DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
DRC refers to the attraction of both mountain gorilla and lowland gorilla trekking experience which takes places respectively in volcanoes mountain chain and Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Culture tours have to be more interested with how they are different cultures based to diversity of languages spoken in DRC.
Best Season
Jun–Sep
Key Parks
Virunga, Kahuzi-Biega
Visa
eVisa / embassy ($90+)
Currency
CDF
Why Visit DR Congo
The DRC is East Africa’s most adventurous destination. It offers both mountain gorilla and lowland gorilla trekking — the only country in the world where you can see both species. Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest and one of its most spectacular, combining active volcanoes, gorillas, and chimpanzees. For travelers seeking something truly off the beaten path, the DRC delivers an experience unlike anywhere else.
National Parks & Wildlife
Virunga National Park
Africa’s oldest national park (established 1925) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to mountain gorillas on the volcanic slopes, chimpanzees in the lowland forests, and the active Nyiragongo volcano — one of the few places on Earth where you can look into a lake of molten lava. Gorilla permits cost $400, the most affordable in the region.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
The only place to trek endangered eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas), the world’s largest primates. Located near Bukavu in South Kivu, accessible from Bujumbura via the Burundi-DRC border crossing at Gatumba.
Visa & Entry
DRC requires a visa obtained before travel. Options include an eVisa (applied online) or a visa from a Congolese embassy. Travelers with a confirmed Virunga National Park booking may qualify for a visa on arrival at the Goma border. US citizens pay $185 for a 2-year reciprocity visa.
| Visa type | eVisa / embassy visa / visa on arrival (with Virunga booking) |
| Cost | $90 eVisa (Airport Port Visa) / $185 (US citizens) |
| Validity | 7 days (eVisa APV, renewable in-country) |
| Yellow fever | Mandatory vaccination certificate |
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. East Africa Bridge Tours provides visa support letters and handles all logistics for DRC crossings from both Bujumbura (Burundi) and Gisenyi/Rubavu (Rwanda).
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (June–September) offers the best trekking conditions for both gorillas and Nyiragongo volcano. The volcano hike is more challenging during the wet season (October–May) but still possible. Gorilla trekking operates year-round.
Getting There
Most visitors enter the DRC from neighboring countries. We operate regular crossings from Bujumbura to Bukavu (for Kahuzi-Biega) and from Gisenyi/Rubavu (Rwanda) to Goma (for Virunga). Both routes are well-established and we handle all border formalities.
Gallery
Ready to explore DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO?
Tell us about your dream safari and we'll create a personalized itinerary.
