12 Days Ultimate Congo Safari Experience

Prepare for the ultimate, immersive journey into the heart of Africa with Rwakabunga Safaris’ 12 Days Ultimate Congo Safari Experience, a meticulously crafted luxury itinerary through the Democratic Republic of Congo. This grand tour is designed for discerning tourists who desire unparalleled access to the DRC’s most magnificent natural wonders, including the rare Mountain Gorillas of Virunga National Park and the Eastern Lowland Gorillas of Kahuzi-Biega National Park. From the fiery spectacle of the world’s largest lava lake on Mount Nyiragongo to the serene, exclusive comfort of the finest lodges, this safari delivers a perfect balance of raw, exhilarating adventure and five-star refinement. You will explore a world of dense equatorial rainforest, active volcanoes, and critical conservation work, all while enjoying the highest standards of personalised service and secluded luxury accommodation.

Day 1: Arrival in Goma – Transfer to Virunga National Park

Upon arrival at Goma International Airport (GOM), tourists will be met by a private Rwakabunga Safaris representative and whisked away in a luxury 4×4 vehicle for a scenic transfer to the park headquarters, followed by check-in at an exclusive lodge nestled within the beautiful Mahura Forest. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxation, allowing tourists to settle into their elegant private bungalow and enjoy the lodge’s premium amenities, perhaps a soothing massage or an afternoon tea on their private deck overlooking the spectacular Albertine Rift. In the evening, there will be a welcome briefing on the upcoming adventures, followed by a gourmet dinner featuring the finest local and international cuisine, setting the opulent tone for the entire safari.

Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge, Goma Serena Hotel, Lac Kivu Lodge

Meals: (Dinner)

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Senkwekwe Centre Visit

The morning starts with an early, hearty breakfast before tourists are driven to the Virunga National Park headquarters for a private briefing on the mountain gorilla trekking etiquette, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. The trek itself is led by highly experienced park rangers and dedicated porters, who ensure a smooth and safe journey through the dense forest, culminating in a magnificent, privileged hour spent observing a habituated mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, a unique and poignant visit is arranged to the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage Centre, the only one of its kind in the world, where tourists will gain deep insight into the critical conservation efforts and meet the orphaned gorillas under the lodge’s care.

Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge, Goma Serena Hotel, Lac Kivu Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking – Afternoon Forest Walk

This day offers a different primate encounter with a thrilling early morning Eastern Chimpanzee Habituation trek in the Mahura Forest, allowing tourists to spend extended time observing these intelligent creatures as they wake and begin their daily activities. The habituation experience is a much more intimate, lesser-known activity than the standard trek and is a true luxury experience, offering exceptional photographic opportunities. After a late, leisurely brunch at the lodge, the afternoon includes a guided nature walk through the Mahura forest, focusing on the park’s endemic birdlife and smaller primates like the Blue and Colobus monkeys, led by a specialist ornithology guide. The day concludes with a fine dining experience, sharing adventure stories by the lodge’s crackling fireplace.

Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge, Goma Serena Hotel, Lac Kivu Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Hike Ascent

A day of spectacular adventure begins with an early drive to the Kibati Ranger Post, the starting point for the ascent of the active Mount Nyiragongo Volcano, known for hosting the world’s largest lava lake. Tourists will be accompanied by an elite team of armed rangers and private porters to carry all gear, ensuring a focus purely on the exhilarating climb, which is taken at a comfortable, luxury-paced tempo. The approximately six-hour hike winds through a variety of ecosystems, from forest to alpine meadows, offering panoramic views of the entire Virunga Massif and the vast DRC landscape. Upon reaching the summit, tourists will settle into pre-booked, private summit shelters, where a freshly cooked, gourmet meal is prepared and served, followed by the main event: a breathtaking, extended viewing of the glowing, churning lava lake at the caldera’s rim under the cover of darkness.

Accommodation: Nyiragongo Summit Shelters

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Volcano Descent – Transfer to Bukavu via Lake Kivu

Tourists will wake up to a spectacular sunrise over the Virunga mountains and enjoy a warm breakfast at the summit before beginning the descent back to the Kibati Ranger Post. The downward trek is significantly quicker, taking approximately four hours, and allows for more time to appreciate the unique geological features of the volcano’s slopes. Upon reaching the bottom, a private vehicle will transfer the tourists to Goma’s port for a luxurious, private speedboat transfer across the tranquil waters of Lake Kivu to Bukavu in the South Kivu Province. This scenic boat journey offers a relaxing interlude and stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes and the surrounding islands before checking into a superior lodge near Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Accommodation: Orchids Safari Club, L’Auberge, Mont Kahuzi Hotel

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega

Today is dedicated to the ultimate primate rarity: trekking the magnificent Eastern Lowland Gorillas in the UNESCO-listed Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a species distinct from their mountain cousins and the largest of all gorillas. After an early breakfast, a private transfer takes tourists to the park headquarters for a briefing, followed by the trek through the dense equatorial rainforest, accompanied by an expert team. Lowland gorillas typically live in larger family groups than mountain gorillas, offering a different and equally captivating viewing experience during the precious hour spent with them. The afternoon is reserved for a relaxing return to the opulent lodge, where tourists can enjoy the stunning lake views and a pre-dinner cocktail.

