5 Days Rwanda Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari – Overview

5 days Rwanda Congo gorilla trekking safari is a 4 nights/5 day Rwanda Congo Gorilla tour offering a double Mountain Gorilla tracking package that takes you to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park.

The 5 days Rwanda Congo gorilla safari starts and ends in Kigali taking you to explore two gorilla trekking destinations found in the greater Virunga ranges which have over 480 Mountain Gorillas more than half of the total (880) population of this species left in the world.

Other activities incorporated in the package include; optional Musanze Caves walk and a Lake Kivu boat cruise.

5 Days Rwanda Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari – Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali – Rwanda and drive to Volcanoes National Park.

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and spend the afternoon at leisure. Optional Musanze caves walk.

Day 3: Drive to Goma – Virunga National Park via Gisenyi – Lake Kivu.

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 5: Drive back to Kigali & depart.

5 Days Rwanda Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali – Rwanda and Drive to Volcanoes National Park

You land at Kigali International Airport – Rwanda’s main gateway and you are offered a magical welcome by the driver guide after which you set off for the transfer to Volcanoes National Park 116km about 3 hours drive enjoying the views of the Rwandan countryside.

The evening will be spent at the lodge overlooking the fascinating Virunga Mountain chain.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park And Spend The Afternoon at leisure. Optional Musanze Caves Walk

Standing as the only Gorilla Safari destination in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is part of the greater Virunga landscape and has 10 habituated gorilla families that are always available for tracking daily.

At 8 am, the briefing at Kinigi commences under the control of Rwanda Development Board Park staff but prior arrival presents a golden opportunity to view the traditional Intore dancers while enjoying a warm cup of Rwandan Coffee.

After gorilla family allocation, you set off to the respective trail head embarking on the hike to the Gorilla Highlands traversing the steep slopes, slippery surfaces, dense jungle and jump over rocks in search of the Mountain Gorillas known to be critically endangered the world over.

The direct Mountain Gorilla Viewing is limited to one hour for purposes of conservation and this a perfect time to see them forage, socialize, young ones play among others with unlimited photo opportunities and in-depth information from the guides.

In the afternoon, you can opt to visit the Musanze Caves whose formation date back to 65million years ago out of the Mount Bisoke and Sabyinyo lava flow and apparently marked with 31 cave entrances. Settle for relaxation and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel

Day 3: Drive to Goma – Virunga National Park via Gisenyi – Lake Kivu

Following breakfast, set off for the transfer to Congo’s Virunga National Park driving via Gisenyi where you will make a stop to explore the lake sceneries from the sandy beaches.

A boat cruise to explore the lake further can be arranged as an optional activity before proceeding to Goma the biggest town in the North Kivu province and eventually the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Luxury / Upmarket: Mikeno Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Bukima Tented Camp, Budget / Basic: Hotel Cape Kivu

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park And Spend The Rest of The Day at Leisure

You congregate at the starting point for the Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park. Briefing by Virunga park staff after which you head to the jungle in their company to explore the Mountain Gorillas in the Virunga Park which have gone through the thick and thin especially due to the political instability that has locked the area for long.

The experience with the Mountain Gorillas is limited to one hour after which you get back to the lodge spending the afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Luxury / Upmarket: Mikeno Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Bukima Tented Camp, Budget / Basic: Hotel Cape Kivu

Day 5: Transfer Back to Kigali & Depart

Following breakfast, you drive from Virunga to Kigali Rwanda exploring the fascinating countryside. A flight departure in the evening can be arranged.

End of The 5 Days Rwanda Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari.

Getting there

Safari Inclusions

Airport transfers Transportation by safari van Accommodation and meals as per itinerary Gorilla permits, one per person to be paid in advance Driver allowances En-route lunches Visit the equator and igongo cultural Centre.

Safari Exclusions

personal nature expenses of excludes: laundry, tips to local guides, telephone, porter fee while trekking, Air fare, Visa, drinks, personal insurance, personal shopping bills and cigarettes.