If trekking gorillas through the jungle mist, and traversing a country with not one but three wildlife parks, is your idea of the perfect honeymoon then look no further than Congo.

Attend briefing at Kibati, get your surgical mask and begin the hike with a ranger guide. The beauty about Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is that you don’t have to walk for so long before you can find them; anywhere between 1 and 3 hours of walking will lead you to the Gorillas and you will be allowed up to about 1 hour with them.

Kahuzi Biega is also an ideal honeymoon destination in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Park lies within a close proximity to the town of Bukavu in the eastern province of Democratic Republic of Congo, near the western bank of Lake Kivu and Rwanda border.

The Park is set in both mountainous and lowland terrains, and the most enjoyable activity in the park is also gorilla trekking as it is in Virunga though the only difference here is that trekkers will be trekking the eastern lowland gorillas ahead of mountain gorillas. The eastern lowland gorillas are not by far different to the mountain gorillas but there are ‘’of course’’ various characters that differentiate the two types of gorillas.

Therefore, it is always a great feeling if at all you not only trek the mountain gorillas in Virunga but also go on to trek the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi – Biega for great memorable escapades. It will therefore be a great opportunity to couples who will choose to take their honeymoon safari in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as they will be able to trek both the endangered mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas, of which Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country where these two gorilla types can be trekked at ago.

After all this fatigue of trekking, join Tchegera Island for relaxation and refreshing. To access Tchegera Island, you must purchase a permit and secure round boat transfer. You have to show that proof before setting off to the island and the charges are per person. So, transportation to Tchegera Island is only by boat but you have to find your way to Goma first.

Tchegera Island is found on the northern shore of Lake Kivu which is shared between Rwanda and Congo. It is one of the best, yet least known destinations in Congo and offers perfect relaxation and exclusion.

While there, you can choose to lay back and relax on the beach or check out other parts of the Island using a Kayak or Paddle board, all available at Tchegera island tented camp. Bird viewing on the island is great and the most common birds there include heron, cormorants, African eagles and gulls.

Enjoy the amazing views of the red-lit sky by the lave glow from Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira volcanoes and with that reflecting on the lake’s surface, it becomes totally magical! The day light offers captivating views of the lake and the four Volcanoes in a picturesque setting.

Tchegera Island Tented Camp is the only accommodation to take on while at this island run by Virunga national park authorities so prior booking is very much advised.

All in all, the Island is a great spot to unwind and escape the bustle and hustle of Goma town, recover from your Gorilla trekking in Virunga or Nyiragongo hike and a perfect choice for your honeymoon holiday in Congo!

The post Gorilla Safari Honeymoon in Congo – Virunga & Tchegera first appeared on Congo Parks.

These Lowland Gorilla species are rarely seen where by in the Central part of Africa are only found in Democratic Republic of Congo, these lowland Gorilla species are further divided into Eastern and Western lowland Gorillas but Democratic Republic of Congo is only hosting the Eastern Lowland Gorilla species.

When I talk about Democratic Republic of Congo fresh travelers to Africa may ask that where is it located. But the answer is here, this country is located in the Central part of Africa bordering Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania in the East, Central African Republic and South Sudan in the North, Congo Brazzaville in the West, Angola and Zambia in the South, it is characterized with tropical rain forests, Bamboo forests, Savannah grasslands and Woodlands, plus Swampy areas.

The best way of reaching Democratic Republic of Congo is by landing in Rwanda at Kigali airport and cross via Bukavu border since Congo has poor air transport means, landing in at Kigali airport you will be transferred by driver from Eco Tours Congo up to Bukavu border, clear with officials at the customs and then transferred by Kahuzi Biega team using their stable safari jeeps up to your hotel of residence.

After lowland gorilla trekking safari, you can combine it with the mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park and it is much easy to use one visa if your trip does not exceed a week. From Bukavu you will board the speed boat and transfer to Goma and upon arrival the guide from Virunga Foundation will be ready waiting for you and transfer you the Goma Serena Hotel for overnight stay.

Today, you will head to Virunga Foundation offices for your permits clearance and after embark the safari vehicle and transfer to Rumangabo – Mikeno Lodge one of the luxury lodges in the park and then those on mid-range or budget holidays will transfer to Bukima Tented Camp or Kibumba Tented Camp.

Requirements for issuance of entry permission at the Congo border include a Congo tourist Visa, Valid passport reading your names plus a valid yellow fever vaccination card, process of getting a Congo tourist visa is somehow tricky but you can easily get it when you apply for it through Eco Tours Congo since they have partnership with the Virunga Foundation in offering best services to every traveler visiting the Virunga National Park.

Even all other transportation services from Goma border up to your place of residence in Congo will be booked by them. This Congo Tourist Visa is always applied for in a minimum period of two weeks before you’re traveling dates since its processing takes a period of one full week.

Democratic Republic of Congo has its two major national parks named Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park with Virunga National Park being ranked as the oldest National Park in Africa formerly called Albert National Park, these rarely seen Eastern Lowland Gorilla Species in Democratic Republic of Congo are only found in Kahuzi Biega National Park, this protected area is near Bukavu town in the Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo near the Western bank of Lake Kivu and Rwanda border, it is also characterized with tropical rain forest, bamboo forests and swampy areas where these shy endangered apes reside, rest and feed from.

