The 4-day Virunga Gorillas & Lake Kivu Boat is one of the exceptional short Congo safaris, guaranteeing you thrilling mountain gorilla trekking and a recreational boat experience. Your expedition entirely involves exploring Virunga National Park, a 7,800 sq.km conservation area in D.R. Congo.
The vast tropical Virunga National Park shelters 8 fully habituated gorilla families, all 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 live in Virunga Park, sharing the habitat with over 700 bird species.
Lake Kivu is one of the few Great Lakes in Africa and the world where visitors can swim. It is located between the Congo border and Rwanda, along the Albertine Rift Valley. Its surface area measures about 2,700 sq.km and has a maximum depth of 480m.
Safari Details
Day 1: Pick up & transfer to your pre-booked hotel in Kigali
Spend day one flying 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 Virunga N/Park
After an early morning breakfast, meet your interactive guide to begin your day with a Kigali city tour, about 2 hours. On the Kigali city tour, expect to visit the Gisozi genocide center and local markets within the city center, etc. Afterward, set off for Virunga National Park Congo with lunch to be enjoyed en-route. Cross to your accommodation in Goma or inside the park.
Day 3: Virunga N/Park gorilla trekking
Gather at Bukima for a briefing about mountain gorilla trekking rules and allocation of the park guide. Start your trek to see the assigned gorilla group in Virunga Park, Congo which takes 2-6 hours, including one hour of close encounter. Virunga National Park is home to about 8 habituated gorilla families, and a maximum of 8 visitors track only one group daily, 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 into the lodge or hotel for an 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 to experience its refreshing waters. This lake, one of the Great Rift Valley lakes, is also Rwanda’s largest. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and islands at Lake Kivu.
