The 3 Days Virunga Gorilla Safari is a short but rewarding trip in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It offers a rare chance to visit Virunga National Park and see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural forest home. This safari is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a real gorilla trekking experience in Africa.
Virunga National Park is the largest of the three Virunga conservation areas, covering about 7,800 square kilometers. The park is home to eight habituated mountain gorilla families that are ready for tourism. During this safari, only one gorilla family is visited, following strict conservation rules to protect the animals and their habitat. Gorilla trekking is the main activity and the highlight of this tour.
Day 1: Kigali to Virunga National Park
Your 3 Days Virunga Gorilla Safari begins with pickup from your hotel in Kigali. Meet your driver guide for a short briefing about the safari and the border crossing process. Before leaving Rwanda, enjoy a short Kigali city tour lasting about two hours. Visit places such as the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site and local craft markets.
After the city tour, continue your drive toward the Congo border. Enjoy views of the countryside as you cross into Democratic Republic of Congo. Proceed to your pre-booked lodge or hotel near Virunga National Park. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing, having dinner, and preparing for the gorilla trek the next day.
Day 2: Virunga Gorilla Trekking Experience
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast or a warm drink at the lodge. Transfer to Bukima ranger post for a briefing by park officials about gorilla trekking rules and safety. Virunga National Park has eight habituated gorilla families, but only one group will be assigned to you for this trek.
At 8:00 am, begin the trek into the forest led by an experienced ranger guide. The walk can take between 2 and 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. Once the gorilla family is found, you will spend one hour observing their behavior and taking photos. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the evening, you may choose to learn more about conservation at the Senkwekwe center.
Day 3: Virunga National Park to Kigali
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and start the drive back to Kigali. Enjoy views of the landscapes of Congo and Rwanda along the way. Arrive in Kigali in time for lunch and transfer to the airport for departure or continue to your next destination. End of safari.
