The 4 days Virunga gorillas & Lake Kivu boat is one of the exceptional short Congo safaris, and it guarantees you a thrilling mountain gorilla trekking and recreational boat experience. Your expedition entirely involves exploring Virunga National Park, a 7800sq.kms conservation area in the D.R. Congo.
The vast tropical Virunga National Park shelters 8 fully habituated gorilla families, all of which are ready for tracking. It is the oldest park, established in 1925 and offers refuge to other wildlife including hippos, elephants, Okapis, warthogs, etc. A total of about 200 mammal species all live in Virunga Park sharing the same habitat with over 700 bird species.
Lake Kivu is one of the few Great Lakes in Africa and the world at large that visitors can swim from. It is located between Congo border and Rwanda, along the Albertine rift valley. Its surface area measures about 2700sq.kms and has maximum depth of 480m.
Safari details
Day 1: Pick & transfer to your prebooked hotel in Kigali
Spend day one to fly to Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda where you will meet a driver guide for a warm welcome and briefing about your safari. The rest of the evening will be for relaxation at the luxurious hotel facility in Kigali capital.
Day 2: City tour in Kigali & drive to the Virunga N/Park
After an early morning breakfast, meet your interactive guide ready to begin your day with Kigali city tour, about 2 hours. On Kigali city tour, expect to visit Gisozi genocide center and local markets within the city center, etc. After, set off for Virunga National Park Congo with lunch to be enjoyed en-route. Cross to your accommodation at Goma or inside the park.
Day 3: Virunga N/Park gorilla trekking
Assemble at Bukima for briefing about mountain gorilla trekking rules and to be allocated to the park guide. Start a trek to see the assigned gorilla group in Virunga Park, Congo and this takes 2-6 hours but includes one hour of close encounter. About 8 habituated gorilla families reside in the Virunga National Park and a maximum of 8 visitors track only one group on daily basis, translating to about 64 gorilla permits available for this park alone. After observing the daily behaviors of mountain gorillas and taking pictures, return to the lodge. From Virunga N/Park, cross over to Gisenyi town to check in at the lodge or hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4: Boat ride on Lake Kivu Rwanda & departure
Following an early breakfast, set off for a recreational boat excursion on Lake Kivu as you experience its refreshing water. This is one of the Great rift valley lakes and also Rwanda’s largest. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and Islands at Lake Kivu.
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