Overview
This safari offers a thrilling blend of wildlife and natural wonders. The safari starts from Kigali to Bukavu with a scenic view for an unforgettable encounter with the rare Eastern land gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega national park, then trek the mighty mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and enroute to this park, have a shore drive of Lake Kivu with an option of taking a boat cruise.
The last activity will be taking a hike to Nyiragongo Mountain one of the Virunga Mountains famous for being one of the active mountains in the world. The end of the tour will be in Kigali after boarding a departure flight.
Detailed itinerary
Day1. Arrive in Kigali Rwanda and head to Bukavu in DR Congo
You will be warmly welcomed at the airport in Kigali Rwanda by the assigned driver guide on your arrival and he will brief you about this great safari before you set off to Bukavu/Kahuzi-Biega national park. The drive to DR Congo is scenic since you sight a lot like the rolling hills, green vegetation and more. Cross via Rusizi border and on arrival at the hotel, check in and prepares the next day adventure with the gorillas.
Day2. Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega national park
The driver guide will take you to the park offices for a briefing about today’s adventure. This park is home to the rare Eastern Lowland gorillas hence referred to as the world UNESCO heritage site. After knowing the rules and regulations, head into the forest to begin the search under the guidance of the park ranger and trekking will last about 2 to 5 hours depending on the location of these beautiful creatures.
Spend an unforgettable one hour once you encounter the family of the gorillas as you observe their behaviours and their daily work. After the trek, return to the lodge for dinner followed by leisure or visiting one of the communities at the edge of the park.
Day3. Transfer to Goma/Virunga National Park, enroute tour Lake Kivu
After breakfast, embark on a picturesque drive to Virunga national park as you have an enroute tour to Lake Kivu. While here, encounter a boat cruise to enjoy the beauty of this Lake and then proceed to Either Goma town or Virunga national park.
This is one a few national parks in the Virunga massif a home to mountain gorillas. On arrival, you can take a tour of the local markets, religious sites and others. Head to the booked accommodation for your dinner and overnight.
Day4. Trekking mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park
Have breakfast and head to the park offices to attend briefing which covers different aspects. The walk through the forest is thrilling adventure, offering a chance to spot more of the wildlife, plants and butterflies on this trail. Once you reach on the family of gorillas trekked, spend an hour with them taking photos.
The family members can be searching for food, breast feeding if they have young ones, feeding, the Silverback practice its leadership skills, juveniles play and more. After the experience, have an optional activity or leisure time at the lodge.
Day5. Hike Mt Nyiragongo
Have breakfast and drive to the base of Mt Nyiragongo Volcano for registration and briefing. Begin the hike with a porter, Cook and the expert armed park ranger guide. The hike takes about 6 to 7 hours to the summit including scenic stopovers and to catch your breath. On reaching the summit, you will be welcomed by the spectacular sight of a boiling lava lake at the summit which gives a great sight at night. Enjoy dinner and spend your last night at the camp.
Day6. Descend, transfer back to Kigali and departure flight
Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise breakfast which will be followed by a descend to the base of Mount Nyiragongo. The descent takes about 3 to 4 hours to the base where your guide will be waiting to transfer you back to Kigali. Arrive and your departure flight and this will mark the end of the safari.