Your 6-Day Virunga Gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega Lowland Gorilla Trekking Safari – Embark on a 6-day adventure to Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where you’ll trek mountain gorillas at an affordable price. Transfer to Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the southern Kivu region of D.R. Congo for lowland gorilla trekking, a unique experience distinct from mountain gorilla trekking due to the differences between these two ape species.
Hike Mount Nyiragongo to its summit where you’ll spend the night, then descend to the starting point before transferring back to Kigali for your flight home.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Drive to Bukavu
Upon arrival at Kigali airport, your well-trained driver guide will pick you up and drive you to Bukavu after briefing you on your 6-day Virunga Gorillas and Kahuzi-Biega Lowland Gorilla Trekking adventure. Check in at the hotel where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Day 2: Lowland Gorilla Trekking
Today, after breakfast and packing your lunch, drive to the headquarters for a briefing before venturing into the forest to track these gentle apes.
Lowland gorillas differ from mountain gorillas both in physical appearance and social structure. They live in larger groups compared to mountain gorillas. Spend one hour observing a gorilla family before returning to the lodge with your driver guide.
Day 3: Transfer to Virunga National Park
After breakfast, depart Bukavu and head north to Goma town, where you’ll enjoy lunch overlooking Lake Kivu. Continue to Virunga National Park, home to mountain gorillas. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Early morning, have breakfast and transfer to the park offices to meet your park ranger guide. After a short briefing on trekking rules, venture into the forest in search of mountain gorillas. The trek can last from 1 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ movements across the park in search of food.
Once you locate a gorilla family, spend a maximum of one hour observing their daily activities, such as feeding and caring for their young. Capture photos during this hour-long encounter.
After gorilla trekking, return to the park headquarters and then to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Day 5: Hike to Mount Nyiragongo
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before driving to Kibati patrol post, the starting point for the Nyiragongo hike. Meet your local guide who will lead you on a 5-7 hour hike to the summit of this stunning volcano. Along the way, admire the recovering flora from the May 2020 eruption.
At the summit, marvel at the breathtaking views of the boiling lava lake, Lake Kivu, and the surrounding communities. Spend the night absorbing the mesmerizing ambiance from the volcanic activity.
Day 6: Descend and Departure
After breakfast, begin the descent back to the starting point to meet your driver guide. Drive back to Kigali International Airport, crossing the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo border. Depending on your flight schedule, you can take a city tour around Kigali before your departure.
