What is the best time to visit Congo for gorilla tracking?

Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is definitely one of the most outstanding experiences on the earth when you plan your dream African adventure. It is an experience that is difficult to find in many destinations to observe these great animals in their natural environment. Nevertheless, in order to ensure you have the most out of your trip it is necessary to know the Best time to visit Congo. When you visit, it might not only depend on how comfortable and safe you would be but also the probability of seeing gorillas in their beautiful rainforests.

One thing you should not forget before you set out on this incredible trip is that a Congo visa is a crucial step towards it. You can use it either to apply directly or find some help getting a Congo visa from Oman and GoKite Oman will help you through the procedure without any inconveniences. When properly organized, your trekking of the Congo gorillas would be one of those most memorable moments of your life.

Understanding the Climate of Congo

The equatorial climate of Congo is a significant factor in identifying the Best time to visit Congo. There are two seasons in the country of dry season and wet season. Both seasons have their charms, but their influence on the trekking conditions and wildlife sightseeing is not the same.

Dry Season (June to September & December to February):

This can be said to be the Best season for gorilla trekking in Congo. The paths are quite dry and not slippery, thus, trekking is not so challenging and uncomfortable. The gorillas too will be found in lower level as they are easy to find.

Wet Season (March to May & October to November):

The forests during these months are damp, green and alive. Nonetheless, when it pours a lot it may make the tracks dirty and difficult. Trekking conditions can be more difficult, although sightseeing can still be made.

In general, majority of the tourists enjoy dry season in gorilla trekking because it has better weather and accessibility.

When to See Gorillas in Congo

The query that is posed the most by the travelers is: When to see gorillas in Congo? The brief explanation: gorillas are available throughout the year, although the experience will not be the same throughout.

In the dry months (June-September), the vegetation is less dense, there is more visibility and you have high chances of seeing gorillas. It is also the tourist season and therefore it is prudent to reserve your Congo gorilla trekking travel guide and accommodation at a very early stage.

By comparison, a rainy season (March–May and October–November) provides a more intimate experience. You will perhaps have less visitors to the trails and the green scenery will be enjoyed by the photography enthusiasts. The difficulty however is in making slippery roads and getting to cope with erratic rain.

Therefore, although gorilla tracking can be done throughout the year, the season of the Best time to visit Congo really depends on how comfortable you are with the weather conditions as well as individual preference of traveling.

Congo Gorilla Trekking Conditions

It is imperative to know the conditions of the Congo gorilla trekking before going therein the rainforest. The treks mostly occur in Virunga national park where there are the endangered mountain gorillas. It is a mountainous terrain and deep jungle, thus, physical training and decent equipment are essential.

In the dry season, the roads are not as muddy, and it is more visible. You will be able to hike with ease, make beautiful pictures and have clear views of the gorilla groups. Conversely, during the wet season, the forest is oily, and visibility can be poor due to fog- but it also provides a certain, atmosphere-filled adventure that is ideal to people who are adventurers and want to experience nature in its pure and wild surroundings.

The time taken in trekking is usually one to six hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Rangers and guides are very qualified and they keep your safety in mind, without damaging the natural behavior of the gorillas.

How to Plan Gorilla Trekking in Congo

The main basis of any successful trip is planning, and to plan gorilla trekking in Congo is to know how to plan the trip to avoid any stress. This is a step-by-step guide on how you can plan your trip in an efficient way:

1. Get Your Congo Visa

Travelers must obtain a Congo visa before proceeding with any other thing. The Congo visa from Oman can be facilitated by GoKite Oman, which caters to all the Oman visa requirements and documents to be handled. The visa procedure is able to take a matter of days, hence plan.

2. Choose the Right Time

As has been mentioned, gorilla trekking in Congo is most effective in the dry season (June- September or December- February). The conditions are also perfect, but lodges and tour operators are fully operational.

3. Register a Gorilla Trekking Permit.

Virunga National Park requires one to have a gorilla trekking permit to be able to visit the park. One permit will be one hour with a gorilla family, and the fund will help in conservation. Some of the most popular months are sold out early and hence it is a good idea to make reservations early.

4. Prepare Physically

Gorilla trekking is of medium fitness since you will be walking in rough areas and at other times on steep routes. Another way to make a big difference before your trip is regular exercise, in particular, cardio and hiking.

5. Pack the Right Gear

Hiking shoes that are comfortable, waterproof garments, insect repulsive, gloves, and light rain jacket are necessary. An excellent camera equipped with a zoom lens is also strongly suggested in order to record your one-in-a- lifetime experience.

6. Travel with an Expert Guide

Through booking with a tour operator like GoKite Oman you are guaranteed of a professional guide, good logistics that will make your trip a safe and enjoyable adventure. The professional guide will help to make your adventure unforgettable as they tells you a little more about the surrounding world and the behavior of the gorillas.

What to Expect During a Gorilla Trek

On your hiking day, you will start as early as mornings with the brief of the park rangers. The size of the groups is typically kept to 8 individuals in order to bother the gorillas as little as possible. After you start, you are likely to walk through thick foliage, crossing little streams and hiking up small hills.

It is magic when you see the gorilla family at last. One hour you may have to be on, to see how they behave–to see them eat, groom, play, or sleep. The distance is unreal and the process can seem quite emotional.

At the end of the trek, the visitors tend to go back to their lodges to rest and tell tales of their real adventure.

Additional Tips for a Successful Congo Gorilla Trek

• Keep Hydrated: the climate is usually very humid, and one should always bring water.
• Instructions on being a Ranger: Gorillas are friendly and strong creatures- leave them alone.
• Guard Your Stuff: Leave your camera equipment and electronics in waterproof bags.
• Support Local Communities: Buy some souvenirs or employ local porters and they help the local economy.

Why Visit Congo for Gorilla Trekking?

Although Rwanda and Uganda are known by gorilla trekking, Congo is a much more exclusive and adventurous one. The walks are lower in density, the permits are usually cheaper and exploring Virunga National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is unparalleled.

The Best time to visit Congo will give you an opportunity to enjoy the best weather in trekking, photography and wildlife observation. In addition to gorillas, there are spectacular volcanoes, forest, and local culture.

Conclusion:

Congo is the most unbelievable wildlife experience in Africa as you can follow gorillas in the misty rainforests and see them in their native setup. Congo is usually great to visit during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February), when the conditions are most favourable in trekking. Nevertheless, a visit in any season can be a rewarding experience should it be planned and prepared well.

When you are asking yourself questions like: When to see gorillas in Congo? or How to plan gorilla trekking in Congo? then you should keep in mind that time, preparation and knowledge are the keys. Get off to a GoKite Oman, which is the Best travel agency in Oman and enjoy a smooth, well-planned trip that is filled with adventure, safety, and the memories of a lifetime.

It can be Oman applying to get your Congo Visa from Oman, or it can be your first gorilla experience, GoKite Oman is the place that will bring your African dream to life.