4 Days Lowland Double Trekking offers a rare chance to see Eastern Lowland gorillas in the wild two times. This means you can enjoy up to two hours of close gorilla time in total. Visiting lowland gorillas is a once in a lifetime experience, and this well planned tour makes it possible in a short time. The safari takes you to Kahuzi-Biega National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the only place where Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking is allowed.
Lowland gorillas live only in Congo, mainly in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and nearby protected areas. These gorillas are also called Grauer’s gorillas and belong to the eastern gorilla family, which also includes mountain gorillas. Kahuzi-Biega National Park covers about 6,000 square kilometers. Many gorilla groups live here, but only five groups are habituated for tourism. During this 4 day lowland double trekking safari, you will trek two of these gorilla families.
Day 1: Kigali to Bukavu
Meet your driver guide in Kigali for a warm welcome and safari briefing. Start the road journey toward Congo, passing through Butare town. Stop to visit the Ethnographic Museum and the King’s Palace to learn about Rwanda’s culture and history. After lunch, continue to the border and cross into Congo. Drive on to Bukavu town and check in at your lodge or hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: First Lowland Gorilla Trek in Kahuzi-Biega
After breakfast, transfer to the park offices for a briefing on lowland gorilla trekking rules. Rangers will assign you to your first gorilla family, chosen from the five habituated groups such as Mugaruka or Bonnani. Trek into the forest with guides until you find the gorillas. Once found, you will spend one full hour watching their behavior and taking photos. Return to the lodge to rest. If you still have energy, you can take a short walk to Tshibati Falls later in the day.
Day 3: Second Lowland Gorilla Trek
Wake up early and return to the park offices for another briefing. Start your second lowland gorilla trek at 8:00 am. You will visit a different gorilla group or the same one, depending on park arrangements. This second trek gives you another full hour with lowland gorillas, allowing deeper understanding of their daily life.
Day 4: Bukavu to Kigali
Enjoy breakfast, then drive back to Kigali with a packed lunch on the way. If time allows, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets. Later, transfer to your hotel or Kigali International Airport for departure, marking the end of your 4 Days Lowland Double Trekking safari.
