Our 6 Days Mountain gorillas & Lowland Gorillas in D. R. Congo safari allow visitors to explore the beautiful havens of Eastern gorillas in Congo. This safari begins in Kigali City (Rwanda) and leads to Virunga National Park, one of the oldest Parks in the African Continent for a chance to trek mountain gorillas, to Kahuzi-Biega National Park for an exciting lowland gorilla trek. This trip also comprises City excursion in Kigali and guided nature walks.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and drive to a hotel in Kigali City
The first day of this safari marks the beginning of unforgettable journey with arrival at Kigali International Airport. Our professional and experienced driver/guide will already be at the airport to receive and brief you about the entire safari and drive you to the booked hotel in Kigali city.
Day 2: City excursion and drive to Virunga National Park
On this day you will undertake a City excursion after a lovely breakfast at your Hotel in Kigali. Get a chance to explore the significant cultural and historical sites dotted across the City, some of which include Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, Craft shops, local markets and Museums. Be treated to a delicious lunch at the Hotel then, check out for a drive to Virunga National Park in the eastern side of Democratic Republic of Congo.
Check-in at Grande Barriere (Gisenyi-Goma) border crossing to receive your Virunga Gorilla Permit. Be at Virunga National Park in the evening for dinner, overnight and relaxation as you wait for the adventurous trek the next day.
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Breakfast is early in the morning and set-off for the Park Headquarters to catch-up with the pre-tracking briefing on the guidelines of trekking the Gorillas. The Park warden will take you through this briefing and later divide you into groups of 8 persons to trek each habituated gorilla group. At 8:30am start the search for mountain gorillas and this takes 1-6 hours and you will have a maximum of one hour in their presence to watch and take photos of them mating, foraging, resting and playing. Descend and meet with your driver at the briefing point for a drive to the lodge for late lunch.
Spend your evening relaxing at the Lodge with a novel/magazine and glass of wine or any drink of your choice. Alternatively, you can opt for a guided walk at Rumangabo Park Headquarters to explore some of the conservation projects.
Day 4: Transfer to Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Have breakfast and embark on your transfer to Bukavu Town. A road transfer to the Port at Lake Kivu shores is followed by a refreshing 3-4 hours’ boat ride to the shores on Bukavu Town side. Continue with your journey to your booked Hotel in Bukavu Town for late Lunch, dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Trek the Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Breakfast will be served early to allow you embark on the one hour’s journey to Kahuzi-Biega National Park Headquarters. The trek for Eastern lowland gorillas begins with briefing from the Park officials on the guidelines of trekking these huge Great Apes and any other important information on them.
Trekking the eastern lowland gorillas involves walking and hiking the lower slopes of Kahuzi and Biega Mountains and this lasts 1-5 hours. Spend a maximum of one hour admiring their exciting traits, taking photos and asking questions as they go about their daily routines.
Day 6: Travel back to Kigali City
Enjoy a fantastic breakfast and embark on a journey to the City of Kigali with phenomenal views of the lush vegetation, rolling hills, the countryside and en-route stops for photography and Lunch. This marks the end of the 6 days Mountain Gorillas & Lowland Gorillas in D.R. Congo.
