Volcanoes National Park in the north-western side of Rwanda is the sole gorilla trekking destination in the country and undoubtedly one of the few places on earth to meet endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. With a total of 12 habituated gorilla groups open for trekking, booking a gorilla safari in this country is worthwhile.

Virunga National Park in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is another exceptional gorilla trekking destination with 8 habituated gorilla groups that can be trekked all year round by a maximum of 8 persons per group. Therefore, a total of 64 gorilla permits are availed each day for this Park and besides that, the Park is home to one of the most active Volcanoes in the World (Mount Nyiragongo) which will also be hiked during this trip.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival into Rwanda and transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Northern Province of Rwanda

Arrive into Rwanda via Kigali International Airport for the start of our 7 days Rwanda and Nyiragongo climbing tour. Expect a warm reception from everyone you get into contact with and be picked up by our Company representative who will also be your safari driver/guide for this trip. Time permitting, you will have a tour of the City of Kigali, focusing on the Kigali Genocide Site to learn about the 100-day of savage killing that took place in 1994, browse through several craft markets and later have lunch before you  proceed to the Northern Province for dinner and slumber.

Day 2: Trekking Rwanda Gorillas within Volcanoes National Park

A new day and a fresh start with breakfast at the Lodge before joining other passionate trekkers eagerly waiting to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of trekking one of the 12 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park. Be briefed by the Ranger guide and in the company of other 7 trekkers be allocated to one habituated gorilla family which you will patiently and slowly trek for 1-4 hours before finally encountering its members and spending an allotted one hour to observe and photograph them. Trekkers with heavy backpacks are advised to hire the services of porters who charge only about $30 per person per trek and make sure that you have lunch box, snacks and enough drinking water before embarking on this trek.

In the evening relax with a book and magazine at the Lodge or with a refreshing boat ride on the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo, then retire for dinner and slumber at the same Lodge.

Day 3: Cross the Border to Goma Town then Virunga National Park

Be up early for a cup of tea/coffee then leave for Goma, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and finally Virunga National Park. A hot sumptuous meal will be enjoyed on arrival at Goma. Dinner and overnight will be at any of the outstanding Lodges within Virunga National Park.

Day 4: Trekking Congo Mountain Gorillas within Virunga National Park

On this day you will have your second gorilla trekking adventure, this time in Virunga National Park. Briefing and registration takes places in Bukima Ranger Post where you will meet other trekkers waiting to have their encounter with the gentle mountain gorillas. You might experience different terrain and vegetation while trekking the mountain gorillas here, and this lasts 1-5 hours before you finally come across the allotted gorilla group. One hour is provided to observe and take photos while asking any gorilla-related questions then get back to the Lodge for a proper and relaxed meal.

Day 5: Climbing the iconic Mount Nyiragongo in Virunga National Park

Enjoy breakfast early in the morning and later transfer for the registration as well as briefing at Kibati Ranger Post. Begin the ascent to summit of Mount Nyiragongo that lasts 4-6 hours while encountering verdant vegetation, several birds and animal species but while at the summit you will be mind-blown by the jaw-dropping views of the blazing peak. Dine and Camp at the Summit shelters, but look-out for the reddish and blazing views of the peaks at night.

Day 6: Descending Mount Nyiragongo and transfer to the Town of Gisenyi.

On this day you will enjoy a bush breakfast served at the Summit shelters before beginning descent to the starting point and this lasts 3-4 hours. Your safari driver will be waiting at the base of the Mountain to transfer you to Gisenyi Town for relaxation, dinner and slumber.

Day 7: Head back to Kigali City, Rwanda

After breakfast at the Hotel, continue to drive back to Kigali for a more comprehensive City excursion. This marks the end of our 7 days Rwanda and Nyiragongo Climbing Tour.

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Chimpanzees and gorillas are beautiful primates with fur-covered bodies that share more than 95% of human genes. The adventure begins as soon as you arrive at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, as you will be taken to Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda for Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks, followed by a drive to Congo’s Virunga National Park for another Mountain Gorilla trekking.

Detailed tour.

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Nyungwe National Park.

