How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in DRC?

A mountain gorilla trekking permit in Virunga National Park costs €370 — significantly less than Rwanda's €1,400 permit, making the DRC the most affordable gorilla trekking destination in Africa.

Where can I see bonobos in the wild?

Lola ya Bonobo, located 30 minutes from Kinshasa, is the world's only bonobo sanctuary. It offers half-day visits to observe feeding sessions, social behaviour, and infant care of our closest primate relatives.

When is the best time for gorilla trekking in DRC?

Gorilla trekking is available year-round. The dry seasons (June–August and December–February) offer easier trail conditions, while the wet season brings lush vegetation, fewer visitors, and excellent photography opportunities.

Mountain gorilla family in Virunga National Park, DRC

Wildlife Tourism in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is Africa's supreme wildlife destination — a country that holds more biodiversity per square kilometre than any other nation on Earth. With fewer than 1,100 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild, the world's only bonobo sanctuary, the elusive okapi found nowhere else, and Big Five safari in Garamba National Park, the DRC offers wildlife encounters that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else.

The DRC's 80+ protected areas span equatorial rainforest, volcanic highlands, vast savannahs, and river systems that support over 1,100 bird species, 400 mammal species, and 10,000 plant species. This is not a destination for passive game drives — this is expedition-grade wildlife immersion at the frontier of conservation tourism.

Signature Wildlife Experiences

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Trek through Virunga's misty forests to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Permits cost €370 — a fraction of Rwanda's €1,400.

Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is the only place on Earth to reliably observe Grauer's gorillas — the world's largest primates.

Bonobo Encounters at Lola ya Bonobo

Visit the world's only bonobo sanctuary just 30 minutes from Kinshasa. Observe feeding sessions, social behaviour, and infant care.

Garamba National Park — Big Five Safari

Garamba National Park in the northeast is one of Africa's oldest protected areas and the DRC's premier Big Five safari destination. Home to elephants, lions, hippos, buffalo, and the iconic Kordofan giraffe, Garamba offers an exclusive, uncrowded safari experience managed in partnership with African Parks.

Conservation Through Tourism

Every wildlife encounter in the DRC directly funds conservation. Gorilla permit fees support anti-poaching patrols, ranger salaries, and community development programmes. By visiting, travellers become active participants in protecting some of the world's most endangered species. Learn more about our conservation impact model.

Best Seasons for Wildlife

Gorilla trekking is available year-round, with the dry seasons (June–August and December–February) offering easier trail conditions. The wet season brings lush vegetation and fewer visitors, making it ideal for photography. Read our complete gorilla trekking guide for detailed planning advice.