6 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari in DR Congo and Rwanda
6 Days Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari in DR Congo and Rwanda: It is one of the most impressive African safaris that offers you the chance to combine mountain gorilla trekking experiences in the two breathtaking parks, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Congo. On the six-day mountain gorilla trekking safari, you will get the chance to explore the Nyiragongo Crater. To see the Virunga conservation region at a reasonable cost, reserve this Congo Gorilla Safari experience.
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali International Airport and Transfer to Mikeno Lodge in Virunga National Park, Congo.
You will be welcomed by our experienced professional driver guide upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, and after, you will be transferred to Mikeno Lodge, located in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The breathtaking landscape scenes, revered for their unique natural setting and indigenous communities, will be traversed throughout the about three- to four-hour drive, without stops along the way, to Mikeno Lodge in Virunga National Park. You will proceed to the lodge after you arrive at the park so you can check in, have supper, and spend the night there.
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge (Luxury/Upmarket), Bukima Tented Camp (Mid-Range), Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelters
Day 2: Do an early morning gorilla trekking safari in Virunga National Park.
You will enjoy a leisurely breakfast before being transported to the Bukima park station in the Virunga National Park region. Here, hikers meet at 7:00 am to be assigned to a gorilla group and receive instructions on “behaving” appropriately while residing with a gorilla group. Once you have received your briefing, you will head to the designated meeting place to face your assigned gorilla group. The trek’s duration is subject to change based on gorilla movements and meteorological factors. It is an amazing and unique experience to meet these gentle giants in their natural environment. Following your allocated one enchanted hour, you will return to the trekking base and then retire to your hotel or lodge for a late lunch and some downtime.
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge (Luxury/Upmarket), Bukima Tented Camp (Mid-Range), Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelters
Day 3: Early Morning Nyiragongo Volcano Hike-Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari
Have your break fast; you will travel 30 kilometres by car from your Mikeno lodge to the Kibat Patrol Post near the Nyiragongo Volcano. When you arrive at the trailhead, park officers will direct you and your porters as you begin your ascent to the summit of the Nyiragongo Volcanoes. The trek up the world’s most active volcano, Nyiragongo Volcano, takes from four to six hours to complete. The hike up the volcano is not too difficult, although it is a little difficult and frequently takes place in uncomfortable and hot weather. You might see and appreciate views of uncommon bird species and small mammal species along the trail. As you approach the summit, take in the sights of the bubbling lava lakes and unwind atop the volcano. Above the active lava lake, on the rim of the massive crater, we will spend the night in tents.
Day 4: Descend from Nyiragongo Volcano and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
You will start your descent from the peak of Nyiragongo to the head route in Kibat Patrol Post by 7:00 am, following an early breakfast. Reach the trailhead early in the afternoon, then make your way to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Following lunch, travel 162 kilometres to Volcanoes National, where you will get the opportunity to experience yet another unique mountain gorilla trekking adventure. As you travel to Volcanoes National Park, you will pass through breathtaking rural settings and picturesque country side scenery. You will travel to the lodge you have reserved when you get to the park, check in, enjoy supper and spend the night there.
Accommodations: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Standard/Mid-range)
Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari and an evening Cultural Experience
After an early morning breakfast, your driving guide will take you to the park headquarters, where you will receive a briefing on proper gorilla trekking etiquette in Volcanoes Park from 7:30 to 8:00 in the morning. Meet fellow hikers at the park headquarters. You will be split into groups of eight and permitted to trek with one habituated mountain gorilla group. Following a briefing, a ranger guide will take you on a walk through the lush jungle in search of mountain gorillas. Someone in good physical shape is required for the 2–8-hour activity, which entails a lot of hiking in the hills and slopping in the valleys. Additionally, gorilla trekking is laborious, but it is stunning and rewarding when you finally turn your tiny eyes towards something larger.
When you finally get to see the gorillas, you will have an hour to spend with them watching them play, eat, and search for their babies. It is mandatory for you to keep a 7-meter distance from the gorillas while taking pictures, and to turn off your camera’s light. After exactly one hour, you will return to the starting point and make your way to your lodge to unwind and have a late lunch. Following lunch, you will go on an evening cultural exchange with the locals in the Volcanoes National Park area. You will get a taste of the locals’ distinct culture and customs through this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with them in their natural setting. You will get a warm welcome from the village residents as honoured guests upon your arrival. You will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay following cultural refreshment and entrainment.
Accommodations: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Upmarket/Luxury), Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Standard/Mid-range), Muhabura Hotel (Budget).
Day 6: Do an early visit to Dian Fossey Tomb and Transfer to Kigali for city tour
Have breakfast early in the morning and then head to the Dian Fossey Tomb. Through the journey, you will get the rare opportunity to see the Dian Fossey Tomb, the home where the renowned American researcher was assassinated, and gain knowledge of the procedures involved in the conservation and protection of mountain gorillas. You will start your transfer trip to Kigali after touring the Karisoke Research Centre. The driving guide will take you to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre once you arrive in the city, where you may spend time learning about the events leading up to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and hearing firsthand accounts of the atrocities. After that, your driver guide will take you to your Kigali lodging or the Kanombe Airport in time for your flight.
End of the 6-Day Mountain Gorilla trekking safari in DR Congo and Rwanda