We take you to Africa’s best safari destinations on this 5-day safari. At dawn, your lodge will serve you a delectable breakfast, or you will arrive at Kigali International Airport. Before going on a magnificent journey to Rwanda’s primate capital, our professional driver-guide will cordially welcome you and explain everything about the trip.

On this 3-5-hours’ trip through Rwanda, you will be awestruck by the beautiful rolling hills and lush green foliage. There will be lunch stop en route before arriving at your lodge for refreshment, dinner, and a relaxing siesta in the evening.

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and Canopy walk.

After an early morning breakfast at the lodge, you will depart for Nyungwe National Park for a pre-tour briefing and a chance to see your cousins in their natural habitats. The practice lasts around 2-6 hours and takes place in the gorgeous jungle, where you’ll see various primates like white and black colobus monkeys, Vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and more. Before returning to the resort for a delectable Lunch meal, you will be allowed an hour to see the primates playing and relaxing in the treetops.

After lunch, go for an evening walk over the Nyungwe forest’s freely suspended canopy walkway. You’ll spend about 2 hours snapping photos, watching primates and birds in the treetops, and admiring the park’s stunning scenery. This day ends with dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Day 3: Depart to Virunga national Park.

This morning, have sunrise breakfast at the lodge before departing for a drive to Virunga National Park, located in the eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo. Virunga National Park is one of the continent’s oldest national parks. You’ll stop for lunch and paperwork verification at the border station along the way. You’ll be driven to your lodge for a relaxing meal and nap.

Day 4: Mountain gorilla trekking.

This day will begin with a delicious breakfast at the resort, followed by a trip to the park headquarters for the ultimate gorilla trekking experience. The activity begins with registration to confirm that the tracking permits are authentic and valid, followed by a briefing by ranger guides who explain the trekking dos and don’ts, assign you to an allocated gorilla family, and accompany you throughout the activity. Tracking gorillas is a one-foot task, but it is both exciting and safe.

It lasts between 2 and 6 hours, depending on how far the gang has gone since they were last seen. You get an extra hour of enjoying the gigantic silverbacks, the mother’s breastfeeding, and so much more if you discover them. During your quest in the forest, keep an eye out for various primates, plants, and birds.

After that, you’ll return to the lodge for some rest, free evening with an optional plantation tour, dinner, and a good night’s sleep.

Day 5: Departure.

Depending on your flight time, have a relaxed breakfast meal at the lodge, before checking out for a scenic 5-6-hour drive to Kigali city/airport. An enroute lunch will be provided, as you decide to either tour Kigali city before a flight.

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Virunga National Park in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is the most popular safari destination in this large Central African country. It covers about 7800 square kilometers within the Albertine Rift Valley area and was established in April 1925, making it the oldest Park in Africa. For this 5-day itinerary, the trip starts and ends in Kigali City, Rwanda.

Detailed Itinerary.

Day 1: Road Trip from Kigali to Goma City, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

After a delicious breakfast, hit the road for the drive to Goma City (nearest and biggest City to Virunga National Park). Along the way, you will be treated to jaw-dropping views of Rwanda’s rolling hills (from where the country derived its name “land of a thousand hills), experience a beautiful ambiance. Lunch will be in Gisenyi Town before crossing to Goma. Check-in at Virunga Tourism Office in Grande Barriere border crossing before continuing to your booked place of Lodging.

Day 2: Trekking Virunga Mountain Gorillas and guided walk in Rumangabo area.

Breakfast is the perfect way to start this long awaited day and will be served at your place of Lodging. Afterwards, drive to Bukima Ranger Post within Virunga National Park for briefing on the guidelines to be followed when trekking or interacting with the Giant Apes. The actual experience begins at 8:00am and takes between one and 5 hours, with only one hour provided to observe and take photos of the Giant Apes playing, resting, foraging and sometimes copulating. After this remarkable experience, get back to the Ranger Post where you will meet your safari driver to take you back to the Lodge. Spend your evening at Rumangabo on a guided nature walk or bird watching expedition.

