The 6 days Congo gorilla safari starts and ends in Kigali. The scenic drive follows the Virunga volcanoes consisting of 8 volcanoes, most of which are dormant except Mount Nyiragongo 11,358 ft. (3,462 Metres) and Mount Nyamuragira 10,049 ft. (3,063 Metres), both in DR Congo which are still active. The highest of these is Mount Karisimbi at 14,787 ft. (4,507). Mount Sabyinyo at 11,923 (3,634 Metres) is the oldest.
There are 8 habituated gorilla families in Virunga national park in DR Congo. A gorilla permit here costs USD 400 per day. This tour can be customized to include a visit to the spectacular stratovolcano with the largest lava lake in Africa – the Nyiragongo Volcano. The slopes of this volcano are a habitat to several mammals including different monkey species, chimps, bushbuck and a plethora of different bird species.
Ndakasi, orphaned at 2 months, was found by Senkwekwe Centre staff and veterinary experts clinging to her murdered mother. Photo Credit: Virunga.org
Trip summary – 6 days Congo Gorilla safari
Day 1. Pick up from Kigali and Transfer to Goma
Day 2. Transfer to Kibumba Tented camp
Day 3. Mountain Gorilla Tracking experience
Day 4. Transfer back to Goma and catch a ferry to Bukavu
Day 5. Lowland Gorilla Tracking
Day 6: Transfer back to Kigali
Detailed Itinerary – 6 Days Congo Gorilla Safari
Day 1. Pick up from Kigali and Transfer to Goma.
Our tour guide will meet and transfer you to Goma at the border with DR Congo. This 3 hours scenic drive through North-west Rwanda offers spectacular views of the 5 volcanoes: Mt. Karisimbi 4,507 Metres (14,783 ft.), Mt Muhabura 4,127 Metres (13,537 ft.), Mt. Bisoke 3,711 metres (12,172 ft.), Mt. Sabyinyo 3,634 Metres (11,923 ft.) and Mt. Gahinga 3,474 Metres (11,400 ft.); contour tea plantations and various volcanic features. As you descend towards Gisenyi, Lake Kivu, a volcanic lake, lying at the bottom of Western Rift Valley, is a big spectacle!
Day 2. Transfer to Kibumba Tented camp.
In the morning visit Virunga Park head offices at Grande Barrier Boarder located between DR Congo and Rwanda for purchase of gorilla permits and Nyiragongo Volcano hike passes. Yellow fever vaccination cards and tourist visa are a prerequisite before obtaining both passes for a tourist to access the park. In the afternoon you will then be escorted by government security personnel in a convoy to Kibumba Tented camp near the park for an overnight stay.
Day 3. Mountain Gorilla Tracking experience
After breakfast descend to the tracking point and meet the ranger guides for a briefing and begin the hike which normally ranges between an hour to 3 hours depending on the level of the terrain in the direction where the gorillas could have been spotted. Ordinarily an hour is allocated to the trekkers to enjoy the presence of the mountain gorillas. Later return to the lodge for a late lunch and relaxation. For birdwatchers the afternoon could be appropriate for a birding expedition.
Day 4. Nyiragongo mountain hike
On the fourth day, enjoy breakfast and transfer to Kibati Ranger Post arriving here at 8:15 am in preparation for Nyiragongo Volcano hike. Here you will undertake 4 to 6 hours hike of the Nyiragongo Mountain hike. Stay at the rim of crater. On return, in the morning, all visitors will transfer to Grand Barriere in Goma city for hiking certificates. Immediately transfer by boat on Lake Kivu to Bukavu for an overnight stay at Panorama Hotel
Day 5: Lowland Gorilla tour
This morning a tour guide will transfer you to Kahuzi – Biega park headquarters in preparation for gorilla trekking. With 2 spectacular extinct volcanoes, Kahuzi and Biega, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a rich bio-diversity is home to some 250 individuals of lowland gorillas (Gorilla berengei graueri) living at an altitude between 2,100 and 2,400 metres above sea level. Kahuzi-Biega national park is also home to 136 mammal species with lowland gorillas toping the list. Other apes include colobus bai, cercopiuthic and Hamlyn, and chimpanzees among others. Big mammals such as bush buffaloe, bush elephants, bongo and hylochere also exist here. The tropical forest includes rare tree species such as giant forest genet (Genetta victriae). The trek here takes between an hour and 2 hours. The terrain here is not steep and thus makes the gorilla trek less strenous. Later return to Panorama Hotel for lunch and an overnight stay.
Day 5. Return to Kigali
In the morning, your Congo guide will transfer you to the Rusizi border to meet your Rwandan guide for a drive northwards to Kigali airport or other scheduled activities.
Day 6: End of the Tour
This day could be dedicated to shopping of handicrafts and a city tour as you prepare for your evening flight back home.
Tour inclusions
- 2 Gorilla permits
- Accommodation & meals
- Full time English speaking guide
- Bottled drinking water
- 4×4 wheel drive
- All activities included in the itinerary
Miscellaneous
- Government taxes
Tour Exclusions
- Alcoholic beverage
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Porters fee
- Extra activities not included in the itinerary