Accommodation: Orchids Safari Club, L’Auberge, Mont Kahuzi Hotel

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Kahuzi-Biega Forest Exploration and Lwiro Visit

The morning is spent exploring the rich biodiversity of Kahuzi-Biega with an exclusive, guided nature walk and forest hike. This in-depth exploration will focus on the park’s unique flora, including giant heathers, and the search for other primates and rare bird species like the Congo Peafowl. In the afternoon, the itinerary includes a visit to the nearby Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Centre, a sanctuary and research facility dedicated to rescuing and caring for orphaned chimpanzees and monkeys from the region’s illegal wildlife trade. This impactful visit provides a deeper understanding of the vital conservation work happening on the ground and the complex challenges faced by local wildlife.

Accommodation: Orchids Safari Club, L’Auberge, Mont Kahuzi Hotel

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Transfer Back to Goma

After a more relaxed start to the day, tourists can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and the premium facilities of their lodge, such as the private lakeside beach or a terrace with panoramic views of Lake Kivu. Following a relaxed pace and check-out, a private speedboat transfer returns the tourists to Goma, where they will check into one of the city’s top five-star hotels. The afternoon is free for personal choice: either a sophisticated poolside relaxation, a rejuvenating spa treatment, or a curated tour of Goma city, which highlights its resilience and unique position at the foot of the volcanoes. Dinner is enjoyed at the hotel’s finest restaurant.

Accommodation: Goma Serena Hotel, Lac Kivu Lodge, Hotel Ihusi

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Private Flight to Kinshasa – City Tour

This morning, a private, chartered flight is arranged for the tourists’ seamless and swift transfer from Goma to Kinshasa, the vibrant and sprawling capital city of the DRC. Upon arrival, a high-end, executive vehicle awaits for a private transfer to the city’s most luxurious hotel, located in the secure and prestigious La Gombe district. The afternoon features a curated, luxury city tour, bypassing the crowds to visit key cultural sites like the National Museum and the colourful, artisanal market, where tourists have the opportunity to acquire unique, high-quality Congolese art and crafts. The evening is capped with an exclusive dining experience at one of Kinshasa’s premier fine-dining establishments, known for its fusion of African and international gourmet cuisine.

Accommodation: Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel, Kin Plaza Arjaan by Rotana, Hilton Kinshasa

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Congo River Cruise and Bonobo Sanctuary

A spectacular day on the mighty Congo River awaits, starting with a private boat cruise that offers a unique perspective of the city’s vastness and the river’s sheer power, sailing past islands and observing the bustling local life along the banks. This is a private, catered experience with gourmet snacks and premium drinks. After returning to the mainland, the itinerary takes tourists to Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary, the world’s only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos, where a private guided tour provides deep insight into the conservation of this highly endangered and peaceful great ape species, a true highlight of the DRC. Dinner is enjoyed back at the luxury hotel.

Accommodation: Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel, Kin Plaza Arjaan by Rotana, Hilton Kinshasa

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11: M’banza-Ngungu Caves – Relaxation

This day involves a private, luxury excursion outside of Kinshasa to the stunning M’banza-Ngungu Caves, a series of underground chambers significant both geologically and historically. The journey is made comfortable with a private vehicle, and the exploration of the caves is guided by local experts. The visit includes the unique blind fish found in the cave’s subterranean rivers. After returning to Kinshasa, the late afternoon is purposefully kept for rest and relaxation, allowing tourists to fully utilize the hotel’s premium facilities, such as the spa or pool, perhaps enjoying a final, quiet cocktail before the evening’s extravagant farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel, Kin Plaza Arjaan by Rotana, Hilton Kinshasa

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12: Departure

The final morning offers a relaxed start with a gourmet breakfast at the hotel, allowing time for last-minute souvenir shopping or simply enjoying the final moments of luxury in Kinshasa. A dedicated Rwakabunga Safaris vehicle and representative will provide a private, executive transfer to N’Djili International Airport (FIH) in time for the onward international flight. This marks the conclusion of the 12 Days Ultimate Congo Safari Experience, leaving tourists with unforgettable memories of the DRC’s incredible wildlife, majestic landscapes, and genuine African luxury.

Meals: (Breakfast)

End of the 12 Days Ultimate Congo Safari Experience.