Day 3: Embark on the Mount Nyiragongo Hike

Head out in the morning for the Mount Nyiragongo Hike that starts at Kibati Ranger Post with registration and briefing. Get your hiking gear ready, hire a porter to help in carrying your backpack and other any other support during the hike. Start by 10:00am climbing one of the World’s active Volcanoes (its recent explosion being May 2021) with views of varying vegetation (dense forest, open areas, wetlands and savannah).

After about 3 hours of hiking, you will start having a glimpse of the Crater rim and be at the summit after 4-6 hours. The best views of Lava remnants and other neighboring Volcanoes will be enjoyed from the peaks including your picnic Lunch. Camping and Dinner will at the summit shelters.

Day 4: Descend to the base of Mount Nyiragongo and drive back to Gisenyi City

On this day, be up by 6:00am and start descending 30 minutes later. The total time for descent is 4-5 hours, then meet your safari driver at the base of this beautiful Mountain. Get checked in at the Hotel on the shores of Lake Kivu for meals and slumber.

Day 5: Departure day with a tour of Kigali City.

Take a 2-hour drive back to Kigali City where you will embark on a tour of the historical and cultural sites on arrival. Explore the Kigali genocide Site, local craft markets and many places that make Kigali a top tourist site in the country. From this point, it is up to you to decide where you wish to go – either hotel or catch your flight back home.

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Besides hopes of enjoying a typical African jungle experience, you will come across wide array of wildlife and bird species that will leave you open-mouthed. Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to 12 primate species that include the chimpanzees, L’Hoests monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Angolan colobus monkeys, Olive baboons, blue monkeys in addition to other animals such as forest elephants, bushbucks as well as over 322 bird species.

Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park is one of the few outstanding places sheltering Eastern lowland gorillas in addition to Congo peafowl, elephants, Bongo antelope, buffaloes, Civets and bush squirrels among others.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali City to Nyungwe Forest National Park-south-western Rwanda

This 5 days Congo Lowland Gorillas and Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking Tour begins at Kigali International Airport or Hotel in the City of Kigali where you will be picked by a 4WD Vehicle. This road trip is about 5-6 hours and takes you through some of the most beautiful sceneries you have ever imagined in the World of adventure. Pass through Nyanza Town (in the southern Province) where you will make a number of stops (King’s Palace Museum and Ethnographic Museum), then arrive Nyungwe in the afternoon for late Lunch.

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and the Canopy walk-Nyungwe Forest National Park

Located in the south-western part of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is undeniably a wonderland of dense tropical rainforest, wetlands, bamboo, bogs and savannah. Given these diverse ecosystems, the Park shelters over 75 species of mammals, about 322 bird species and about 200 butterfly species. Spend the entire day exploring the beauty of this Park in two activities-chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk.

The first activity of the day is chimpanzee trekking that starts with breakfast at the Lodge then transfer to the Visitor Center for briefing. Start the actual trek by 8:00am by first walking along the verdant tea plantations at the edge of the forest then follow the track through bogs, savannah, dense forest and swamps. Make occasional stops to check out primates, take photographs of unique bird species and other attractions encountered along the way. The chimpanzees will later be seen and one hour is the maximum time to spend in their presence.

Enjoy your picnic lunch and continue for the canopy walk where more of the Park’s wildlife-primates, birds, butterflies and unique tree species are seen from tree tops. Settle for a hot meal at the Lodge and later overnight.

Day 3: Nyungwe Forest National Park to Bukavu Town, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Enjoy breakfast and pack your bags for a transfer to Bukavu Town, in the Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo where you will settle in for meals and slumber.

Day 4: Trekking Congo Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Spend half a day in Kahuzi-Biega National Park trekking the Eastern Lowland Gorillas (largest Great Apes), that starts with briefing at the Park Headquarters. Start the search for any of the Gorilla groups by 8:00am and this goes on for 1-3 hours before the gorilla nests (used the previous night) are seen. It will take another one hour to finally find the gorillas and spend one hour once contacts are finally made. The highlight of this activity is watching infants playfully trying to get the attention of silverbacks. Returning to the Hotel in Bukavu Town, settle for a hot meal and rest for the remainder of the evening.

