Congo Tours: Gorillas, Volcanoes & the Heart of Africa
From mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park to Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega and a night at the crater rim of Mount Nyiragongo's lava lake — discover the Democratic Republic of Congo's most extraordinary wildlife and volcanic adventures, all starting and ending in Kigali.
Request for a Free QuoteWhy Congo
A Different Kind of Gorilla Safari
Congo tours are highlighted by two of Africa's most extraordinary experiences: gorilla trekking and a genuinely adventurous hike to Mount Nyiragongo's lava lake. We take visitors into the Democratic Republic of Congo crossing from Rwanda via Goma, with every Congo tour starting and ending in Kigali. The DRC is a genuinely unique safari destination where travelers can see mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and the rarer Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park — two distinct gorilla subspecies found nowhere else on Earth in this combination.
Virunga's Mountain Gorillas
Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest national park, is home to mountain gorillas sharing the same Virunga Massif ecosystem as Rwanda and Uganda — offering the same intimate one-hour trekking encounter at a notably lower permit price.
Mount Nyiragongo's Lava Lake
One of Africa's most active volcanoes, Nyiragongo holds the world's largest lava lake. Our guided overnight hike takes you to the crater rim for a genuinely rare, direct view into an active volcanic caldera.
Kahuzi-Biega's Eastern Lowland Gorillas
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kahuzi-Biega National Park protects the rare Eastern Lowland Gorilla, a distinct and even more critically endangered subspecies than the mountain gorillas found elsewhere in the region.
The Region's Most Affordable Gorilla Permit
At roughly USD $400 per person, a Congo gorilla trekking permit costs meaningfully less than Rwanda's $1,500 or Uganda's $800 — genuine value for travelers prioritizing budget without compromising the encounter itself.
Seamless Access via Kigali and Goma
Every Congo tour begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda, crossing the border at Goma — a genuinely straightforward overland route that makes combining Congo with a Rwanda gorilla safari entirely practical.
Rainforests, Rolling Hills, and Rich Birdlife
Beyond gorillas and volcanoes, Kahuzi-Biega's landscapes span lush rainforest and rolling hills, with scenic hiking trails and rewarding birdwatching alongside the park's primate encounters.
Safari Packages 2026
Congo Tour Packages for Every Traveller and Budget
Whether you have three days or seventeen, Maranatha Tours & Travel designs Congo tour packages that deliver maximum wildlife and volcanic adventure for your available time. Every package is fully customisable — tell us your interests, your budget, and your travel dates, and we build the Congo itinerary that fits.
3 Day Virunga Gorilla Trek
A compact three-day Congo gorilla safari trekking mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, starting and ending in Kigali — the most direct way to experience Congo's gorilla encounter at a fraction of neighboring countries' permit cost.
- Mountain gorilla trekking — Virunga National Park
- Round-trip transport from Kigali via Goma
- Professional English-speaking driver guide
- All park fees and permits arranged
3 Day Gorilla Trek Congo — Kahuzi-Biega
Trek the rare Eastern Lowland Gorilla in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a genuinely distinct encounter from mountain gorilla trekking, and one of the few places on Earth to see this critically endangered subspecies.
- Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking — Kahuzi-Biega
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Rainforest and rolling hill landscapes
- Starts and ends in Kigali
5 Days Congo Gorillas & Nyiragongo Hike
Combine Virunga gorilla trekking with an overnight hike to Mount Nyiragongo's crater rim — camping beside the world's largest lava lake for one of the most genuinely thrilling nights available on any East or Central African itinerary.
- Mountain gorilla trekking — Virunga NP
- Overnight Mount Nyiragongo summit hike
- Camping at the crater rim
- Lava lake viewing, day and night
8 Days Congo & Rwanda Gorilla Safari
A genuinely comprehensive cross-border itinerary combining Congo's Virunga gorilla trekking with Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park primates and cultural highlights — two countries' gorilla experiences in one seamless week-plus adventure.
- Gorilla trekking in both Congo and Rwanda
- Volcanoes National Park golden monkeys
- Kigali cultural sites and city tour
- Seamless Goma border crossing
17 Days Gorilla Trekking & Nyiragongo Hike
The ultimate East and Central Africa adventure: gorilla trekking across Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo, combined with the Mount Nyiragongo overnight hike — the most complete gorilla-and-volcano expedition available in the region.
- Full Rwanda, Uganda & Congo gorilla programme
- Mount Nyiragongo overnight crater hike
- Chimpanzee tracking and cultural experiences
- 17 days across three countries
What Awaits You
Congo Tour Highlights: Gorillas, Volcanoes & Rainforest
A Maranatha Congo tour is designed around the full breadth of what this extraordinary, less-visited destination offers — from its rarest primates to its most dramatic geology.
A note on travel to eastern DRC: Congo tours pass through a region that can experience periods of instability. Maranatha Tours & Travel monitors local security conditions closely and will always advise honestly on current conditions before confirming your booking — your safety comes first, and we will never encourage travel we don't consider genuinely safe at the time.
Why Maranatha
Why Choose Maranatha Tours & Travel for Your Congo Tour
Planning a Congo gorilla safari requires expertise, relationships, and the kind of first-hand knowledge that comes only from years of operating across the region. Maranatha Tours & Travel brings all three to every client's itinerary.
Every Tour Gets Full Attention
We pay close attention to every aspect of the safari chosen. Our clients' interests, suggestions, and specific needs are our priority when designing the best Congo adventure holiday. No two itineraries are the same — because no two travellers are the same.
First-Hand Destination Knowledge
We have first-hand knowledge of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda safari destinations. Our devoted and passionate team uses experienced local guides who know the gorilla families, the Nyiragongo trails, and current regional conditions with genuine on-the-ground insight.
24/7 Expert Assistance
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist with all your travel questions and booking logistics. From permit availability queries at midnight to on-the-ground support during your trip, Maranatha is always reachable and always responsive.
Honest, Transparent Guidance
We customise every Congo itinerary around your interests, and we're always straightforward about current regional conditions before you book — combining Congo with Rwanda or Uganda, or designing a Nyiragongo-focused adventure, at transparent, competitive pricing.
Book Your Congo Tour
Your Congo Gorilla Adventure Begins With One Conversation
Congo permits and Nyiragongo hiking slots are limited and should be booked well ahead of your travel dates. Tell us your travel window, your group size, and your dream — we will build the Congo tour that makes it real.