Apply for Access — Restricted Conservation Routes in DR Congo
DRC Tourism coordinates permit applications for four of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's most restricted protected areas: Virunga National Park mountain gorilla families, Kahuzi-Biega highlands (Grauer's / eastern lowland gorillas), Salonga interior rainforest, and the Nyiragongo summit.
How the process works
- Submit — you share travel dates, party size and route. No payment.
- Authority check — DRC Tourism verifies live permit availability with the park.
- Itinerary hold — if space exists, we hold your permit and send a costed itinerary.
- Permit issued — on payment, permit is issued with a pre-departure briefing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Apply for Access?
Apply for Access is DRC Tourism's dossier submission process for restricted conservation routes — Virunga mountain gorillas, Kahuzi-Biega highlands, Salonga interior, and the Nyiragongo summit. These sites operate under strict daily visitor caps set by the relevant park authorities.
How is this different from a normal booking?
Booking books a fixed inventory item. Applying submits your dates and party size to the park authority for a permit check before any payment is taken. You only pay once clearance is confirmed.
How long does the review take?
A DRC Tourism coordinator typically responds within 3–5 business days with permit availability, cost, and — where relevant — current security guidance for the region.
Which routes are open to application?
Virunga (mountain gorilla families in North Kivu), Kahuzi-Biega (Grauer's / eastern lowland gorillas in South Kivu), Salonga interior (Équateur/Tshuapa rainforest), and Nyiragongo summit (active caldera rim, North Kivu).
Do I need to pay to apply?
No. No deposit or payment is taken at application. Payment is only requested after your itinerary is cleared and held with the park authority.