10 Days Congo Gorilla and Wildlife Safari

Welcome to the heart of Africa with Rwakabunga Safaris, where we invite discerning tourists to embark on an unparalleled luxury adventure across the Democratic Republic of Congo. This exclusive 10-day itinerary is meticulously crafted to offer not only the iconic encounters with both Eastern Lowland and Mountain Gorillas but also a selection of premier, high-end accommodations and privileged experiences. Prepare for a journey of breathtaking natural beauty, extraordinary wildlife, and impeccable service, ensuring your luxury safari in Congo is a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda – Transfer to Bukavu, DRC

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your dedicated luxury driver-guide will greet you for a private transfer to Bukavu, the gateway to Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This extensive but scenic journey takes you through Rwanda’s lush, rolling hills, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” providing stunning vistas along the way. You will break for a sophisticated lunch en-route before completing the border formalities at Ruzizi and crossing into Bukavu, where you will check into your pre-selected luxury accommodation overlooking the magnificent Lake Kivu for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Orchids Safari Club, Lake Kivu Hotel, Mont Kahuzi Hotel

Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Today is dedicated to a rare and profound encounter with the majestic Eastern Lowland Gorillas, a species only found in this part of the world. After an early, gourmet breakfast, you will be driven to the Kahuzi-Biega National Park headquarters for a detailed briefing by the park rangers. The trek into the dense rainforest is an adventurous pursuit guided by expert trackers, which can last several hours, traversing varied terrain. Once you locate the gorilla family, you will spend a magical and strictly observed hour with them, witnessing their complex social dynamics before returning to your lodge for an afternoon of leisure and reflection.

Accommodation: Orchids Safari Club, Lake Kivu Hotel, Mont Kahuzi Hotel

Meals: (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Nature Walks, Waterfalls & Transfer to Goma

Your day begins with a leisurely, invigorating guided nature walk within the park area, offering a chance to appreciate the rich biodiversity of the lowland equatorial forest. This experience includes a visit to the Tshibati Waterfalls, where the cascading water provides a serene backdrop for birdwatching and photography. After a delightful lunch back at the lodge, you will check out and begin the scenic transfer via boat or road journey to Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and the base for Virunga National Park. The journey along Lake Kivu is especially picturesque, leading you to your exclusive lodging for dinner.

Accommodation: Goma Serena Hotel, Ihusi Hotel, Cap Kivu Hôtel

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Transfer to Virunga National Park & First Mountain Gorilla Trek

An early start will see you transferred to the Virunga National Park headquarters, an area globally celebrated for its successful conservation of the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas. Following the comprehensive briefing, you will set off with experienced park rangers for your first opportunity to track the Mountain Gorillas. This trek is challenging but immensely rewarding, as you follow the signs of the habituated gorilla family through the dense montane forest. The privileged hour spent observing the gorillas is a truly humbling and moving experience, providing incomparable photographic opportunities before you retreat to your tranquil luxury lodge nestled within or near the park boundaries.

Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge, Lulimbi Tented Camp, Tchegera Island Camp

Meals: (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Second Mountain Gorilla Trek & Senkwekwe Center Visit

To ensure a comprehensive and deeply intimate gorilla experience, this day offers a second, distinct Mountain Gorilla trek, tracking a different family to observe varying group dynamics and individual behaviors. After breakfast, you will repeat the trekking process, further cementing the incredible privilege of spending time with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, your itinerary includes an exclusive visit to the Senkwekwe Centre, the world’s only facility dedicated to the care of orphaned Mountain Gorillas, providing a poignant insight into conservation efforts and a chance to observe the younger gorillas up close.

Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge, Lulimbi Tented Camp, Tchegera Island Camp

Meals: (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Mahura Forest & Relaxation

Today shifts focus to the lively and intelligent chimpanzees in the Mahura Forest area, offering a dynamic and contrasting primate viewing experience. After an early wake-up call and breakfast, you will head out for the chimp tracking, an adventure characterized by following the energetic primates as they forage and play high up in the forest canopy. The speed and agility of the chimpanzees provide a thrilling challenge for the tourists. The remainder of the afternoon is deliberately left free for personal relaxation at the lodge, perhaps indulging in spa services or simply enjoying the breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes.

Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge, Lulimbi Tented Camp, Tchegera Island Camp

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Ascend Mount Nyiragongo – The Lava Lake Adventure

A challenging but magnificent part of the safari, this day involves ascending the incredible Mount Nyiragongo, home to the world’s largest and most volatile lava lake. After an early check-out and breakfast, you will transfer to the Kibati Patrol Post for a pre-hike briefing and to meet your dedicated porter team (highly recommended for a luxury experience). The strenuous trek takes approximately 5 to 7 hours, offering intermittent views of the surrounding volcanoes and landscapes as you climb. Upon reaching the summit, the truly spectacular sight of the glowing, churning lava lake awaits you, an unforgettable natural wonder best viewed after sunset.

Accommodation: Nyiragongo Summit Shelters (Basic but exclusive camping experience)

Meals: (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Descend Mount Nyiragongo – Transfer to Gisenyi, Rwanda

Waking up at the summit of the volcano, tourists will have one last opportunity to view the massive crater and the lingering glow of the lava lake before beginning the descent. The walk down is typically faster, taking around 4 hours, and offers a different perspective of the vegetation zones and the rift valley below. Upon reaching the Kibati base, you will meet your driver-guide and, after a brief rest and lunch, be transferred across the border to the Rwandan side to Gisenyi, a picturesque town nestled on the shores of Lake Kivu, where you will check into a high-end lakeside resort for a night of comfort.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Paradis Malahide

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Lake Kivu Activities and Relaxation in Gisenyi

This day is dedicated to relaxation and enjoying the tranquil, beautiful environment of Lake Kivu. Following a leisurely breakfast, you have the opportunity to engage in various luxury water-based activities. This can include a private boat excursion on the lake, visiting nearby islands, or simply unwinding on the resort’s private beach. Alternatively, you may choose to explore Gisenyi town, perhaps visiting a local coffee washing station for a private tasting. Lunch will be served at the resort, followed by an afternoon of pampering or simply soaking up the stunning lakeside scenery, concluding with a sumptuous farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Paradis Malahide

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Transfer to Kigali – Departure

Enjoy a final, delicious Rwandan breakfast at your luxury resort before starting the scenic drive back to Kigali. This drive offers one last chance to appreciate the stunning landscape of Rwanda. Upon arrival in the capital, your guide will take you on a brief, informative city tour, which may include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial (time permitting and optional). Following a final, exquisite lunch in Kigali, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport in time for your scheduled outbound flight, marking the conclusion of your luxury Congo Gorilla and Wildlife Safari with Rwakabunga Safaris.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)

End of the 10 Days Congo Gorilla and Wildlife Safari.