Since the safari starts in Rwanda, from Kigali International Airport, and continues to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Virunga Mountains, mostly in Virunga National Park for mountain gorilla trekking, this short safari gives you a chance to visit two countries. You will explore different animals and enjoy the experience if time allows.
Virunga National Park is a protected area in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, known for being home to mountain gorillas. This 3-day gorilla safari in Virunga National Park introduces you to the mountain gorillas, which are the third closest relatives to humans after chimpanzees. Gorillas share about 96% of their DNA with humans.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Land at Kigali Airport and Transfer to Gisenyi (Congo Border)
As soon as you land at the airport, your driver guide will welcome you and take you to a nearby hotel for a light meal. While you enjoy your food, the driver guide will brief you about the safari. After the briefing, you will start the drive to Goma town in Congo. You will have a picnic lunch in Goma and then continue to the booked lodge where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
After breakfast, meet your driver guide and go to the park headquarters for a briefing and to be grouped for gorilla trekking. A fully armed ranger will guide you into the forest for safety. Only eight people are allowed to visit each gorilla family per day, and the whole trek usually lasts about three hours. Once you find the gorillas, you are allowed to spend one hour with them.
During this time, you can take photos, watch how they behave, and see how the mothers care for their babies. After the trek, return to the lodge for a picnic lunch. Later in the afternoon, take a guided nature walk to see other primates, birds, butterflies, and old trees that have been in the wild for more than forty years. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Return to Kigali
After an early breakfast, meet your driver guide and begin the journey back to Kigali. Depending on your flight time, you can take a short city tour and visit the Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history. You may also stop by the Kaplaki Handcraft Market to buy souvenirs. Your driver will then drop you at the airport in time for your flight back home.
