12 Days Seychelles Beach and Congo Gorilla Safaris
12 Days Seychelles Beach and Congo Gorilla Safaris
Virunga National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also one of the most bewitchingly beautiful national parks on the continent, home to snow-capped mountains and glistening glaciers, active volcanoes and endless jungles. And now, there’s another reason to visit; Mikeno Lodge, a luxurious hideaway in the grounds of the park’s headquarters. The terrific team of staff will do just about anything to make your stay as unforgettable as it should be. Gorilla treks are one of the main activities and they are, of course, superb in every way. The departure point for most treks is from Bukima Camp and all depart bright and early in the morning. But there’s plenty more on offer too; tours of the gorilla orphanage, park headquarters; anti-poaching units can be arranged, as can chimpanzee treks and hikes to the top of the magnificent Nyiragongo Volcano. If not, grab a pair of binos and watch the birds flit past and the monkeys play in the trees.
Safari highlights
- Gorilla trekking
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage
- Beach holiday in Seychelles
Detailed safari itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Kigali, Rwanda’s capital is the country’s cultural and economic hub, upon arrival you will be received and transferred to your lodge for overnight and relaxation.
Day 2: Depart Kigali for Virunga national park
After morning breakfast you will start your drive from Rwandan capital Kigali to Gisenyi, upon arrival you will be transferred to the border for custom clearance, after clearance you will drive to Virunga national park upon arrival you will check in to your lodge for relaxation and Overnight.
Day 3: First gorilla trekking experience in Virunga national park
After early morning breakfast you will be transferred to the park headquarters to meet with the rangers for a briefing, after the gorilla briefing you will drive to the starting point to start your first gorilla trekking in one of Africa’s dense rainforest below the Volcanoes, upon locating the Mountain gorillas you will spend 1 year with them and later return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.
Day 4: Second gorilla trekking experience in Virunga national park
After lovely morning breakfast you will again transfer to the park to meet up with rangers for yet another great encounter with the mountain gorillas, this trek will take you to yet another gorilla family where you will have completely different experience with the family and later return to the lodge for relaxation and Overnight.
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking and Visit to the Gorilla Orphanage
After morning breakfast you will transfer to the park for a briefing to trek chimpanzees, this is one of the closest relative to humans in terms of DNA, depending on the luck of the day you will spend 3-4 hours in the forest upon locating the chimpanzees you will return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after lunch you will visit the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage and later return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.
Day 6: Drive from Virunga to Kigali
After morning breakfast you will drive to Goma border post to clear immigration and after crossing to Rwanda you will drive to Kigali, upon arrival you will be transferred to your lodge for relaxation and overnight.
Day 7: Departure flight from Kigali to Seychelles
Depending on your connecting flight you may do Kigali city tour if your flight is at night but if your flight is early in the day then you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Seychelles, upon arrival in Victoria our representative will receive you and transfer you to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.
Day 8: Full day relaxation in Mahe Island
Today is a full day relaxation on the white sandy beaches of the Archipelago; you will spend the day sun bathing, enjoying massages, cocktails swimming in the luxury pool at the lodge as you enjoy delicious sea food.
Day 9: Half day exploration of Mahe Island and transfer to Le Duc de Praslin
After breakfast, you may proceed for fun activities like water sports, deep sea diving, snorkeling and swimming in the crystal clear waters. You can also opt for a full day Mahe Island tour, an excellent introduction to the Seychelles. There is an opportunity to enjoy shopping in Victoria. Later that day Visit Morne Seychellois National Park, admire the spectacular view from the historic ruins of Mission and stop off at the Tea Plantation on the slopes of Morne Blanc later return to the lodge for refreshment and then transfer to Le Duc de Praslin.
Day 10: Full day relaxation on Le Duc de Praslin
After Lazily breakfast, while your day is free at leisure you may experience the beauty of this island in your own magnificent way.
Day 11: Full day relaxation at Le Duc de Praslin
After Lazily breakfast, while your day is free at leisure you may experience the beauty of this island in your own magnificent way.
Day 12: Departure flight
You will be chartered from Le Duc de Praslin to the airport for your onward journey.
Trip includes
- Accommodation
- All transfers
- Gorilla permits
- Chimpanzee permits
- Entrance fees to Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage
Trip excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- DR Congo, Rwanda and Seychelles tourist Visas
- Tips for guides and hotels
When to book this safari package
We recommend booking this safari package 1 year in advance to allow us secure your gorilla and chimpanzee permits.
Best time to visit Seychelles for beach holiday
The best time to visit the Seychelles is between April and May, or October and November, as these are the calmer periods between the two trade winds seasons the island experiences each year.
