3 Days Virunga Gorilla Safari – The 3 days Virunga gorilla safari is a short tour in eastern Congo, but it guarantees you experiences of a lifetime. This remarkable trip introduces you to the jungles of Virunga National Park to see mountain gorillas.
Virunga National Park is the largest of all the three Virunga Conservation Areas, occupying up to 7,800 sq. km and home to a total of 8 gorilla families. Gorilla trekking is the main adventure you should expect on this trip, with only one habituated group of mountain gorillas being visited.
Detailed Tour
Day 1: Kigali to Virunga National Park
Pick up at the hotel, receive a briefing about your border-crossing trip. Begin your drive to the lodge/hotel in D.R. Congo. Before exiting Rwanda, enjoy a short city excursion (2 hours) in Kigali – explore its Gisozi genocide memorial site, craft markets, etc. En route, enjoy the beautiful countryside of Rwanda and Congo when you cross the border. The rest of the evening will be for relaxation at the pre-booked accommodation.
Day 2: Virunga Gorillas, D.R. Congo
Enjoy a well-prepared cup of tea/coffee or spiced drink as per your preference. Afterward, transfer to Bukima ranger post for a briefing about the rules for gorilla trekking. Virunga NP alone has 8 gorilla families that have undergone full habituation, and the park officials will allocate strictly one family for you to visit as per this package. The park’s gorilla groups include Mapuwa, Bageni, Humba, Lulengo, Kabirizi, Rugendo, and Munyaga.
Start your search for gorillas at 8:00 am led by an experienced park guide. The trek will last about 2-6 hours, including 1 hour of close encounter time. Afterward, return to the lodge, and in the evening, you may consider exploring more about Senkwekwe.
Day 3: Virunga to Kigali
Transfer back to Kigali after enjoying a hearty breakfast in the morning. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Congo and Rwanda along the way. Arrive early, have lunch, and proceed to Kigali airport for departure or transfer to your next safari destination.
