Democratic Republic of Congo is much known for its breadth of biodiversity and natural richness, which includes the largest area of primary rain forest in Africa.
A Congo safari may be off the trodden path somewhat, but this often results in a friendly welcome and some heart-warming interactions with the local people, who are genuinely unaccustomed to, and fascinated by foreign visitors.
An intrepid destination for hardy travelers, the Republic of Congo gives you the chance to experience some of the most beautiful spots in Africa, and see some incredible wildlife.
Mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park which is also a UNESCO Heritage site. This park is located in the eastern side of Democratic Republic of Congo and boarders both Uganda and Rwanda.
The park covers an area of 7800 km2 and is home to over 200 gorilla individuals mostly situated in the southern part of the park.
The gorilla trekking experience in Virunga National Park has some strict rules and regulations that are supposed to be followed by the trackers on their Congo gorilla safari expeditions.
These include; group size, the groups to track per day as well as the time allowed spending with the mountain gorillas. This sis also done to ensure the well-being of these endangered animals.
This is because the gorillas are susceptible to many human diseases due to the great closeness between the humans and the mountain gorilla.
Congo gorilla permits costs ($400) per person. The mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park can be visited anytime during the year, however some paths are hard to navigate during the wet seasons of (May/April and November & October). Other months are okay for gorilla trekking since it’s a dry season.
These apes are charming, friendly and smart to be amongst. They are sub-divided into relational groups and carry different attributes like say the silver backs that act as the leaders, the fully developed female gorillas as the caretakers and the youthful who are only mischievous and are at all times within the trees.
A time period of 1-2 hours is said to be spent on tracking these endangered gorillas depending on where they were left the previous day.
The guide at the park will take you through a brief preamble before heading into the forest for the awaited trek. He will cover the geography, history and some of the truths about the gorilla family you will be seeing.
The tour guide shall also offer you guidance on ways to conduct yourself when you are with the gorillas in the forest. Masks are to be put on to avoid these gorillas from getting any kind of human illness.
The length of this trek is determined by the position of the gorillas. On some days it can be 20 – 40 minute hike from the way into the forest.
While on others it can take more than an hour’s walk to get to the Mountain gorillas since they are always on the go in the search of food.
Be sure to meet the gigantic chap silver back that will welcome you after it makes sure you are not a danger.
After you are accepted, spend a thrilling time watching the gorillas which is truthfully a once in a life span experience. Remember you are given an hour in the forest with these mountain gorillas.
