12 Days Bwindi, Volcanoes, Virunga and Congo Lowland Gorilla safari brings a new vigor to mountain gorilla and lowland gorilla trekking adventures across the three countries sheltering these extraordinary species of Eastern gorillas. This safari begins from Uganda, at Entebbe International Airport or Kampala City and ends in Kigali, Rwanda.
Day 1: Drive from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meet your assigned safari driver at the Airport or any other location in Kampala/Entebbe Town early morning. Be briefed on the Safari and later begin the long drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
This is one of the longest journeys in Uganda (between 8 and 9 hours) but also one of the most rewarding with scenic views of rolling hills and en-route stops for Lunch, photography and to stretch. In the evening you will be in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for check-in at the Lodge, dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Pak and drive to Lake Bunyonyi
In the morning you move or transfer to Bwindi Park Headquarters for pre-tracking briefing on the activity and this is done by the Park Warden. Continue for the trek in the jungle of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to search for the mountain gorillas and this takes between 30 minutes and 5 hours.
The search for the mountain gorillas is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences and once you find them, you will have one hour to observe and take photos of silverbacks resting or foraging, females nursing their babies, infants or juveniles swinging on tree branches and many other thrilling gorilla activities.
After spending the long-awaited magical hour with these Great Apes, enjoy your packed Lunch and meet-up with your driver at the Park Headquarters for a drive to Lake Bunyonyi.
Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful places in Uganda with over 32 Islands. This Lake features numerous small and large Islands that excite visitors with their interesting history. Undertake a boat ride to some of the Islands and later be booked in one of the Resorts/Hotels/Safari Lodges for overnight.
Day 3: Drive from Lake Bunyonyi Area to the Democratic Republic of Congo via Goma border point
Start your third day with breakfast, followed by the journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo, crossing-over through Goma border point. On arrival, straight away transfer to the booked accommodation facility for late Lunch, relaxation and later dinner/overnight stay.
Day 4: Mountain gorilla Trekking and guided tours in Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage
After an amazing breakfast, converge at Bukima Ranger Post where you will other visitors, Rangers and Porters. Attend briefing before the start of the gorilla trek and this is on the dos and don’ts of the adventurous gorilla trek in Virunga National Park.
Expect to begin the trek by 8:00am and hike for 1-4 hours until the allocated gorilla family is found. On finding them, your breath will be taken away by their huge body sizes, their gentleness and human-like behavior. Stay for one hour in their presence and return to Bukima Ranger Post to find your safari driver, then return back to the Lodge for late lunch.
In the afternoon you will explore the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, the World’s only Gorilla Sanctuary for Orphaned gorillas near Mikeno Lodge to see how rescued baby gorillas are cared for. Later in the evening be treated to a warm bath, delicious meal and remarkable overnight.
Day 5: Mount. Nyiragongo Hike
Have a heavy breakfast and prepare your hiking gear or equipment before being transferred to Kibati Ranger post at the base of Mount. Nyiragongo. Make sure to be there by 8:00am for a briefing from the Park Warden and begin the 4-6 hours’ hike to the summit of this active Volcano.
Views of the colorful hot blazing Lava at the summit and surrounding Virunga Volcanoes make this hike worthwhile. Spend overnight and enjoy dinner at the wooden shelter at the peak.
Day 6: Descend Mount. Nyiragongo and drive to the spectacular Tchegera Island
This is the day of descending mount Nyiragongo and starts with breakfast at the wooden shelter. Descending to the base and Kibati Ranger post takes 3-4 hours and later drive to Goma Town.
Continue to Tchegera Island on Lake Kivu through a 15-20 minutes’ boat ride, for relaxation after the hectic hike. Being on this Island rewards visitors with views of Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira Volcanoes, then dinner and overnight at Tchegera Island tented Camp.
Day 7: Transfer from Goma to Bukavu city.
Early morning have breakfast and be driven to the Emmanuel Port for the boat ride to Bukavu. This boat ride takes 3-4 hours and you will find your safari driver waiting at the Bukavu jetty for a drive to the booked Hotel in Bukavu Town.
Day 8: Lowland Gorilla Trek in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and cross-over to Rwanda via the Rusizi border point
Breakfast at the Hotel in Bukavu and begin the one-hour drive to Kahuzi-Biega National Park for the lowland gorilla trek. The Eastern lowland gorillas only found in the Democratic Republic of Congo are the largest gorilla species and trekking them takes 1-4 hours.
One hour is also allocated for observing and photographing them go about their breathtaking daily activities. Later return to Bukavu Town for Lunch and proceed to Rwanda via Rusizi border. Check-in at a Lodge in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Day 9: Chimpanzee trekking and afternoon canopy walk
Get a chance to spend quality time with chimpanzees, mankind’s cousins within the lush forest of Nyungwe. Trek them for 1-3 hours while encountering other primates and bird species that call this forest home, after which spend one hour with them. The time spent with the chimpanzees is one of the most unforgettable moments and later return to the Lodge for a hot meal and relaxation.
You will be rejuvenated enough for the next activity and therefore your afternoon will be spent participating in the canopy walk. Walk along the suspended bridge over the tree canopies and narrow gorge where some primates will be seen jumping on tree branches, beautiful bird species and many other specialties in Nyungwe Forest. Retire to your Lodge in the evening with maximum satisfaction of the jungles.
Day 10: Guided forest walks and drive to Volcanoes National Park
Walk along one of the 13 hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park after a hefty breakfast and depending on the chosen trail, expect to see breathtaking waterfalls, unique tree species, stunning birds, mammals especially elephants, primates and bushbucks in addition to reptiles and amphibians.
Chimpanzee treks take all the attention in Nyungwe but guided forest walks are equally rewarding. Continue to Volcanoes National Park after Lunch, arriving in the evening for check-in followed by sumptuous dinner and overnight stay.
Day 11: Mountain gorilla trekking and visit the Gorilla Guardian Village
This is the third mountain gorilla trek for the safari and begins with breakfast at the Lodge. Connect to the Park Headquarters for briefing on the gorilla trek and at 8:00am drive to the trailhead that is 20-30 minutes’ drive away. Begin the search for mountain gorillas and this takes 1-5 hours.
The trek is hectic but is worthwhile because the one hour spent with the mountain gorillas is the most magical and memorable one hour. Lunch will be at the Lodge and later continue to a cultural tour at the Gorilla Guardian Village to learn about Rwandan culture and way of life.
Day 12: Drive to Kigali and City excursion
Leave Volcanoes National Park for Kigali City after breakfast, then undertake a tour of the exciting tourist sites. The number to sites visited and time spent exploring them depends on your flight schedule. This marks the end of your 12 Days Bwindi, Volcanoes, Virunga and Congo Lowland Gorillas safari.
