This African safari vacation offers a chance to trek both mountain and lowland gorillas, with a double mountain gorilla trekking adventure. Spend time observing chimpanzees and climb one of the world's most active volcanoes. Perfect for primate enthusiasts, this safari holiday begins and concludes in Kigali, Rwanda.
Detailed Itinerary
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
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
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.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.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.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.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
