Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo vs Rwanda: Gorilla Trekking is another lifelong living adventure safari experience closely related to Chimpanzee trekking that a huge number of visitors would also opt to do when they’re on Chimpanzee trekking tours, both species are found in the great anthropoid animal species and reside in the tropical rainforests and they have the contain the same trekking rules and guidance. Commonly a huge number of tourists prefer combining their Chimpanzee safari with a Gorilla trekking experience since Chimpanzee trekking is normally done in Congo and Rwanda. The guide provides to the comparison guides of gorilla trekking in Congo and the gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo vs Rwanda: Gorilla trekking destination in Congo vs Rwanda
Mountain Gorilla trekking in the democratic republic of Congo is only carried out in the Virunga National Park. Virunga National Park is the world’s second largest tropical rainforest and is well known as the Park of fire and Ice for its diverse habitat. the park is a home of the third of the remaining world’s largest mountain gorillas and it’s a home to over 300 individuals of the 1000 mountain gorillas in the wild residing in 8 habituated mountain gorilla families such as Kabirizi gorilla family, Nyakamwe gorilla family, Lulengo gorilla family, Mapuwa gorilla family, Humba gorilla family, Bageni gorilla family and Rugendo gorilla family. The park is home to two active volcanoes of the eight in the Virunga conservation region but surprisingly the park holds the largest world lava Crater Lake situated at the summit of Mount Nyiragongo. However, gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda can be conducted in Volcanoes National Park
Virunga National Park is the only protected area in Rwanda where seeing mountain gorillas can be possible. Gorilla trekking is the one highlight safari activity in Rwanda safari to the Volcanoes National Park. The park is located in north western province of Musanze town. Volcanoes National Park is home to over 150 habituated mountain gorillas residing in 10 habituated gorilla families living in six of the eight Virunga mountains such as Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo and surprisingly a home to the tallest volcanoes in the Virunga conservation region
Trekking gorillas in the democratic republic of Congo and Rwanda both contain a magical surprise. Gorilla trekking in Congo and Rwanda involves walking in the jungles of the tropical rainforest in the hunt for these magnificent mountain gorillas since national parks are situated in the Virunga conservation region and lean on the same guiding rules and regulations and the expectations while in the gorilla trekking safari
Gorilla trekking safari in Congo and Rwanda all begins in the morning with brief guidance and regulations plus the expectations while in the forest. Trekking this fascinating primate is only allowed to persons above the age of 15 years with a maximum number of 8 in one gorilla group that will be allocated to a specific habituated gorilla group. Gorilla trekking in both national parks involves walking on foot in the jungles of the tropical rain forest in search of these mountain gorillas in their respective families, and trekking these fascinating primates takes 5-6 hours depending on where the gorillas have spent their nights from. While on the trek, tourists will also get to meet with other wild animals and get fascinated. Upon encounter with these magnificent creatures, visitors are always allowed one hour of interaction with the gorillas in their habituated family, while keeping an eye intact watching how these creatures carry out their daily activities in the wild such as playing, feeding, and breastfeeding among others.
One of the major differences between the mountain gorilla trekking in the democratic republic of Congo and that in Rwanda is the cost. The cost of trekking the mountain gorillas in Rwanda is quite expensive compared to both Congo and even in Uganda. Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs US$ 1,500 per person while in Congo, a traveler can purchase the mountain gorilla permit at the cost fee of US$ 400 per person trekking in a single day.
Travelers on a Congo gorilla safari can also opt to combine the gorilla trekking safari with other Congo safari like exploring the Garamba National Park for wildlife viewing, visiting Salonga National Park for other primate tracking, and also eastern lowland gorilla tracking in Kahuzi-beige National Park. Visitors on a Rwanda gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park can also choose to combine their safari adventure with fascinating games drives and bird watching safari in Akagera National Park, can also embark on chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks in Nyungwe National Park or even explore more about the primates species in Gishwati-Mukura national park among others activities.
Essentials to pack for a gorilla trekking safari in both Rwanda and Congo
There are many essentials needed for gorilla trekking safari that every trekker must move with such as Waterproof hiking shoes, long-sleeved pants, long-sleeved shirts, rain jacket, gardening gloves, sleeping bag, cotton stocks, backpack, a pair of gaiters, insect repellents, drinking water bottle, energy-giving snacks, a camera, a pair of binoculars, face mask, sanitizer, and first aid kit among others.
The best time to visit
In the Democratic Republic of Congo
The best time to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo is during the dry season, which usually runs from June to September, and is often considered the best time for gorilla trekking. During this period, the trails are normally drier and more accessible, making it easier to navigate through the dense forests. More so, wildlife sightings are usually more frequent during the dry season.
While the dry season is a favorite, some tourists also visit during the rainy season from October to May. During this time, the landscapes are lush and vibrant, and gorilla permits may be more readily available. However, trekking conditions can be more challenging due to muddy trails and heavier rainfall.
In Rwanda
Rwanda’s dry seasons, from June to September and from December to February, are considered ideal for gorilla trekking. Similar to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the dry conditions make trekking easier and increase the chances of encountering gorillas in their natural habitat. Rwanda’s rainy seasons from March to May and from October to November can still offer rewarding gorilla trekking experiences. The lush vegetation during this time provides stunning scenery, and gorilla permits may be more affordable and easier to obtain. However, like in the DRC, trekking conditions may be more challenging due to muddy trails.
