Main Info
The 6 days Gorilla Trekking in Congo and Rwanda is one of the most rewarding safaris starting in Kigali and leading to Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda as well as Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo for a combined gorilla trekking experience. This safari is not solely about gorilla trekking but includes other spiced experiences such as Nyiragongo Volcano hike, cultural tour and Dian Fossey gravesite hike among others, and ends in Kigali.
Highlights of the 6 days Gorilla Trekking in Congo and Rwanda
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks.
- Nyiragongo Volcano hike.
- Visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
- Dian Fossey gravesite hike.
- Kigali City tour.
Brief itinerary of the 6 days Gorilla Trekking in Congo and Rwanda
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Virunga National Park.
Day 2: Mountain gorillas trekking and rest.
Day 3: Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano.
Day 4: Descend Mount Nyiragongo and transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 5: Second gorilla trek and visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Day 6: Dian Fossey gravesite Hike and return to Kigali.
Detailed itinerary of the 6 days Gorilla Trekking in Congo and Rwanda
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Virunga National Park
On arrival at the prestigious Airport of Kigali, you will know that you have arrived at the land of a thousand hills and be welcomed by the driver/guide for your 6 days Gorilla Trekking in Congo and Rwanda safari. Be transferred to Goma then Virunga National Park after necessary border clearances at Gisenyi Border. One thing you will never forget about this 4-5 hours’ road trip is the majestic views of the landscape including the Virunga Volcanoes. Have Lunch on arrival and relax by the Lodge as you prepare for the next day’s activities.
Overnight stay at:
- Luxury: Mikeno Lodge.
- Midrange: Bukima Tented Camp.
- Budget: Lakeside Hotel Bukavu.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Travel time: 4-5 hours.
Day 2: Mountain gorillas trekking and rest
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and be driven to Bukima Park Headquarters where you will find other trekkers converged for registration and briefing that usually begins at 7:00am. Be allocated to one of the 8 habituated gorilla families and move or be transferred to its trailhead. Start the trek for the mountain gorillas which according to previous experiences has shown to last 1-6 hours before they are finally found. This trek is not an ordinary walk but hectic involving hiking places of high elevation, jumping rivers, maneuvering thick vegetation, falling from slippery and muddy floor and many other challenging experiences but the excitement of meeting face to face with the mountain gorillas will compensate for all the hustle encountered. The one hour with them is regarded as a “magical hour” to take photos and videos as well as studying their extraordinary characteristics. Return to the Lodge for late Lunch, relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Overnight stay at:
- Luxury: Mikeno Lodge.
- Midrange: Bukima Tented Camp.
- Budget: Lakeside Hotel Bukavu.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano
Have a hefty breakfast and with your backpack, water, permit and packed Lunch embark on a drive from the Lodge to the Patrol Post for the Nyiragongo Volcano hike. Meet a team of rangers and porters (to be hired) who will take you through the invigorating hike that will last 4-6 hours (depending on pace of movement) to reach the lava-capped summit of the Volcano. No view beats the night view of the Nyiragongo summit characterized by Lakes of hot lava but also look-out for the mammals as well as birds along the way to the peak. Have Lunch and set-up your tents for overnight and it’s from here that you will have dinner (prepared by the team of rangers).
Day 4: Descend Mount Nyiragongo and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After an outdoor breakfast and at 7:00am start the descent to the trailhead and Park Headquarters where you will find a waiting vehicle. Transfer to the Lodge for Lunch and transfer to Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda. Head straight to the Lodge on arrival to rest, have dinner and overnight.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
- Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.
- Budget: Muhabura Hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 5: Second gorilla trek and visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is conducted in the same way as it is in other Parks (or as it was in Virunga National Park). Start the day with breakfast and transfer to Kinigi Park Headquarters for briefing and allocation into groups of mountain gorillas to trek. Trekking also lasts 1-4 hours but might offer differing topography (less hilly) as experienced in Virunga National Park but once found, one hour is the time you have with the mountain gorillas.
In the afternoon of this day head for a cultural tour at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for a chance to interact and learn about the exceptional culture of the Rwandan people beyond modernity. Retire to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
- Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.
- Budget: Muhabura Hotel.
Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 6: Dian Fossey gravesite Hike and return to Kigali
Have breakfast and head to the Park Headquarters for briefing on the day’s activity. Embark on an informative hike to one of the pioneers of Gorilla Conservation. Dian Fossey was an American Primatologist who contributed immensely towards the protection of the giant apes and changed people’s perception towards them. However, her life was gruesomely taken porters and during your hike you will see her “Karisoke Research Center” as well as gravesite as well as that of her favorite gorilla-Digit that was also murdered by poachers. Return to the Lodge for a quick Lunch and embark on a return journey to Kigali, where you will have a City tour upon arrival. Be driven to the Airport for your scheduled flight back home.
End of your 6 days Gorilla Trekking in Congo and Rwanda
Inclusions;
- Gorilla permits for Volcanoes National Park ($1500) and Virunga ($450).
- Border crossing.
- Congo tourist visa.
- Park entrance fees.
- Bottled water.
- Fuel fees.
- Service of a fulltime English speaking guide.
- Relevant Government taxes.
- Accommodation in Virunga and Volcanoes National Parks.
- Road trip by a private safari vehicle.
- Kigali City tour.
- Nyiragongo hiking permit.
- Meals per the itinerary.
- Airport transfers.
Exclusions;
- Rwanda tourist visa.
- Domestic and International flights.
- Optional activities not included on the itinerary.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Personal expenses like tips to driver/porter/guides, souvenirs, laundry fees, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, shopping, telephone bill and many others.
