Overview
Embark on a captivating 4 days Congo gorilla trek and Mount Biega hiking safari in the DRC. Expect to engage in a memorable Lowland gorilla trekking and also hike Mt. Biega in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The Congo gorilla trek as per this itinerary involves visiting an already habituated family of Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
The gorilla families to consider exploring during the lowland gorilla trek in Congo include the Mpungwe gorilla group, Chimanuka group, Bonane, Mugahuka gorilla family, Bonnani, and Nganwa group. Each of these gorilla groups has their composition and unique story to share with the world. A maximum of 8 guests will be visiting a single family of the Eastern lowland gorillas per day.
Mount Biega is part of the unique attractions in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Mt. Biega together with Mount Kahuzi is where Kahuzi-Biega National Park derives its name. The Mt. Biega hiking safari involves exploring the scenic Biega volcano. A complete hike to the summit of Biega Volcano takes about 6 hours. Mt. Biega straddles at an altitude of 2790 meters and is notably the 2ndhighest peak in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from the heart of Kigali to Bukavu in Congo
Today, expect to meet your safari guide for a warm greeting and briefing. The briefing will focus on providing you with insight into what you should expect as per your 4 days Congo tour to explore Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Once the briefing session is complete, you will board a 4×4 safari vehicle with your luggage all safely packed.
Leave Kigali in the morning and drive to Bukavu town in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). En route to Bukavu, expect to make a stopover visit at the National Museum in Butare, the King’s Palace at Nyanza, and other sites. You will also enjoy a delicious lunch meal then continue to Bukavu to check into your respective lodges or hotels for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 2: Congo gorilla trek & relax
Get up from the bed early to prepare for the day. Later, you will be provided a hefty breakfast and a packed lunch. You will be expected to exit the lodge or hotel for briefing at the park offices. Get to know the essential gorilla trekking guidelines to be followed. The park official will also assign visitors to gorilla groups and park rangers to accompany you on the trek to see the lowland gorillas.
Today’s guided Congo gorilla trek to explore the Eastern lowland gorillas will go for about 2-5 hours. During the trek with lowland gorillas, expect to wind through the rainforest with an experienced guide. On locating the family of Grauer’s gorillas, you will be allowed to spend a maximum of 1 hour on up close and personal encounters. Use the one hour given to you to also take as many photos as possible.
Return from the jungle and you will have a relaxed afternoon at the hotel/lodge adjacent to Kahuzi-Biega National Park. If you still have the energy, then consider visiting the Tshibati waterfalls –optional.
Day 3: Hike to the top of Mount Biega & chill in the evening
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the lodge or hotel you had the night. After, exit the lodge/hotel for a briefing about your Mount Biega climbing/hiking safari in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The guide will be available to lead you on the actual trek to the summit of Mount Biega (2790m). The day hike is expected to go for 6 hours to and from the summit.
On the top of Mount Biega, you will have mesmerizing views of the surrounding areas and you can also take pictures. Return from the top of the dormant Biega Volcano and proceed to the lodge to have a long afternoon and evening relaxation.
Day 4: Drive back from Bukavu to Kigali City
After you have fully prepared, settle for your delicious breakfast. Later, check out your respective accommodation options in and around Bukavu town. Afterward, board a 4×4 tourist vehicle and expect to return to Kigali crossing the Congo-Rwanda border. Arrive later in the afternoon to be dropped off at the hotel in Kigali’s capital.