3 day Virunga Gorilla Trekking Congo

3 DAYS GORILLA TRACKING IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK

SAFARI OVERVIEW

This 3 Days Congo Gorilla Trek in Virunga National park takes visitors for mountain gorilla trekking at Virunga National Park which lies in the northeastern Part of Democratic Republic of Congo. The park’s southern tip rests on the northern shore of Lake Kivu a short distance from the town of Goma to the east.

Virunga National Park is home to abundant wildlife, including Elephants whose numbers began decreasing in the late 20th century, and lions which also face various threats. The Park is home to the Rare Mountain Gorilla and is the main Tourist Activity, however Hippopotamuses, Okapis, Antelope, Warthogs and Pelicans all live in the Virunga as well.

Lake Kivu Shared between Rwanda and the DR Congo extends for 2,370km² across the floor of the Albertine Rift, and hemmed in by a steep terraced escarpment that rises up to 1.5km above its surface. The Lake is ranked among the world’s 20 deepest and 20 most voluminous freshwater bodies, it is lined with pretty fishing villages and a trio of larger ports in the form of Rusizi, Karongi and Rubavu. Lake Kivu is a popular weekend retreat for residents of Kigali, and as the most northerly point on the Rwandan lake shore, it also forms a great place to chill out after tracking gorillas in nearby Virunga and Volcanoes National Parks. The tour starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda via Goma Border.

DETAILED ITINERARY FOR YOUR 3 DAY GORILLA TRACKING IN VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK CONGO.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KIGALI AND TRANSFER TO LAKE KIVU
Upon arrival at the Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our safari guide who will transfer you by road to Lake Kivu in Gisenyi with an en route stop at the Nyanza King’s Palace, Murambi Genocide Memorial site and Butare. On arrival at the Lake enjoy a boat ride on Lake Kivu and expect to see water animals such as crocodiles and hippos as well as birds endemic to this region. Later transfer to your Hotel at the shores of Lake Kivu for your dinner and overnight at:

Luxury Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Midrange Accommodation: Paradise Malahide / Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel

Budget Accommodation: Bamboo Guest House

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Kibatsi Water Falls
Have an early rise to enjoy your breakfast and proceed through Goma Bukima park head offices for a morning briefing and where you will be provided with all the necessary information on the mountain gorilla trekking code of conduct before embarking on the amazing expedition through the jungle to track the Mountain Gorillas. Expect an hour with them before returning to the starting point for certificate of participation and meeting your driver guide to proceed back to the Lodge for your lunch.

In the afternoon, have an optional visit to Kibatsi waterfalls or engage in a guided Forest Nature walk. Later you will be transferred to your lodge for dinner and overnight at:

Luxury Accommodation: Mikeno lodge

Midrange Accommodation: Bukima tented camp

Budget Accommodation: Ihusi Hotel

Day 3: Departure
Have breakfast and depart by road heading back to Kigali for a City tour of Kigali to visit the Genocide memorial site, the National museum and depending on your departure time, we transfer you to the Airport / hotel for your drop off.

END OF TOUR! 

The above Tour plan is inclusive of:

• Ground Transportation and Fuel in a 4 WD safari vehicle
• Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
• English speaking driver/guide
• Gorilla tracking permit
• Nature walk
• Bottled drinking water all through the tour
• All Park entrance Fees and Government taxes

The above safari plan excludes:

• Air ticket, personal travel insurance, visa fees, drinks, tipping, souvenirs and any other items of a personal nature.

BEST TIME TO GO GORILLA VIEWING:

Gorilla tracking can take place at any time of year with April/May and November being wetter. However, be aware that rain occurs all year round. For general game viewing safaris, the best time to go is during the dry season (between June and September).