Trekking these apes in the jungles of Kahuzi Biega National Park you are required to first buy a permit which issues permission for the activity and this permit costs $400 USD per person which is cheaper when compared with Rwanda and Uganda.

As usual trekking these apes in the jungle a group of 06 people are allowed per gorilla family after a briefing about the dos and don’ts while in the presence of these apes which is usually done by the park officials.

You are assigned a park ranger guide to lead you through the jungle as for them are well informed of where these apes spent their last night, after locating presence of these apes a period of one hour only is allowed to be in their presence while seeing them playing with their ones, laughing, feeding plus taking photos of them for memories, after that you are required to vacate that place such that room is created for these apes to continue with their day-to-day activities.

Trekking in the jungle you are able to sight different features which include big tree species, insects like butter flies, primates like monkeys, Reptiles like snakes and different bird species.

For successful trekking do not forget to bring yourself strong impenetrable hiking shoes since the jungle is characterized with mud in some trails, thorn and hooks, other requirements to pack include insect repellents, sun glasses and caps, long sleeved shirts and trouser, shocking, Waterproof jackets and bags to protect yourself from biting insects, sunshine, thorn scratches and rain fall water respectively.

The post Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Democratic Republic of Congo first appeared on Congo Parks.

The town is located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, next to the Rwandan city of Gisenyi. The Lake and the two cities (Goma and Gisenyi) are in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift system.

Goma is within easy access to the worldly famous Virunga National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Goma also lies only 13–18 kilometers (8.1–11.2 miles) south of the active Nyiragongo Volcano.

Virunga National Park, in Goma, is Africa’s oldest park, created in 1925 as Albert National Park in a commemoration of the then King of Belgium, King Albert 1.

It is one of the three national parks under the Virunga conservation area (Virunga massif), the other two being Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, of which all these three Parks are well known for inhabiting the endangered mountain gorillas.

The three parks are all contiguous to each other as it was one park, way back, before splitting into Virunga, Volcanoes and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

The Virunga massif passed through two East African countries (Rwanda and Uganda), and one Sub-Saharan Central African country, DR Congo.

In the whole world, mountain gorillas can only be tracked from two destinations; Virunga massif (Virunga, Volcanoes, and Mgahinga), and in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which is also found in the southwestern parts of Uganda as Mgahinga.

Hence the tracking of mountain gorillas can only take place in three countries worldwide Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda.

The most fascinating thing with taking your gorilla trekking safari in Goma (Virunga National Park) is that you will trek these endangered primates at lower prices than any other gorilla trekking national park such as Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Bwindi.

A Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla trekking permit is the cheapest as it costs only US$ 400, almost four times cheaper than that of Rwanda which costs US$ 1500.

Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla permit is also cheaper than that of Uganda which costs US$ 700, thus making Congo gorilla tours the most affordable ones and a tourist will therefore save more while getting the same experience of trekking these giant mountain gorillas in Virunga.

Of current, the endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga are the main attraction in this park given the fact that this is among the few parks in the world with these endangered gorillas.

People prefer to track the gorillas here also because the cost is low and the park is also less congested compared to other tracking centers like Volcanoes and Bwindi Forest National Park.

This park is still fresh for new discoveries since it has not had a lot of tourism activity for a long time since its inception and it would be a good idea for those who want research and adventures in the same line.

For some good time, the area has been free for rebel activity and it is safe to travel, there is of course propaganda that the place is not safe but what of the influx of tourist coming in every day.

Virunga National Park comprises of 8 habituated gorilla families which are open for trekkers; Bageni gorilla family, Nyakamwe gorilla family, Mapuwa gorilla family, Kabirizi gorilla family, Humba gorilla family, Lulengo gorilla family, Rugendo gorilla family, and Munyaga gorilla family.

Many travelers to Virunga National Park prefer flying to Kigali International Airport, and then connect by road through Gisenyi town, and cross to Goma in Democratic Republic of Congo by dirt road. From Gisenyi it is an average of 2-hour drive to reach the park headquarters at Bukima.

Travelers from Uganda side just cross at Bunagana border post in Kisoro town and take an hour drive to Bukima, the Mountain gorilla trek starting point in Virunga.

Contact your chosen tour agency in advance and pay some deposit to secure your safari with the agency, and for a proper planning of your gorilla safari in Democratic Republic of Congo hence returning back home with great memorable escapades ahead of disappointments.

After enjoying the trekking of mountain gorillas, still in Virunga you can hike the Nyiragongo volcano for a more memorable safari in the park.

At the summits of the volcano you will be amazed by the large bubbling lava lake, which at your first sight you may think that you are in front of a photo shopped stuff but as you continue viewing, you will then begin realizing that you in reality and begin taking as many photos as you can for a remembrance of this world’s largest lava lake resided at the summits of Nyiragongo volcano.

