9 Day Safari in Congo

About 9 Day Safari in Congo

1. Day 1

   Kigali to Gisenyi- Lake Kivu

   Begin the Rwanda safari by meeting the driver guide and journeying to Gisenyi town. During the drive, take a Kigali city tour, visiting the Genocide Memorial Grounds and Kimironko market to interact with local artisans and purchase souvenirs. Enjoy an authentic Rwandan lunch in Musanze town before continuing to Gisenyi for a sunset boat cruise on Lake Kivu, allowing for some birding opportunities. Check into the hotel, have dinner, and spend the night in Gisenyi on this African safari tour.

   Accommodation options in Gisenyi:

   • Budget: Paradise Malahide
   • Midrange: The Palme Beach Hotel Resort
   • Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Lodge
2. Day 2

   Journey to Virunga National Park

   After breakfast, check out of the hotel and cross into the Democratic Republic of Congo. Visit the Grande Barrier border building to obtain permits for upcoming activities in Virunga National Park. Join other visitors and the security team heading to the park accommodation, arriving in time for a late lunch. Spend the evening at leisure, enjoy dinner, and have the first night in Virunga on this safari vacation.

   Accommodation options in Virunga National Park:

   • Luxury: Mikeno Lodge
   • Midrange: Bukima Tented Camp
   • Budget: Kibumba Tented Camp
3. Day 3

   Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

   On the third day of the 9-day Congo safari, head to the Bukima ranger post for a briefing before the mountain gorilla trekking activity. Follow the guides into the forest to locate the gorillas, spending an hour observing and photographing them. Return to the lodge for a late lunch and spend the remainder of the day at leisure before dinner and another night at the same accommodation.

4. Day 4

   Chimpanzee Trekking in Virunga National Park

   Rise early for the chimpanzee trekking experience, joining a group habituating the chimpanzee family in Mahura forest. Listen to their vocalizations as you approach, then enjoy quality time observing these playful primates. Return to the hotel for a late breakfast and relax until lunch. Afterward, consider visiting the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage or the park headquarters if staying at Mikeno Lodge. Have dinner and spend another night in Virunga National Park on this African safari holiday.

5. Day 5

   Second Mountain Gorilla Trek in Virunga National Park

   On the fifth day, return to Virunga for a second encounter with the mountain gorillas. After breakfast, head back to the Bukima ranger post for the trek. Enjoy another day with the gorillas before returning to the hotel to unwind, have dinner, and spend the night in the park.

6. Day 6

   Ascend Mount Nyiragongo

   Have a light breakfast and gather your belongings before hiking up Mount Nyiragongo. The ascent takes approximately 5 hours, with brief rest stops along the way. Reach the summit in the early evening, settle in, and enjoy the sunset views and the glowing, boiling magma on a clear night. Have dinner and spend the night in the summit shelters on this safari adventure.

7. Day 7

   Descend Mount Nyiragongo and Travel to Bukavu

   Wake up early to witness the sunrise and have breakfast. Descend the mountain, taking about 5 hours to reach the trailhead, where the driver guide awaits to take you for lunch in Goma. Then, connect to the Goma port for a 3-hour speed boat ride to Bukavu. Upon arrival, check into the hotel, have dinner, and spend the first night in Bukavu.

   Accommodation options in Bukavu:

   • Budget: Hotel Elizabeth
   • Midrange: Panorama Hotel
   • Luxury: Orchid Hotel
8. Day 8

   Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park

   After breakfast, drive to the Kahuzi Biega National Park headquarters for a briefing before the lowland gorilla trek. The guides lead you into the forest behind the briefing point, and the trek is less strenuous as it takes place on flat terrain. Spend an hour with the lowland gorillas, then exit the forest and return to the hotel in Bukavu for another night on this African safari tour.

9. Day 9

   Return to Kigali

   Following breakfast, the driver guide begins the 7 to 8-hour journey back to Kigali via the Rusizi border, with a lunch stop en route. If interested, visit the Butare Ethnographic Museum and the King's Palace along the way.

   End of the safari holiday.

• Kahuzi-Biega DR Congo · 1 itinerary
• Nyiragongo DR Congo · 3 itineraries
• Virunga DR Congo · 4 itineraries