Day 5: Kahuzi-Biega National Park to Kigali via Cyamudongo

After an early rising, have breakfast and travel via Cyamudongo for some of the unique primate and bird species along the way. Enjoy Lunch in Nyanza Town before continuing for a Tour of Kigali City, a fantastic end to a remarkable 5 days Congo Lowland Gorillas and Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking Tour.

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Nyiragongo is a breathtaking mountain of exceptionalities and wonders, offers hikers with views of its beautiful Lava Lake at the peak. It is said to have erupted more than 34 times in the recent time, the last one being May 2021. Our 4-day trip begins in Kigali City of Rwanda and ends in the same location.

Detailed tour.

Day 1: Airport Arrival and drive to Virunga National Park or Goma Town.

Meeting with our safari driver will be immediately on your arrival at the Airport of Kigali. Be transferred to your lodge/hotel in Goma Town or until Virunga National Park.

Depending on the arrival time, tours will be arranged to several historical and cultural sites in the city and the trip to Virunga transverses through the spectacular sceneries and landscapes, jubilant people and many other interesting en-route sceneries. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge in Virunga National Park or Goma Town.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking adventure in Virunga National Park.

After a delicious breakfast, your driver guide will pick you up from the Lodge and take you to Bukima Ranger post for briefing and later be divided into groups. Embark on the much-awaited gorilla trekking adventure. The search for mountain gorillas starts by 8:30am and lasts for 1-4 hours, then spend another one hour for observation and photography.

Return back to the Lodge for a hot meal and later nature walk at Rumangabo Park Headquarters where you will watch some bird species and the Bamboo project. Alternatively, you can undertake a village or community walk to learn about Congolese culture. Retire to your lodge for dinner, leisure and overnight.

Day 3: Ascend the Nyiragongo Volcano

Early in the morning we have breakfast and head to Kibati Ranger Post, where the hike for Mount Nyiragongo usually starts. While here, we shall be briefed then set off for this adventurous hike at about 10:00am and lasts 5-6 hours depending on your pace of hiking as well as energy levels. This hike is challenging but worthwhile with spectacular scenery of other Volcanoes and the Lave Lake at the peak of the Volcano. Overnight and dinner within the Tents on the edge of the large Crater.

Day 4: Descend Mount Nyiragongo and straightaway drive back to Kigali City.

On this day we shall descend to the base of the Volcano after a hot cup of tea/coffee. Descent is faster and less challenging, but when you get to Kibati Ranger Post your driver guide will be waiting to drop you off at your Hotel or Airport in Kigali.

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Though you will not have a chance to spot some during this hiking experience. The lake on the summit is 2 kilometers wide making it the largest lava lake in the whole world. Depending on the safari time, you can take a city tour in Kigali to enjoy Rwanda’s busiest and largest city where places like the local markets and the Rwanda genocide memorial center can be visited.

Detailed itinerary.

Day 1: Pick up from Kigali – Rwanda and transfer to Goma in DR Congo.

On your arrival at the airport or after breakfast at a hotel in Kigali, you will meet and greet the driver guide of our safari company that will take you to tour the city of Kigali. This beautiful city offers serene sightings and clean streets. Thereafter, head to the local markets like Kimironko market where you can purchase some fresh fruits and then head to the genocide memorial center for a short tour.

The genocide museum offers detailed insights into tragic history of the civil war in Rwanda that happened in 1994. Have lunch and head to Goma city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The road trip offers the best of Rwanda’s rolling hills, a view of Lake Kivu, green tea plantations and a night will be spent in any booked hotel.

Day 2: Hike Mount. Nyiragongo to the summit.

Wake up early and head to Nyiragongo briefing center after breakfast. This is where registration takes place and maybe if you don’t have hiking gears, you can hire some from this point. Be assigned to a park guide ranger and you are encouraged to hire some potters, join other hikers that will make the experience more enjoyable. The lower ends of the mountains are occupied with lush green forests that are home to attractive birds, mammals like monkeys, antelopes and other mountain species are likely to be spotted.

