The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa. While its poverty rate has fallen slightly over the past two decades, particularly in rural areas, the DRC nonetheless remains one of the poorest countries in the world. In 2018, 72% of the population, especially in the North West and Kasaï regions, was living in extreme poverty on less than $1.90 a day. Alongside absolute poverty, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is endowed with a variety wildlife including Mountain Gorillas, Lowland Gorillas, chimpanzees, Active volcanoes, Dormant Volcanoes, Drainage features, cities and vegetation among others. Political instability is now a stumbling block to the development of the country hindering smooth running of several economic activities which would have revive the country from absolute poverty.
Gorilla trekking among other tourist activities is the top tourist activity in DRC and there are several reasons why DRC Gorilla trekking shouldn’t miss your travel list:
The DRC Gorilla permit is among the cheapest in the world. Compared to neighboring Rwanda and Uganda at US$1500 and US$700 respectively, Democratic Republic of Congo sells gorilla permit at US$400. That means, if you want to save big, do not miss gorilla trekking in DRC.
DRC has two Gorilla species making it possible for the trekkers to make choice – Once you decide to go gorilla trekking in DRC, you can choose to trek Lowland Gorillas or Mountain Gorillas or do both. Unlike Rwanda and Uganda with only Mountain Gorillas, DRC has a comparative advantage.
Two Parks do conduct gorilla safari treks in DRC- Kahuzi – Biega National park for Lowland Gorillas while Virunga National park is for Mountain Gorillas. Travelers have a chance to choose where to trek from or in case of no availability in one park, the guests can switch.
Short distance from Goma to Virunga National Park- It’s on record that Mountain Gorillas are the most desired specie of Gorillas in the world. Luckily, Virunga National Park host this type and its few kilometers from Goma city. For that case, guest can spend the night in Goma city, wake up early morning and drive to Virunga to trek Mountain Gorillas and thereafter, return to Goma city of proceed to your next destination.
Tourists to Virunga and Kahuzi-Beiga National Parks, are guarded by the DRC army from Goma city to the park and back. There are picks up from Goma every day basing on the availability. In addition to that, there are United Nations bases on the way to the park- all is to ensure maximum security to all tourists in DRC.
Other attractions in DRC. Apart from Gorilla trekking, there are several other attractions in Democratic Republic of Congo like Nyiragongo active Volcano, Nyamuragira Volcano, water bodies like Lake Kivu, valleys and swamps among others.
In conclusion, DRC is among the richest nation in terms of wildlife, relief, drainage, birds among others but above all Gorilla trekking is the chief tourist attraction in DRC.
