The 6-Day Virunga Gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega Lowland Gorilla Trekking Safari is a rare chance to explore two important gorilla destinations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This safari allows you to track both mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas, which is something very few African safaris offer. The journey also includes a hike to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo, where you spend a night near the lava lake before returning to Rwanda.
This safari starts and ends in Kigali and takes you through Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Mountain gorilla trekking takes place in Virunga National Park, while lowland gorilla trekking is done in Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the southern Kivu region. Lowland gorillas are different from mountain gorillas in size, behavior, and group structure, which makes this safari very special.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Drive to Bukavu
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your driver guide will welcome you and brief you about your 6-day Virunga gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega lowland gorilla trekking safari. After the briefing, begin the drive to Bukavu, located near the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The journey takes several hours and includes border crossing formalities. On arrival in Bukavu, check in at your hotel where you will spend the next two nights. Enjoy dinner and rest after the long drive.
Day 2: Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
After an early breakfast, pack your lunch and drive to the park headquarters in Kahuzi-Biega National Park for a briefing. Rangers will explain trekking rules and what to expect during the activity.
Enter the forest with an experienced guide to search for lowland gorillas. Trekking can take between two and six hours depending on where the gorillas are located. Lowland gorillas live in larger groups and spend more time on the ground compared to mountain gorillas.
Once you find a gorilla family, you are allowed to spend one hour observing them as they feed, move, and interact. After the trek, return to your lodge in Bukavu for dinner and overnight rest.
Day 3: Transfer from Bukavu to Virunga National Park
After breakfast, leave Bukavu and travel north toward Goma. Stop for lunch with views of Lake Kivu before continuing to Virunga National Park.
On arrival, check in at your lodge near the park. Spend the evening relaxing as you prepare for mountain gorilla trekking the following day. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before driving to the park offices for a briefing by park rangers. After the briefing, start trekking into the forest to search for mountain gorillas.
The trek can take between one and six hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. Once you locate a gorilla family, you will spend one hour observing their daily activities such as feeding, grooming, and caring for young ones.
After trekking, return to the lodge for lunch, relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 5: Hike to Mount Nyiragongo
After breakfast, drive to the Kibati patrol post, the starting point for the Mount Nyiragongo hike. Meet your guide and begin the hike, which takes about five to seven hours.
The trail passes through forest and rocky areas. At the summit, enjoy views of the lava lake and surrounding areas. Dinner and overnight stay at the summit shelters.
Day 6: Descend and Return to Kigali
After breakfast, descend back to the starting point where your driver guide will be waiting. Drive back to Kigali, crossing the border from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Rwanda.
Depending on your flight time, you may enjoy a short city visit before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your 6-Day Virunga Gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega Lowland Gorilla Trekking Safari.
