Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in DR Congo for 7 Days

The 7 Days Congo Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari is a top pick for travelers. It offers a chance to see lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega, mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, and do chimpanzee trekking in Mahura Forest. You’ll go gorilla trekking twice and also visit orphaned gorillas at Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage. It’s a fantastic opportunity to witness these incredible animals up close and learn about their habitats and conservation efforts. This package is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking unforgettable wildlife experiences in the heart of Congo.

Quotation Includes;

• Great Ape activities
• A gorilla trekking permit in Kahuzi Biega
• Visas for Congo
• Pick up and drop off
• Park fees
• Accommodation as per itinerary
• Meals with Virunga
• Group transport in Virunga
• Full-time English/ French speaking driver/ guide

Excludes;

• Tips
• Rwanda visa fees
• Air tickets
• All items of personal nature like laundry, porterage, phone calls, beer, e.t.c
• Anything else not included in the itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Going to Bukavu

To begin your adventure, you’ll travel to Bukavu. A driver guide will pick you up from where you will be in Kigali. The journey takes about 7 hours. Along the way, you’ll see the beautiful Nyungwe Forest National Park and the scenic hills of Rwanda. You’ll stop in Butare to visit Rwanda’s National Museum and in Nyanza to explore the King’s Palace and have lunch. After lunch, you’ll cross the Rusizi border into Congo and head to Bukavu, which is close to Kahuzi Biega National Park. When you arrive in Bukavu, you’ll check into Hotel Panorama, have dinner, and rest.

Day 2: Meeting Lowland Gorillas in Cyangungu

Early in the morning, after breakfast, you’ll head to Kahuzi Biega National Park for an exciting adventure: lowland gorilla trekking. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the park headquarters. There, experienced park rangers will brief you about the trek. The trek itself can last from 1 to 6 hours until you find the gorillas. You’ll spend an hour observing them, taking photos, and videos. Afterward, you’ll return to Hotel Panorama for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Day 3: Boat Ride to Goma and Transfer to Mikeno Lodge

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a boat cruise to Goma. The cruise lasts about 3 hours. Once in Goma, you’ll head to the Virunga Tourism office to pick up your gorilla trekking permits. Then, you’ll proceed to Mikeno Lodge in Rumangabo, located within Virunga National Park. After checking in and having lunch, you can enjoy activities like nature walks, bird watching, and a community walk in Rumangabo. You might even visit Virunga’s Congohounds.

Day 4: First Gorilla Trekking Experience

Early in the morning, after breakfast, you’ll head to Bukima Ranger post for the first gorilla trek. You’ll receive a briefing from ranger guides before starting the trek, which can last 2-3 hours. Once you find the mountain gorillas, you’ll have an hour to observe and photograph them. After that amazing experience, you’ll return to Bukima Tented Camp.

Day 5: Second Gorilla Trek

Another early start awaits you for the second gorilla trek. After breakfast, you’ll begin the trek at 8:30 am. Once completed, you’ll return to Mikeno Lodge. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center. Later, you’ll have dinner and rest at Mikeno Lodge.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking

Early in the morning, you’ll head to Mahura Forest for chimpanzee trekking at 6:00 am. Unlike gorilla trekking, this activity doesn’t take much time. After returning, you’ll have a late breakfast and spend the rest of the day exploring the park headquarters or relaxing at Mikeno Lodge.

Day 7: Departure to Kigali

On the final day, after breakfast, you’ll be driven back to Goma to connect to Kigali. Our driver guide will drop you off at Kigali International Airport for your journey back home.

 End of the 7 Days Congo Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari