10: Return to Kigali or Entebbe for departure

Benefits of Booking Through Nextgen Safaris:

• Seamless permit coordination across all three countries
• Visa assistance and guided border crossings
• Handpicked budget or luxury lodges
• One point of contact for all logistics and safety management

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a small group, Nextgen Safaris makes it easy to design a custom cross-border itinerary that combines the thrill of DR Congo gorilla trekking with the biodiversity of Uganda and the comfort of Rwanda’s connectivity.