

5 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda & Congo – Overview
5 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda & Congo is one of the remarkable short combined safari packages that offers Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park are part of the greater Virunga massif which is known to shelter 480 Mountain Gorillas which is more than a half of their global population currently standing at 880.
The safari also incorporates amazing sightseeing of the Virunga Volcanoes, Rwandan hillsides and Lake Kivu.
5 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda & Congo – Highlights
- Day 1: Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Undertake Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and spend the rest of the day at leisure
- Day 3: Drive to Goma – Virunga National Park via Gisenyi – Lake Kivu
- Day 4: Do Mountain Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park and spend the rest of the day at leisure
- Day 5: Drive back to Kigali
5 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda & Congo – Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
You set off from Kigali International Airport upon arrival or from Kigali City if you are already within Rwanda to embark on the drive 116km about 2 ½ – 3 hours drive exploring the scenic Rwanda countryside marked by beautiful hills that have earned her a dub as the land of a thousand hills You arrive in Ruhengeri / Volcanoes National Park and spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying the beauty of the lodge
Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel
Day 2: Undertake Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park And Spend The Rest of The Day at Leisure
You wake up early for breakfast after which you gather at Kinigi Park Headquarters to enjoy the interesting traditional Intore dance and a soothing cup of Rwandan coffee as you await briefing at 8am.
After the gorilla family allocation, you get into your vehicle with an armed ranger guide and connect to the trail head from which start off the trek in the Mountain Gorilla forest.
Perched on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes, the gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park as well includes traversing rugged terrain and dense jungle until you come across these gentle giants as they forage or socialize depending on the time you finally come across them.
The direct viewing is limited to one hour for purposes of conservation after which you retreat to the starting point and connect to the lodge to spend the rest of the day at leisure. Optional tour to Musaze Caves or Twin lakes can be arranged on ground.
Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel
Day 3: Drive to Goma – Virunga National Park via Gisenyi – Lake Kivu
Following breakfast, you connect to Gisenyi 110km about 2 hour’s drive from Goma from which you will cross to Congo at Goma. You enjoy thrilling views of Lake Kivu – one of the great lakes of Africa and an optional boat ride to explore its beautiful waters and the Islands can be arranged.
Upon arrival in Congo, you connect to the lodge amidst the fascinating views of Virunga Volcanoes and settle for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation
Luxury / Upmarket: Mikeno Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Bukima Tented Camp
Budget / Basic: Hotel Cape Kivu
Day 4: Do Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park And Spend The Rest Of The Day At Leisure
This is dedicated for Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park which is part of the greater Virunga massif known to have over 480 Mountain Gorilla population.
You gather at Bukima the common starting point for the Mountain Gorilla Trekking adventure where you will connect with the armed ranger guides, settle for briefing and then head to the jungle on the slopes of the Volcanoes in search of these critically endangered Apes.
You traverse the jungle enjoying the sights and sounds of birds and other fauna before coming across these gentle giants as they forage, socialize and young ones playing.
The one full hour is allocated for direct viewing and lasting picturesque opportunities after which you transfer back to the starting point and then to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation
Luxury / Upmarket: Mikeno Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Bukima Tented Camp
Budget / Basic: Hotel Cape Kivu
Day 5: Drive Back to Kigali
Following breakfast; set off on the drive back to Kigali enjoying amazing scenery en route and can catch up with an evening flight from Kigali International Airport if you have one.
End of The 5 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda & Congo
Safari Inclusions
- Gorilla Permit (for gorilla trekking safaris)
- Chimpanzee Permit (for chimpanzee trekking safaris)
- Full Board Accommodation on Safari
- Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
- Fuel
- Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
- Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
- Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
- Bottled water while on safari
Safari Exclusions
- General tips for the driver guide, site guides and service staff at the lodges
- Laundry Services
- Other Beverages / drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
- International Flights (Arranged on request)
- Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
- Visas
- Optional Activity fees
- Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
- Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
- Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it is part of the Itinerary (Arranged on request)
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