Hiking Destinations in The Democratic Republic of Congo.
Virunga National Park is the place to go gorilla trekking.
When it comes to trekking, the best places to go in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are located along the eastern border with Uganda and Rwanda. A few of the most impressive hiking paths in the area may be found inside Virunga National Park.
It is impossible to find a more compelling incentive to visit Virunga National Park than the opportunity to go gorilla trekking on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of the last mountain gorillas.
Virunga National Park, along with Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, is one of just two areas in the world that is able to provide a habitat for mountain gorillas that are in risk of extinction.
A permit to trek mountain gorillas in Virunga costs just USD 400 per person, which is a fraction of the price of a permit in Rwanda and Uganda. This makes Virunga the most affordable place to do mountain gorilla trekking in the area.
The majority of people are discouraged from visiting the location because to the ongoing civil hostilities that are taking place there; nevertheless, those who are able to make it are accompanied by armed rangers and trackers into the jungle, and they are permitted to spend at least one hour sitting quietly with the gorillas.
In the gorilla forest, small trekking parties go out at 8:00 in the morning and spend the first half of the day trudging across uneven, steep hills and muddy, unused routes. Occasionally, it rains suddenly.
Hiking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is not complete without going gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park.
Either the park itself or a qualified tour company such as Katland may help you make reservations for your gorilla permit. For further information, please contact us.
Climbing Mount Nyiragongo on foot
The experience of hiking Nyiragongo is one of the most surreal activities that visitors to Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo may partake in.
The highest point of the magnificent stratovolcano known as Mount Nyiragongo is home to the biggest lava lake in the world. Located on the boundaries of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, the volcano is a component of the Virunga Mountains Chain. Goma, which is about 15 kilometers away from the park, is the closest town.
There are a variety of creatures that call the lower wooded slopes of Nyiragongo their home. These animals include chimpanzees, numerous types of monkeys, bushbuck, and a rare bird species known as the three-horned chameleon. An excursion to the peak of this formidable mountain is much more enjoyable because of these animals.
With five parts along the path for resting stops, the Nyiragongo hiking trail starts at the Kibati Ranger Post, which is located at an elevation of 1870 meters.
The ascent may take anywhere from four to six hours, and it is around 6.5 kilometers to and from the top, which is located at 3,470 meters. Because of the affects of the altitude, you need to be somewhat fit and acclimatized in order to participate in the trek, even if it is not a walk-through experience.
Along the initial portion of the Mount Nyiragongo hiking trail, you will go through a thick forest that is located at the base of the mountain. A handful of creatures, such as monkeys and bushbucks, could be seen in this region; be sure to keep an eye out for them.
After that, there is an ascent that takes place on open pathways that provide breathtaking views of the valley below. In the third stage of the trek, you will traverse scorching volcanic fissures and ancient lava flows by foot. At last, you make your way through the fourth and fifth portions of the trail, which are characterized by high montane forest, and up a difficult 300-meter ascent that leads to the peak.
Viewing the world’s biggest lava lake churning away in a mosaic of molten red fire will wash away your tiredness with amazement. You should get your tent ready as you wait for the huge molten-red light to appear against a sky filled with stars. One of the nicest nights for trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is this one.
There are times when the temperature at Nyiragongo top drops below freezing, and there are also times when there are severe winds and rain. It is requested that you bring appropriate clothing for both wet and cold weather, such as thick socks, gloves, and hats, as well as, of course, something to eat. The Kibati Ranger Post, which is located at the beginning of the climb, is where you might rent some of the gear and equipment.
Nyiragongo is accessible via Goma, which is located around 15 kilometers away inside the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is also a couple of hours’ drive from Kigali or Kisoro in Uganda. At a fee of $360 per person, a guided hiking permit to Nyiragongo is available.
At the National Park of Kahuzi Biega
Kahuzi Biega National Park is a massive protected area located in the southeast of the country. It is mostly composed of tropical forest and is dominated by two remarkable dormant volcanoes, Kahuzi (3,308, 10,853 feet) and Biéga (2,790 m, 9,250 feet).
Due to the park’s rich and varied flora, it is considered to be one of the most inspirational places to go trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is one of the remaining populations of eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Graueri, and they live at the foot of its volcanoes at elevations ranging from 2,100 to 2,400 meters.
The gorillas are the primary reason why a large number of people visit the park, despite the fact that trekking in this region is very exciting and gratifying.
The park may be found in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, close to the town of Bukavu. It is situated close to the western bank of Lake Kivu and the border with Rwanda.
By participating in the daily trekking expeditions that depart very early in the morning, you will have the opportunity to see this park. These trips will take you through dense jungle, over rivers, over switches, and across difficult land in order to locate gorillas.
The rangers will enable you to spend an hour viewing these wonderful animals after you have located the habituated gorillas. It’s possible that the trek through the jungle will take around half a day. At the same time, it is one of the trekking experiences in central Africa that receives the highest ratings.
Strolling on Mount Kahuzi
It takes around six to seven hours to go up to the summit of Kahuzi, which is 3,308 meters, and then back down again. You begin your journey by traversing bamboo-forested areas, and then on to ascend into sub-alpine vegetation, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Kivu and the expansive metropolitan settlements spread out below.
Exercising on Mount Biega
Mount Biega’s peak is located at an elevation of 2,790 meters, which is somewhat lower than that of Kahuzi. Because of the great differences in the plants, hiking here is an excellent opportunity to learn about the environment. A trek up and down on routes that are maintained takes around six hours to complete.
The Marais Musisi Trail and the Tshibati Waterfalls paths are two of the other amazing hiking trails that can be found in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Chimpanzees may be seen on these routes, which also provide opportunities for bird observation and fun interactions with the primates. Around $35 is the fee per participant for a stroll.
There is a route from Kigali to the town of Bukavu that leads to Kahuzi-Biega. This route involves crossing the border at Cyangungu. Whether you use a public or private automobile, the journey from Kigali to Bukavu might take around seven hours.
The best way to go through Uganda is to enter Rwanda at Cyanika and then exit the country again to reach Bukavu. This is not a very good course, but it is ideal for those who are brave. The headquarters of the park may be reached with relative ease from Bukavu.
When is the best time to go?
It is possible to go trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at any time of the year. Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is most enjoyable during the dry seasons, which span from June to September and December to February. When it does not rain, it is much simpler to trek through the rainforests of the Congo that are located there.
