3 Day Congo Gorilla Safari in Virunga – Best Gorilla Trekking Congo:
Embark on a captivating 3 Day Congo Gorilla Safari for gorilla tracking in Virunga National Park starting from Rwanda. This 3 Day Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari guarantees you complete immersion in the jungles and up close and personal encounter with already habituated gorilla group.
At Virunga National Park, you will be exploring one of the 8 habituated gorilla families assigned to a group of 8 guests. The entire trek will be done with the lead of an experienced and armed park ranger guide. Virunga National Park is found in Eastern D.R. Congo, and is the biggest of all the 4 parks where mountain gorillas live, spanning over land area of up to 7800sq.km.
Brief Itinerary – 3 Day Congo Gorilla Safari:
- Day 1: Pick up at Kigali & drive to Gisenyi-Congo border
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park with an experienced park guide
- Day 3: Departure from Virunga to Kigali
Detailed Itinerary – 3 Day Congo Gorilla Safari:
Day 1: Pick up at Kigali & drive to Gisenyi-Congo border.
Enjoy a hefty breakfast at the hotel in Kigali city and after, you will be picked up by an experienced driver guide. You will pay a visit to Kigali genocide memorial and also the Kimironko market –the main market in Kigali capital for you to buy some fresh fruits and other items of your preference.
After the short Kigali city excursion, set off for Gisenyi-Congo border where lunch will be had, then you proceed to be cleared by the authorities. After being cleared, continue to the lodge in Virunga National Park for you to relax and organize for your actual adventure the following day.
Accommodation options
- Mikeno Lodge (Luxury)
- Bukima Tented Camp (Midrange)
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park with an experienced park guide.
Wake up early and prepare, enjoy a delicious cup of tea/coffee. After, transfer to Bukima ranger post for briefing about gorilla trekking guidelines and this will be done by the Virunga National Park officials. Your trek with Virunga Park mountain gorillas will run for 2-6 hours depending on your speed of walking and location of gorillas among other factors.
Gorillas in Virunga
A complete 1 hour will be availed for you to enjoy a face-to-face encounter with a family of endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. After this interaction, begin walking back to briefing area and later, connect to the lodge for relaxation. Late in the afternoon, you will be accompanied by local guide to Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage centre –best for guests at Mikeno Lodge.
Accommodation options
- Mikeno Lodge (Luxury)
- Bukima Tented Camp (Midrange)
Day 3: Departure from Virunga to Kigali.
At leisure, enjoy a hefty breakfast and after, you will be transferred back to Kigali capital. Drive via the Congo-Rwanda border, and on arrival at Kigali, you will be dropped off at the hotel or direct to the airport for departure.
End of Day Congo Gorilla Safari.
Safari cost includes
- Valid Congo gorilla permit
- An experienced guide/driver
- Transportation for the 3 days
- Accommodation – 2 nights
- Congo Visas
- Kigali city tour
- A bottle of drinking water
- Meals as per the itinerary
Safari cost excludes
- Tips
- Airfares
- Laundry services
- Telephone bills
- Extra accommodation
- Optional activities
- Insurance expenses
- Visas
- Passports
- Alcoholic drinks
Additional Information for Interested Travelers:
- Physical Fitness Requirements: Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park requires a moderate level of physical fitness as the terrain can be challenging, with steep slopes and dense vegetation. It’s advisable to be prepared for a potentially strenuous hike.
- Weather Conditions: The weather in Virunga National Park can vary, with temperatures ranging from cool to warm. It’s recommended to pack layers of clothing to accommodate potential temperature changes throughout the day, as well as rain gear as rain showers can occur.
- Packing Essentials: In addition to clothing and personal items, essential items to pack for gorilla trekking include sturdy hiking boots, a daypack, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens are also recommended for wildlife viewing and photography.