Enjoy the gorilla safaris in Congo that are particularly special as this is the only country in the world inhabited by both mountain and lowland gorillas. You can track both while on holiday here, as well as chimps and myriad monkey species in the dense, Central African rain forest. The safety issues mean that tourism is not as developed in Democratic Republic of Congo as elsewhere, but this does mean that anything you spend here is hugely important to protect these endangered primates and their habitats.
Democratic Republic of Congo is the cheapest place to see gorillas, with permits costing $US450 in comparison to $US700 in Uganda, and US$1,500 in Rwanda. They’re also less likely to sell out rapidly if at all in high season; this just doesn’t really happen in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gorilla permits may also be discounted to as little as US$200 in ‘low season’. Price should not be your main consideration, as savings on the permit are balanced out by the high cost of traveling in Democratic Republic of Congo. However, it does mean that if you are visiting Democratic Republic of Congo, it’s much more economical to book two gorilla safaris, and also means it’s feasible to see both mountain and lowland groups.
Congo is located in the tropics and with this it experiences tropical climate and weather throughout the year, both Virunga and Kahuzi Beiga National Parks experience the same weather, with this both national Parks are prone to receiving uncertain rains any time of the day or week, good months to visit Congo for gorilla trekking are dry season months which occurs in the months of December, January, February, June, July, August and September during these months it always easy to walk through the trails which are drier compared to the wet months then as well the vegetation is not fully grown and this makes sighting of gorillas easy and more clear.
Other months which are slightly wet that is March, April, May, October and November most travelers avoid visiting gorillas during these months because the vegetation is fully grown and trails are much slippery making the trekking much harder.
Accommodation ranges from budget, mid-range to luxury. Budget options include Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp among others fares range from 90-100 dollars a night per person, mid-range options include Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp among others fares range from 100-200 dollars a night per person and then Luxury options include Mikeno Lodge fares range from 200-400 dollars a night per person.
For the low land gorillas, accommodation ranges from budget, mid-range to luxury. Budget options include Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu, Lake Side Hotel Bukavu among others fares range from 90-100 dollars a night per person, mid-range options include Coco Lodge Bukavu among others fares range from 100-200 dollars a night per person and then Luxury options include L’Orchids Safari Club fares range from 200-400 dollars a night per person.
A camera with telephoto lens can help you photograph gorillas even when they are far away. Lenses that are 200mm to 300mm are good enough for close distance photography but we recommend those of a 400mm range to get perfect shots regardless of the distance between you and the primates.
Once you find the gorillas, the Rangers will study their mood before allowing tourists to start taking photos and videos.
You cannot predict the circumstances under which you will find the primates. Gorillas sometimes move from one place to another as they foliage. A camera with telephoto lens can help you photograph gorillas even when they are far away.
If you want to take photos that are out of the ordinary or different from the usual, you might want to consider X-factor Lenses. X-factor lenses are popular with professional photographers who aim for stunning images to sell or share online.
In order to get the best shots, you will need to take several shots at once. The camera needs to be set up correctly to get perfect shots. It is important to remember that mountain gorillas are large creatures with black fur.
