3 days in Virunga National Park, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo offers visitors the opportunity to get up-close to the Giant Apes that call this Park home. This trip starts from Kigali goes through the lush rolling hills of Rwanda until Congo through the Grande Barriere Border point.
Day 1: Jet-in at Kigali International Park and drive to Virunga National Park
Jet-in at Kigali International Airport of Rwanda where you will meet your driver/guide with a placard bearing your name. This is followed by introductions and briefing on the 3 days Virunga Gorillas Safari before starting the journey to Virunga National Park.
Cross the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo border at Grande Barriere where you will check-in at the Virunga Tourism Office for your gorilla permit and to process your Congo Tourist Visa. Transfer to the Safari Lodge/Tented Camp near the gorilla trailhead or just outside the national park.
Day 2: Trekking Gorillas in Virunga national park
A hefty breakfast is the perfect idea to start this day that will be marked by treks through Virunga National Park to search for mountain gorillas. Converge at Bukima Ranger Post with your passport for registration and gorilla permit that will allow you to trek the mountain gorillas. By 8:00am head into the forest in the company of an armed ranger and guide, then expect to trek for 1-4 hours until the allocated gorilla family is found.
When you finally find them, your breath will be taken away by the massive size, gentle nature and human-like behavior of mountain gorillas as they go about their daily routines. The juveniles and infants will always impress with their playful antics. Stay for one hour in their presence and return back to the Tented Camp for late Lunch. In the afternoon undertake a leisure walk through Rumangabo Park Headquarters and get back for dinner/overnight at the Camp.
Day 3: Travel back to Kigali, City Tour and transfer to the Airport
On this day you will enjoy your breakfast, tip some of the Hotel staff (willingly) and meet with your driver/guide to travel back to Kigali City. Depending on your departure time, you will have a city excursion to the genocide memorial site and Craft market for souvenirs. You will be dropped off at the Airport to catch-up with your departure flight.
