Virunga Gorilla & Akagera Wildlife Tour- 5 Days
Experience the essence of two diverse countries in just 5 days with the Virunga Gorilla & Akagera Wildlife Tour. Begin your journey in the heart of Congo’s Virunga National Park, embarking on an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. Encounter these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Then, cross borders into Rwanda to immerse yourself in the sprawling savannah grasslands of Akagera National Park. Witness a plethora of wildlife, from graceful antelopes to majestic elephants, in their picturesque surroundings. This short safari promises a harmonious blend of primate encounters and wildlife spectacles, leaving you with cherished memories that last a lifetime.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Meet in Kigali by 8am to connect to Congo
Your journey begins as you meet our driver-guide in Kigali by 8 am. Depending on your chosen pick-up point, you’ll start on a roughly 5-hour drive from Kigali to cross into Congo via the Grande Barrier border. Upon arrival at the Goma border, proceed with check-in for your Virunga gorilla tour package. Obtain your gorilla permits for the next day’s hike and join the convoy headed to either Kibumba Tented Camp, Bukima Tented Camp, or Mikeno Lodge, depending on your chosen accommodation. Enjoy a late lunch at the lodge or in Goma. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the exciting day ahead. Dinner and overnight stay at your chosen accommodation.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Wake up to a simple yet hearty breakfast at your lodge. Meet your driver and guide to transfer to Bukima police post, the starting point for all treks in Virunga National Park. Here, meet with ranger guides who will brief you on what to expect and how to behave during the gorilla trekking activity. The trek typically lasts about 2 and a half hours, but the actual duration can vary as gorillas may move deeper into the forest. Upon encountering your habituated gorilla family, spend one hour observing and photographing them, maintaining a safe distance and refraining from flash photography.
After the trek, exit the forest and return to your accommodation for lunch and relaxation. Optionally, engage in a community visit or tour the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, available for guests staying at Mikeno Lodge. Return to your camp before nightfall for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Return to Rwanda
Enjoy breakfast at your camp before joining the security convoy for the transfer from Virunga National Park to the Grande Barrier border. Complete border formalities, including renewing your Rwanda VISA, as crossing into DRCongo renders the previous one invalid. Connect with your Rwanda driver-guide for a lunch stop at Lake Kivu before proceeding to Kigali. Choose your preferred accommodation for dinner and overnight stay at Step Town (budget), Des Milles Colline (midrange), or Kigali Serena Lodge (luxury).
Day 4: Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, meet your driver-guide for the two-hour drive to Akagera National Park, the only wildlife park in Rwanda where you can spot lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and various smaller animals like bushbucks. Arrive in time for lunch at your accommodation.
In the afternoon, embark on the Ihema boat trip on Lake Ihema, offering sightings of park’s water animals, including hippos. This is also an excellent opportunity for birdwatching. Dinner and overnight stay at Akagera Tented Camp (budget/midrange) or Ruzizi Tented Camp (luxury).
Day 5: Game Drive and Return to Kigali
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to the park gate to meet your guide for a game drive in Akagera. Spend approximately four hours observing the wildlife. Check out of your accommodation and meet your driver-guide for the two-hour drive back to Kigali. Optionally, take a brief city tour of Kigali before being dropped off at your preferred location, concluding the 5 Days Virunga Gorilla & Akagera Wildlife Tour.
