7 Days DR Congo Gorillas & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
7 Days DR Congo Gorillas & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
Still, Virungas gorillas draw a few thousand visitors a year, making it the DRC’s top tourist destination. At its peak, the park brought in more than 4,800 visitors in 2017, many of who were likely inspired by the 2014 Netflix documentary “Virunga.” The number of foreign visitors traveling to Virunga may be smaller than Volcanoes National Park in nearby Rwanda, but those who choose the DRC have a big advantage: paying one-third the cost for gorilla trekking.
Chimpanzee trekking permits are purchased at Mikeno lodge only while in Virunga national park.
Highlights
- Mikeno Lodge
- Bukima Tented Camp
- Two Gorillas trek
- Chimpanzees trek
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali international airport, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel for overnight and relaxation.
Lunch:
Overnight:
Activity:
Day 2: Drive to Virunga national park via Goma border post
Arrive at Grande Barriere border crossing by 10.00 am and ensure check-in with Virunga Tourism office by 11.00 am. The tourism office is conveniently located in the Grande Barriere border post building, opposite the immigration office. Receive Gorillas and Nyiragongo permits at check-in which must be presented at the start of each trek. Once check-in is complete, be transported to Mikeno Lodge. On arrival at Mikeno Lodge, a late lunch will be served and the afternoon can be enjoyed at leisure, including exploring Rumangabo’s several nature trails, bird watching.
Lunch:
Overnight:
Activity:
Day 3: Gorilla trekking Experience
After early morning breakfast, guests will set off for a Gorillas trek at Bukima Ranger Post. On arrival to Bukima, meet your Ranger guides and local porters to receive a briefing before starting the Gorillas trek. Treks usually require 1.2.5 hours of hiking each way. After spending the allotted hour with Gorillas, return to Bukima camp where late lunch will be served. Have the rest of the afternoon off to explore Bukima including bird watching and visiting the Park’s bamboo project.
Lunch:
Overnight:
Activity:
Day 4: Gorilla trekking Experience
After breakfast set off for Gorillas trek, Meet again your Ranger guides and local pisteurs to receive a briefing before starting the Gorillas trek. After spending the allotted hour with Gorillas, return to Bukima camp for lunch then be transported back to Mikeno Lodge where you will have the afternoon at leisure, free to relax on the lodge terrace or visit Gorillas Orphans at the Senkwekwe Centre, overnight at Mikeno Lodge. Dinner included.
Lunch:
Overnight:
Activity:
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking Experience
Early morning, head out for a chimpanzee trek. A trek with these animals is a unique experience that allows visitors to join our team as they study and habituate the family of chimpanzees found in the Mahura Forest surrounding Rumangabo. Returning for a late breakfast, you will be invited to spend the rest of the day exploring the park headquarters
Lunch:
Overnight:
Activity:
Day 6: Drive Volcanoes national park
After breakfast drives back to Goma with a drop-off at the Grande Barriere border post and drives to Kigali overnight.
Day 7: Optional Golden monkey trekking and transfer to the airport
Depending on your flight schedule you may trek golden monkeys in volcanoes national park and later you will transfer to the Airport for your flight.
Lunch:
Overnight:
Activity:
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
What’s included?
- Virunga National Park tourist visa
- The vehicle, a driver, fuel and road government taxes
- Accommodation
- shelter up Nyiragongo volcano summit
- Gorillas permits
- Chimpanzee permits
- Drinking water
- English speaking guide.
What’s excluded?
- Rwanda visa
- Medical and travel insurance
- Tips
When to book the safari package?
At least 2-3 weeks in advance during the low season from March-May –October-November and 6-10 months in the high season from June to September-December-January-February.
Best Time to Travel
June to September and from December-February.
