Explore the D.R. Congo, Africa’s last frontier
The Democratic Republic of Congo is not a destination for the cautious. It is a country for those who have run out of ordinary places to go, a land of such staggering scale, such volcanic drama, and such ecological density that it defies easy description. The DRC is the green heart of Africa: home to the second largest rainforest on Earth, two of the continent's only populations of lowland gorillas, the world's only bonobo, and a river system so vast it generates its own weather. This is not the Africa of polished lodges and manicured game drives. This is Africa at its most primordial, most powerful, and most profoundly alive. Virunga National Park is the DRC's most accessible and most celebrated wild place, Africa's oldest national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Within its boundaries, the world's most endangered mountain gorillas share a landscape with active volcanoes, equatorial forest, savanna, and the volcanic shores of Lake Edward. Nyiragongo, the park's most dramatic feature, holds the world's largest lava lake in its summit crater, a glowing, churning pool of molten rock visible from the summit after dark in one of the…
The Democratic Republic of Congo is not a destination for the cautious. It is a country for those who have run out of ordinary places to go, a land of such staggering scale, such volcanic drama, and such ecological density that it defies easy description. The DRC is the green heart of Africa: home to the second largest rainforest on Earth, two of the continent's only populations of lowland gorillas, the world's only bonobo, and a river system so vast it generates its own weather. This is not the Africa of polished lodges and manicured game drives. This is Africa at its most primordial, most powerful, and most profoundly alive.
Virunga National Park is the DRC's most accessible and most celebrated wild place, Africa's oldest national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Within its boundaries, the world's most endangered mountain gorillas share a landscape with active volcanoes, equatorial forest, savanna, and the volcanic shores of Lake Edward. Nyiragongo, the park's most dramatic feature, holds the world's largest lava lake in its summit crater, a glowing, churning pool of molten rock visible from the summit after dark in one of the most extraordinary sights available to any traveller anywhere on Earth. Climbing Nyiragongo is not comfortable. It is extraordinary.
The Congo Basin rainforest, the world's most biodiverse tropical forest outside the Amazon, stretches across the country's vast interior in a canopy of green so continuous and so ancient that it seems to absorb everything. Bonobos, forest elephants, okapi, and thousands of plant species found nowhere else on Earth exist in an ecosystem that scientists are still mapping. This is a country that will reward the patient, the adventurous, and the genuinely curious with experiences that have no parallel on the safari circuit.
The DRC is complex. It is logistically demanding. And it is completely, utterly unlike anywhere else you will ever go.
Season guide
Travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo is shaped by its equatorial climate, where conditions can vary depending on region and altitude. While it is possible to visit year-round, certain months offer more favorable conditions for trekking and exploration. The drier periods from June to September and December to February are generally the best times to visit. During these months, forest trails are more accessible, and trekking conditions for gorilla encounters are significantly improved. The wetter months bring heavy rainfall, making travel more challenging, particularly in remote areas with limited infrastructure. However, the rainforest becomes incredibly lush and vibrant, offering a different kind of beauty for those willing to embrace the conditions.
One of the best months for travel and trekking.
Last updated: June 16, 2026
Yes, most travellers require a visa to enter Democratic Republic of the Congo, which must typically be arranged in advance.
Travel to certain regions is possible with proper planning and guidance. It is essential to travel with experienced operators and follow current travel advice.
The Rwanda Government charges USD $1,500.00 for each person each day; Uganda charges USD $700.00 per person per day, Congo charges $450 per person per day. Gorilla Permits are non-refundable - we can try to resell your Permits if you need to cancel, but there is no guarantee that we will be able to find a person who will purchase a ticket for the date of permit.
Yes, You need an official Gorilla permit handled by each of the national parks to see the gorillas. You have to obtain the Gorilla permits several months in advance. We obtain the necessary Gorilla Tracking Permits for you as part of our service
The minimum age for a gorilla tour is 15 Years old. Please get in touch if your kids want to track gorillas and are between 10 - 15 Years. You will need to write a letter of taking full responsibility for them during the activity.
The Gorilla tracking safaris can be done in Uganda (the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park), Rwanda (Parc National des Volcans or Volcanoes National Park) and Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC (Virunga Mountains park called the Parc National des Virunga).
We do not add a surcharge to the cost of the Permit - the cost to you is what we pay the respective Government for your Permits.
NO, Gorilla Permits are not refundable. In an emergency we can try to resell the Permits for you, but there is no guarantee that we will be abl to do so.
Gorilla trekking is an on-foot wildlife experience (with a maximum of 8 people per group), through east Africa’s rainforests to get up close with endangered mountain gorillas.
Bwindi’s gorillas in Uganda live in a high altitude rain forest, while the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda live in a bamboo forest. These habitats result in some behavioral differences and definitely result in different hiking and viewing differences. Budget issues often impact whether our guests visit both parks and only one. If time and budget permit, we recommend that our guests view in both parks.
Yes, the following must be considered before you go for a gorilla trek.
You have to be over 15 years of age
You can not be sick or have any infectious disease
Only 1 hour is allowed with the gorillas at a distance of at least 5 metres
Maximum number of visitors per day is 6-12 people per group
No flash photography is allowed
No eating or drinking in the vicinity of the gorillas
No touching the gorillas (although they may decide to touch you)
Trekkers must be fit and well equipped, which includes warm clothing for the wet cool climate high in the mountains
Explore different travel styles as a source of inspiration.
Your Safari/trip Includes