The Nyiragongo volcano hike permit costs US$ 300 and it can be purchased from the volcano’s headquarters. The hiking of Nyiragongo can take two days (one night at the Nyiragongo volcano shelter summits, at the summits of the volcano), achieving a lifetime experience while there which you will narrate to your friends, relatives and children back home to inspire them too. Many other wildlife species can also be found in Virunga including; chimpanzees, elephants, golden monkeys, and many others.

Some of the possible rules and regulations for gorilla trekking to follow:

-Arrive at the park headquarters earlier (07:00am) for briefings before going in for the trekking activity and in order to be given your exact gorilla family to trek.

-All the trails are spear-headed by expert local park rangers.

-A maximum of eight individuals per group are allowed to go in the jungles of Virunga to trek the endangered mountain gorillas.

-You should owe a Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla permit to go for the trekking and it will be presented at the Park headquarters, of which it also includes the park entrance fees, therefore you won’t be asked for extra charges regarding to Park entrance.

-Trekkers will only be allowed to spend with the mountain gorillas for only one hour after meeting them however the experience achieved from that one hour is of a lifetime.

-While taking the gorilla photos, trekkers are advised not to use the flashlight cameras as the lights may scare the gorillas and run away during the process.

-You are emphasized to keep at least a minimum distance of 7 meters away from the gorillas while viewing them, and this is so simply because these gorillas share almost the same DNA with humans and can therefore catch some of our diseases.

-Do not mimic the gorillas because you may not know what you are meaning to them.

-Do not smoke from the Park.

-Do not litter the Park.

-Ensure your physical measures before going in for the activity as it (gorilla trekking) is somehow challenging; in other-words, ill and sick individuals will not be allowed to go for the trekking of mountain gorillas.

The post Tourist Places To Visit In Democratic Republic Of Congo first appeared on Congo Parks.

It’s located in the Central part of the African Continent bordering Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania in the Eastern part, Central African Republic in the North, Congo Brazzaville in the West, Angola and Zambia in the Southern part.

Democratic Republic of Congo is characterized with Tropical rain forest, montane, Savannah grasslands, Bamboo forests, flat and hilly areas plus large Swampy areas, these forests of Congo are very thick consisting of big tree species, thorns and hooks, shrubs and more.

Democratic Republic of Congo is among the destinations which are characterized with different Gorilla species which include Mountain Gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas.

Other primates and Species in Democratic Republic of Congo include Black & White Colobus Monkeys, Red tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Vervets, Okapi, Chimpanzees, Antelopes, Owls, Hyenas, Kobs, leopards, Lions, Bush babies, Baboons, Chameleon, Reptiles like Black cobras, Python, Gabon Viper, insects like Butter flies, tsetse flies, different bird species plus different physical features which include Mountains, Rivers and Lakes.

 Why Visit Gorillas in Congo?

Variety of different Species Available.

Among the three Gorilla hosting destinations in Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo is the only destination which hosts two different species of Gorillas in its thick tropical rain forest in the Virunga Massif; these Species include Mountain Gorillas and the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.

Mountain Gorillas are Black herbivorous ground dwelling apes which feed on young bamboo shoot, stem, foliage, tree leaves and some fruits supplied by visitors like mangoes, sweet bananas, jack fruit, sugar canes and more While Eastern Lowland Gorillas are brownish herbivorous ground dwelling apes which also feed on foliage, young bamboo shoot, stem, tree leaves, flowers and some fruits.

When you compare both species in Size and height, Lowland Gorillas are bigger and taller than Mountain Gorillas.

Well established trails/routes.

When trekking in the Jungle there are resignation trails you should follow in search of these Gorillas and when it comes to that Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park are well rewarded with permanent established routes which are in good state some free of thorns and hooks, free from mud thus influencing proper hauling of trekkers heading to different locations in the Jungle.

Affordable Prices for permits.

To Visit Gorillas in their habitats you must buy a permit “Gorilla trekking permit” which issues you permission for this activity but when you compare prices of permits in the three Gorilla hosting countries, Democratic Republic of Congo appears to be cost efficient with its permit costing $400 USD per person, that of Rwanda and Uganda costs $1500 USD and $700 USD per person respectively.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is diminishing at a high rate because its permit is too expensive when you compare reaching to an extent of tripling prices of permits for Democratic Republic of Congo yet they have less varieties than Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Need for Support of Conservation of Gorillas.

This money paid for the Gorilla trekking permit is not used for consumption purposes but rather used in the conservation of these apes for future generation through funding the conservation organizations like Gorilla doctors, friend a Gorilla and Virunga foundation which is responsible for managing the gazetted habitats for Gorillas.

Variety of Other Species & Primates.

During your trekking Journey in the Jungle its associated with an en-route game viewing which provides you with opportunities of sighting different primates like Black & White Colobus Monkeys, Red tailed Monkeys, Vervets, Blue Monkeys swinging on the tree branches, Bush babies, Baboons, Hyenas, different bird species crossing around, insects like Butter flies on the tree leaves, tsetse flies, bees on flowers plus big tree species.

If visiting Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo is your interest for the year 2018 you will only find them in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park respectively.

The post Why Visit Gorillas In Democratic Republic Of Congo first appeared on Congo Parks.