Generally, mountain gorillas are generally ranger in size than lowland gorillas with darker and thicker coats that help them survive in cold high altitudes. Both sub-species feed on leaves, tree shoots and fruits. They both live in families/groups led by a dominant male silverback that is responsible for the safety of the rest of the members of the group and keeping unruly individuals in check. Mountain gorilla groups are generally larger with over 30 individuals at time, the males in both gorilla sub-species stay with the group longer while the females usually leave to join other silverbacks or groups once they reach maturity.

Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is one of the only four places in the world where to see mountain gorillas. The park is situated in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo near to the border with Rwanda and Uganda.

Covering an area of 7800 sq, Virunga National Park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area which includes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The park also extends to the Rwenzori Mountains in the north.

Virunga National Park has 8 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla trekking, these include

• Kabirizi Gorilla group
• Humba Gorilla Group
• Rugendo Gorilla Group
• Mapuwa Gorilla Group
• Lulengo Gorilla Group
• Munyaga Gorilla Group
• Nyakamwe Gorilla Group
• Bageni Gorilla Group

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park starts very early in the morning. On the day of the trek, trekkers need to wake up early, take breakfast and carry all the items they will need while tracking the gorillas including long sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, hiking shoes, warm long stockings, gloves, camera, water, passport and gorilla permits among others.

Head to the park headquarters for briefing by the park rangers and wardens. The briefing covers several topics among which include the history of each gorilla family, the gorilla habitats and gorilla trekking rules and regulations. Your passports will be required for cross-checking, this helps the rangers allocate gorilla groups according to the language of treks. Other criteria such as fitness level and personal preference are also taken into consideration when assigning visitors Congo gorilla families

As you wait to be allocated a particular gorilla group you may be entertained by traditional local dances. After the briefing and gorilla group allocation is concluded you will head out tracking in groups of 8 people per gorilla group under the guidance of park guides and armed rangers.

Chances of seeing gorillas in Congo is high because the rangers always known their last location. However there are challenges along the way which may prolong the time taken finding the group. These challenges include bad weather, the terrain and the distance from the starting point to the location of the particular gorilla group. Once you locate the gorilla group, expect some scrutiny by the dominant silverback, after thoroughly scanning for any possible threat, the silverback will usually let you be. You will be allowed one hour with the gorilla family, this is the time to watch and take photos of the dominant male silverback, other group members grooming each other, breastfeeding mothers, playing youngesters, stubborn adolescents climbing up and down the short trees and the other male silverbacks if there are any. You might even witness some members making nests for the afternoon nap or in preparation for the night. 

Best Time to trek mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park

The best time to trek gorillas in Virunga National Park is during the dry season, during this period the trekking trails in the forest are dry, making it easier for trekkers to navigate them, and also during this period, there are less mud on the trails.

During the rainy season the trails are too slippery and muddy making it difficult for trekkers to navigate. However trekking the gorilla during rainy season has some advantages.

Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Biega National Park is one of the top destination for gorilla trekking in Congo as well as Africa, and is one of the best places in the world to see the amazing Eastern lowland gorillas.  The park gets its name from two dormant volcanoes that is Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega.

Trekking lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park starts as early as 7 am with briefing by a ranger , following which the trekkers are divided into different groups of 8 members each, which then takes about 1 to 3 hours depending on where the gorillas are ocated, after finding the gorillas the trekkers are given one hour to be with the gorillas watching their behaviors, watching them as they are climbing the trees, and taking pictures with them.

Best Time to trek lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Biega National Park is located in the midst of the vast rain forest, so predicting the best time for gorilla trekking in Congo is a challenge, but the dry months of January and February and the rainy months of May to Octobers are always recommended.

Tourists should be prepared for rain at any time during gorilla trekking, however, other trekkers prefer going during the rainy season since gorillas are easier to locate depending on the abundance of food in the park hence trekking trails are often muddy and slippery.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Democratic Republic of Congo

In Kahuzi Biega National Park, a gorilla permits cost US $400 per permit per trek and during the low season, prices for gorilla permits drop to USD $200 per person.