6 days Congo and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
per person
The Congo and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari is a 6-day adventure that takes you to Virunga National Park and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, where you will encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitats and also hike the spectacular active Nyiragongo volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The safari starts and ends at Kigali International Port in Kigali, Rwanda.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport- Transfer to Mikeno Lodge in Virunga National Park-Congo
Upon arrival on your 6-day Congo and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our professional driver guide for a briefing about the safari. You will be transferred to Mikeno Lodge in Virunga National Park, about a 3-4 hour drive in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where you will check in, have dinner, and stay overnight.
Accommodations: Mikeno Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch/ Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park- Congo
On the second day, you will embark on an early morning gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park. After breakfast, you will be driven to the Bukima park station, where you will be assigned a gorilla group and briefed about the dos and don’ts during the trekking exercise After your trek into the jungle will begin and will vary depending on the gorillas’ movements and weather conditions. On seeing these majestic gorillas, you will learn and study their social life style and habits such as feeding, nurturing and their leadership roles. After one hour of observation and photo-taking, you will retire back to the trekking base and retreat to your hotel or lodge for lunch and relaxation
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Nyiragongo Volcano-Hiking
On the third day, get up early and have your breakfast, you will embark on a 30-kilometer transfer drive to Kibat Patrol Post in Nyiragongo, one of the world’s active volcanoes. Upon arrival at the trailhead, you will be guided by a team of park rangers with your porters, who will assist you in carrying your backpack and other equipment during the hike. Begin your hike, which may take about 4-6 hours, with views of rare bird species and small mammal species along the way. Upon reaching the summit, you can relax on top of the volcano and take in the breathtaking and thrilling views of hot lava lakes. High above the active lava lake, camp for the night on the rim of the massive crater.
Accommodation: Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner
Day 4: Return from Nyiragongo Volcano- Transfer to Volcanoes National Park-Rwanda
Have your breakfast early enough and start your descent from the summit of Nyiragongo to the head trail/base in Kibat Patrol post. Arrival at the heat trail before lunch and then transfer to the lodge and relaxation. After lunch, transfer to Volcanoes National Park, covering 162 kilometers through scenic landscapes. You will check into your accommodation for lunch and an overnight stay at various lodge options.
Accommodation: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest (Luxury)/Davinci Gorilla Lodge (mid-range)/ Sabinyo Silver back (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner
Day 5: Volcanoes National Park-Gorilla Trekking-Afternoon Cultural Visit
After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking precautions. You’ll be divided into groups of eight and led by a ranger to hike through the jungle searching for mountain gorillas. The activity takes 2-8 hours and requires physical fitness due to the hills and valleys. The gorilla trekking process is tedious but impressive when you see the big, round eyes of the gorillas. You will be allowed to stay with them for an hour, as they play, feed and look after their babies. After, you will transfer back to the starting point and transfer to your lodge for a late lunch and relaxation. After lunch, you’ll embark on an evening cultural encounter with local communities around Volcano National Park. This unique opportunity to interact with the locals in their natural environment and taste their unique culture and traditions. Upon arrival, you will be genuinely welcomed by the community as special visitors. After cultural refreshment and entertainment, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest (Luxury)/Davinci Gorilla Lodge (mid-range)/ Sabinyo Silver back (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner
Day 6: Visit Dian Fosse Tomb- Transfer to Kigali for a City tour
The itinerary includes an early morning breakfast, a visit to Dian Fossey Tomb, a visit to the house of an American researcher, and a tour of the Karisoke Research Centre. After exploring the Karisoke Research Centre, you will be transferred to Kigali, where you will be guided to the Gisozi genocide memorial center, where they learn about Rwanda’s history during the 1994 genocide and its aftermath. The driver guide then takes you to their lodge or Kanombe Airport for their scheduled flight back home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast/ lunch
6 days Congo and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari package
Includes:
- Gorilla Permits
- English Speaking guide
- Hiking fee
- Accommodation and all meal plans
- All ground transport
- Drinking Water
- Fuel for 5 days
Excludes:
- Travel Insurance
- Visa
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Extra activities
- All other personal items like laundry, gifts, phone bills, etc.