The three days gorilla trekking safari to Democratic Republic of Congo is a short but unique adventure that starts from Kigali city and takes you to a home of 218 mammal species, 706 bird species, 109 reptiles, 78 amphibian species and 22 primate species.
Virunga Volcanoes national park was declared and is currently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its outstanding population of wildlife and flora.
Detailed tour.
Day 1: Arrival and transfer from Kigali city to Virunga national park.
Upon arrival at Kigali international airport, you will meet our driver who is usually the driver and have a stopover at any hotel or restaurant of your choice around Kigali city. You will then embark on a city tour which will take you from one local market to another, from one religious center to another. Do not miss passing by Gisozi Genocide memorial site to pay tribute to victims of bloody genocide in 1994 as well as a breath-taking tour at Kigali Convention center.
Have lunch at any restaurant of your choice around Kigali before embarking on your way to D.R. Congo – Virunga national park. You will pass by the spectacular Lake Kivu and then connect to Goma. Continue and check in to the lodge of your choice for relaxation, dinner and spend a night.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Virunga national park.
Virunga massif harbors world’s entire population of critically endangered mountain gorillas. After an early morning breakfast get in touch with your driver and go to Bukima – trekking starting point for a short briefing about the dos and don’ts of the activity.
You will then start the penetrating into the forest there and then, following trails. Virunga national park comprises of ten gorilla families but only six are ready for trekking i.e. Humba family, Lulengo family, Kabirizi family, Rugendo family, Mapuwa family and Manyaga family. Encountering gorillas depends on how fast trekkers move and where the gorillas spent the previous night. Upon their encounter, you are given a full hour in their presence to watch them play, mate, groom and feed.
Return to your lodge and if time allows you can embark on an optional evening nature walk and visiting the nearby communities and learn more about them before returning for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Transfer to Kigali city and departure.
After a lip-smirking breakfast, meet your driver and embark on your journey back to Kigali city via Goma. The journey will take you through rolling hills, green vegetation, plantations and human settlements.
If you happen to make it to Kigali on time, you can embark on a short city tour and explore what you might have left behind on day 1 of the safari.
Continue to Kigali International airport for a flight back home thus come to the end of your 3 days trip to Virunga national park – D.R. Congo.
