7 Days Congo Gorilla Safari & Adventure Safari – Overview

7 Days Congo Gorilla Safari Tour & Adventure Safari starts from Kigali Rwanda and features scenic drive to Gisenyi Lake Kivu, two (2) days Nyiragongo Volcano safari – exploring the world’s largest & most violent lave lake, Mountain Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, Speed boat transfer to Bukavu, Eastern lowland Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park, Bukavu town tour and then drive back to Kigali.

7 Days Congo Gorilla Safari & Adventure Safari – Highlights

• Day 1: Arrive in Kigali Rwanda & drive to Gisenyi Lake Kivu
• Day 2: Nyiragongo Volcano adventure hike
• Day 3: Descend from Nyiragongo Volcano & drive to the lodge
• Day 4: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park & relax
• Day 5: A Speed Boat trip to Bukavu
• Day 6: Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park & Bukavu town tour in the afternoon
• Day 7: Drive back to Kigali via Ruzizi 1 border

7 Days Congo Gorilla Safari Tour & Adventure Safari – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali Rwanda & Drive to Gisenyi Lake Kivu

Following your flight, you land at Kigali International Airport preferably not after 2pm to allow you drive 358km about 3.5hrs to Gisenyi Lake Kivu. The views of Rwandan hillsides, Virunga Volcanoes and Lake Kivu itself will make your evening worthwhile.

Accommodation: Luxury: Serena Resort Lake Kivu, Midrange: Hotel Paladise Malahide Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 2: Nyiragongo Volcano Adventure Hike  

At 7:30am, you drive to the Congo border at Goma, go through the immigration formalities and meet our Congo representative for the transfer to Kibati Patrol Post where Nyiragongo Volcano hike starts from at 9am. This marks the historical trek to the world’s largest and most violent lava lake. The Nyiragongo trek lasts 4 – 6 hours to reach the summit enjoying the incredible views of the surroundings. The hike is not so strenuous and thus do not require specialized mountaineering equipment.  Spend the evening relaxing at the summit waiting to view into the red lave lake after the dark.

Accommodation: Mountain Shelter, Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Descend From Nyiragongo Volcano & Drive To The Lodge

Enjoy sun rise moments, photo shoots and breakfast and then descend down the volcano.  Of course, the descend is relatively easier than trekking uphill and you are likely to reach the starting point between 11am – 1pm.  Spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge.

Accommodation: Midrange: Hotel Ihusi, Luxury: Mikeno Lodge, Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park & Relax

Briefing commences at 8am at the Bukima Park station and in the company of armed ranger guides, you traverse the slopes of Virunga Volcanoes in search of the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas. Virunga National Park is part of greater Virunga massif shared along with Rwanda and Uganda with 480 Mountain Gorillas. The gorilla trek lasts 2 – 8 hours inclusive of one hour of actual viewing, exploring them as they forage and socialize where you can take memorable photos as well. From the activity, connect to the shores of Lake Kivu and relax.

Accommodation: Midrange: Lac Kivu Lodge, Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: A Speed Boat Trip to Bukavu 

Transfer by speed boat to Bukavu enjoying the tranquil waters of Lake Kivu – one of the biggest lakes in Africa.

Accommodation: Luxury: Orchid’s Hotel, Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park & Bukavu Town Tour in The Afternoon

Undertake Eastern lowland gorilla trekking expedition starting at 8am from the park station and in the company of armed ranger guides, you trek through the jungle of Democratic Republic of Congo in search of these other gorilla subspecies other than the Mountain Gorillas. The Eastern lowland gorilla features stocky body, short muzzle along with short hair. The duration ranges between 2 – 8 hours inclusive of one hour of actual viewing and photography.  Tour the town of Bukavu in the afternoon to explore the local urban life.

Accommodation: Luxury: Orchid’s Hotel, Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Drive Back to Kigali Via Ruzizi 1 border

After breakfast, depart for Kigali crossing back to Rwanda via Ruzizi 1. Enjoy sightseeing en route  

End of The 7 Days Congo Gorilla Safari & Adventure Safari

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla Permit (for gorilla trekking safaris)
• Chimpanzee Permit (for chimpanzee trekking safaris)
• Full Board Accommodation on Safari
• Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
• Fuel
• Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
• Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
• Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
• Bottled water while on safari
• Border crossing fees (for cross border safaris)

Safari Exclusions

• General tips for the driver guide, site guides and service staff at the lodges
• Laundry Services
• Other Beverages / drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
• International Flights (Arranged on request)
• Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
• Visas
• Optional Activity fees
• Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
• Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
• Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it is part of the Itinerary (Arranged on request)