6 Days Congo and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Adventure
6-Day Congo and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Adventure: This 6-day Congo and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Adventure will take you to explore Africa’s magical wildlife destinations, including Virunga National Park (Congo) and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. These national parks are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. You will also visit and hike the active Nyiragongo Volcano, among others. This safari will start and end in Kigali International Airport.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport—Transfer to Mikeno Lodge in Virunga National Park, Congo
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will get a warm welcome from our company safari guide, who will brief you about the 6-day Congo and Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure safari. Later, you will get transferred to your booked lodge in Virunga National Park, where you will check in, have dinner, and stay overnight.
Accommodations: Mikeno Lodge
Meal plan: Lunch/Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park, Congo
On this day, after taking your breakfast, you will drive to Bukima Park Station in Virunga National Park for a pre-gorilla trekking briefing about the rules and regulations of the trekking exercise. After, you will get distributed among the gorilla families under the guidance of the armed ranger guides, who will help you navigate the forest in search of these gentle giants. The trek will depend on the gorillas’ movements since they tend to change locations for food. On seeing these majestic gorillas, you will learn and study their social lifestyle and habits, such as feeding, nurturing, and their leadership roles. After one hour of observation and photo-taking, you will retire back to the trekking point and return to your hotel or lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Nyiragongo Volcano-Hiking
Wake up early and have breakfast; you will drive 30 kilometers to Kibat Patrol Post in Nyiragongo, one of Africa’s active volcanoes. This hike will be led by a team of park ranger guides and some porters who will help you carry your equipment and backpack during the hike. The hike will last about 4-6 hours, offering views of unique birds and small mammal species. Upon reaching the summit, you will enjoy stunning views of hot lava lakes and spend the night camping on the crater rim.
Accommodation: Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner
Day 4: Return from Nyiragongo Volcano—Transfer to Volcanoes National Park—Rwanda
Get up early for breakfast and begin from Nyiragongo summit to the base in Kibati Patrol Post. You will arrive at the head trail before lunch and after transfer to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. After your hearty lunch, transfer to Volcanoes National Park, covering about 162 kilometers through the stunning scenic landscapes. You will check into your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at your booked lodge.
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner
Day 5: Volcanoes National Park—Gorilla Trekking—Afternoon Cultural Visit
Wake up early for breakfast; you will receive a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and regulations at the park headquarters. Groups of eight, led by a ranger, will hike for 2-7 hours to search for mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. You require both physical and mental fitness. Once located, you will spend an hour observing the gorillas as they interact and feed as they take care of their babies. Afterward, guests will return to the lodge for a late lunch and relaxation. In the evening, there will be a cultural encounter with the local community near Volcano National Park, allowing visitors to engage with locals and experience their cultural norms, values, and entertainment. You will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner
Day 6: Visit Dian Fossey Tomb—Transfer to Kigali for a city tour.
Following the 6-day Congo and Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure, wake up and have breakfast, visit the Dian Fossey Tomb, the house of an American researcher, and take a tour of the Karisoke Research Centre. After this exploration, you will be transferred to Kigali for a city tour, where you will be guided to the Gisozi genocide memorial center, where you will learn about Rwanda’s history, especially about the 1994 genocide and its aftermath. The driver guide will then take you to your lodge or Kanombe Airport for your scheduled return.
Meal Plan: Breakfast/lunch
The 6-day Congo and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking adventure package price includes:
• All airport transfers
• Gorilla Permits
• Fuel for 5 days
• English Speaking Guide
• English-speaking guide
• Hiking Fee
• Drinking Water
The 6-day Congo and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking adventure package price excludes:
• Travel ticket
• Travel Insurance
• Visa
• Alcoholic Drinks
• Extra activities
• All other personal items like laundry, gifts, phone bills, etc.