Venture into the heart of Africa and discover the enthralling tapestry that is the Congo. A land of contrast and captivating beauty, the Congo pulsates with the rhythm of its lush rainforests, the roar of its mighty rivers, and the whispers of its ancient traditions. From the serene encounters with mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park to the mysterious depths of the Congo River, the country beckons with uncharted adventures and untouched wonders.
The Congo, nestled in the heart of Africa, is a treasure trove of pristine landscapes and unparalleled beauty. Its vast expanse is a blend of thick, misty rainforests, shimmering lakes, and sprawling savannahs. The Congo Basin, one of the world's greatest rainforests, serves as the country's green heart. This ancient forest, pulsating with life, shelters a myriad of species, from towering mahogany trees to elusive forest creatures. Streams, both gentle and tumultuous, carve their paths through the terrain, creating oases of tranquility amid the dense foliage.
Bordering this verdant expanse, the mighty Congo River flows with grace and vigor. It stands as the lifeline of the region, its waters reflecting the azure skies and providing sustenance to both wildlife and local communities. The river's dance – sometimes a tranquil waltz, sometimes a spirited tango – encapsulates the raw, untamed allure of the Congo, inviting travelers to lose themselves in its vast, unexplored wonders.
Venturing into the Congo introduces travelers to a world of biodiversity that remains unparalleled. The dense rainforests and vast landscapes harbor some of the planet's most intriguing wildlife. Creatures like the bonobo, mankind's closest living relative, can be found only in the Congo, making every encounter a truly unique spectacle. The forests echo with the calls of over 400 bird species, and at water's edge, the elusive forest elephant, smaller and more reclusive than its savannah cousin, might be spotted.
The Congo's commitment to conservation also stands out. National parks and reserves, spanning vast terrains, have been established to protect its precious wildlife inheritance. Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, not only shelters mountain gorillas but is also a sanctuary for lions, hippos, and various antelope species. Initiatives driven by both the government and passionate local communities work towards preserving this Eden for future generations, all the while allowing today's visitors a glimpse into nature in its purest form.
Dive into the heart of Congo, and you're immediately immersed in a cultural mosaic that has been intricately woven over millennia. The country is a vibrant amalgamation of over 200 ethnic groups, each with its own distinct traditions, dances, music, and folklore. Festivals abound, where rhythms of drums reverberate under the vast African skies, and dancers adorned in colorful attire tell tales of ancient times, valor, love, and community. It's not just a performance; it's an experience, a direct window into the soul of the Congo, passed down through generations.
In the bustling markets of cities and the tranquil villages along the riverbanks, you'll find artisans showcasing their craft, be it intricately carved wooden masks that hold stories of ancestral spirits or hand-woven textiles reflecting the vibrant pulse of African life. The cuisine, too, is a delightful journey in itself, with flavors shaped by the diverse landscape and its bounties. From the savory stews to the rich tropical fruits, every meal is a celebration of Congo's abundant gifts. This rich tapestry of life, bound by a shared history and an enduring spirit, makes the Congo not just a place to visit, but a world to be lived, felt, and cherished.
Uncover the answers to your curiosities and concerns in our Frequently Asked Questions section. From details about planning your journey, to understanding the rich experiences you can anticipate, our FAQs are a treasure trove of useful insights to ensure your adventure with Africa Adventure Safaris is smooth and memorable.
The gorilla trekking experience is almost the same in both Uganda and Rwanda. However, there are a few differences in terms of distance travelled from the Airport to the parks where gorillas live. Rwanda has the shortest distance from Kigali international Airport to Volcanoes National Park (3-hour drive). On the other hand, it takes about 10 hours to drive from Uganda’s Entebbe international airport to Bwindi impenetrable national park although visitors may opt to fly to the park from Entebbe at their own cost. Amazingly, it is shorter to drive from Kigali to Bwindi than from Entebbe because the park is located near the border with Rwanda and many visitors opt for this route (about 4-hour drive).
As of July 2024, the gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is sold at $800 per person to foreign nonresidents, $700 to foreign residents in East Africa and Uganda Shillings 300,000 to East African citizens.
A gorilla permit in Rwanda is sold at $1,500 to all visitors who want trek gorillas in Volcanoes national park.
The dry season from June to September and December to February is the best time to trek gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. Gorillas live in montane rainforests that can be so muddy and slippery during the rain season making it a bit hard to trek through to reach gorillas.
Trekking gorillas requires moderate fitness enough to navigate streams, climb hills and traverse muddy and slippery terrain.
Gorilla treks can last anywhere between 1-5 hours depending on the location and movement of your assigned gorilla group.
Visitors who want to trek gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda should be at least 15 years old.
Recommended packing list for gorilla trekking include a pair of hiking boots, khaki trousers, a rain jacket, pair of gloves, long-sleeved shirt and a camera.
Each gorilla group is visited by a group of 8 trekkers per day.
Gorilla habituation is the process through which gorillas are made to get used to the presence of humans in their habitat. This process is carried out by trackers and rangers who follow a wild gorilla group everyday for a period of time until it the animals get used to their presence. Gorilla habituation is currently done in Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda in the Rushaga sector of the park. Visitors who wish to be part of this experience can apply for permits at $1,500 per person. Only four visitors are permitted to join the exercise per day and the experience lasts for 4 hours.
Travellers who want to track gorillas are advised to book their gorilla permit at least 6 months before their desired tracking date. This is because the number of gorilla permits issued per day is limited as a measure of promoting gorilla conservation.
Yes. We design customised itineraries to enable our visitors enjoy a variety of experiences while on their safari in East and Central Africa. Besides gorilla trekking, you can explore experiences like game viewing, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, cultural tours and more depending on the length of your vacation, budget, and interests.