You will also notice that the green vegetation is destroyed by molten lava caused by the last eruption in 2021. The hike in this open vegetation offers the best sighting of surrounding mountains and towns like Mount. Rwenzori, Goma town, Kahuzi-biega national park, Virunga national park and Mount. Mikeno. The summit offers best views of hot lava lake and it takes 4 to 5 hours to reach the summit depending on the speed of hikers. After viewing, the night will be spent in shelter cabins on the summit.

Day 3: Descend and transfer back to Kigali. Departure.

Wake up early and enjoy the summit view which is followed by breakfast that will be prepared by onsite chef. Then start descending after enjoying breakfast and packing your luggage. Descent normally starts at 08:00hours. This will grant you another chance to have a view of beautiful surrounding landscape until you reach the mountain base. Sign out and then transfer back to Kigali, Rwanda and in case you didn’t tour Kigali city, you will have a chance on this day and after head to the airport for your departure.

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Safari details.

Day 1: Hotel pick-up and drive to Bukavu Town.

Pick-up from any location in Kigali by our professional driver guide and embark on the journey to southern part of Rwanda where you will cross over to Bukavu City. This journey takes 7-8 hours with tours of the Royal Palace at Nyanza, Ethnographic Museum in Butare and pass through Nyungwe Forest National Park where you will see curious monkeys jumping on tree branches. En-route lunch and cross to Bukavu City through the Cyangugu border and get checked in a Hotel within the Town.

Day 2: Trekking Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Have breakfast at the Hotel in Bukavu and begin the one-hour drive to Kahuzi – Biega Park Headquarters for briefing about the Eastern lowland gorillas. Set off for the rewarding experience of meeting face to face with Eastern lowland gorillas in the valleys and mountain slopes of Kahuzi and Biega as you come across other mammals-elephants, bushbucks, duikers and buffaloes as well as primates-Hamlyn’s monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys and birds.

The trek normally takes 1-4 hours, depending on the location of the lowland gorillas then you will have one hour of photography and observation.

Enjoy a picnic Lunch and visit Tshibati waterfalls or undertake a guided walk to Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center close to Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Later in the evening unwind at the Lodge while waiting for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Head back to Kigali City.

Enjoy breakfast and embark on the drive back to Kigali, via Cyangugu border. This 7-hour journey involves traversing Nyungwe Forest National Park and en-route lunch before arriving in the City of Kigali in the evening. This marks the end of your 3 days Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega NP, Congo.

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Gorillas are rare creatures, sharing over 98% human genes and with attractive appearance. You will do gorilla trekking, an optional Kigali city tour and any other activity in Virunga National Park. Pickup and drop-off from Kigali airport. D.R. Congo is safe and open for visitors all year round.

Detailed Trip.

Day 1: Pick up and transfer to D.R. Congo.

Upon landing at Kigali International Airport, our safari guide will gladly welcome you for this rewarding adventure. You will be briefed about the trip and then begin a transfer to D.R. Congo. It is a 5-6 hours’ drive, with views of the rolling hills, plantations and busy towns. You will have en-route stopover for lunch and late arrival at the lodge in the park for refreshment, dinner and a peaceful nap.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park.

From the bed to breakfast table and then Jungle. You will pack all the trekking items and depart for a pre-trekking briefing by the park rangers who will explain the trekking do’s and don’ts, followed by the ultimate trekking exercise. Virunga national park is one of the oldest national parks in Africa, hosting a quarter of total mountain gorilla species.

The tracking exercise lasts for roughly 2-8 hours depending on your pace and how far the apes have moved. These gorillas have been trained to contain the presence of people while carrying on with their activities. You will be given a one-hour allowance for photography and listening to the explanations from the ranger guides, before bidding your relatives farewell. The days’ chapter is closed at the lodge with a relaxed evening rest, dinner and a nap.

Day 3: Departure.

After enjoying a heavy cup of coffee at the lodge, you will check out from your luxury tented camp in Virunga national park and transfer to Kigali international airport for your flight back home. There will be an enroute lunch break and a short excursion at Lake Kivu in Gisenyi.

The journey to Rwanda is worth each moment of your attention as you will watch the natives carry on with their daily chores, flourishing tea plantations, undulating hills and so much more.

End of safari.

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