#VirungaNationalPark

Congo remains one of the few countries where mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas live in protected reserves within their native habitat. That fact alone places it in a rare category of primate conservation destinations. But unlike its regional neighbours, the Democratic Republic of Congo carries an additional weight: history, complexity, and misperception. Virunga and...Read More

Rain defines the rhythm of equatorial life. In Uganda, Rwanda, and eastern DRC, gorilla trekking regions experience two primary rainy seasons: March to May and October to November. During these periods, forests receive short, heavy bursts of rainfall, often in the early morning or late afternoon, followed by hours of stillness. Despite this predictable pattern,...Read More

Gorilla trekking permits are government-issued documents that grant permission to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla group in its natural habitat within the forest range. In Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, this permit is mandatory. Without it, tourists and researchers cannot participate in gorilla tracking activities. Each permit funds conservation efforts,...Read More

Gorilla trekking is a guided walk through tropical montane forests to observe wild mountain gorillas in their natural environment. It’s one of the most tightly regulated wildlife experiences in the world. Governments strictly control access to ensure protection of the gorillas and their habitat. The activity takes place in East and Central Africa. Participants join...Read More