Book this 5-Day Congo & Rwanda Gorilla Tour to visit the amazing Virunga and Volcanoes National Parks.
This life-changing encounter with two different gorilla families in two distinct gorilla destinations—Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National Park in magical Rwanda—is an opportunity not to be missed.
These two national parks are some of the most biologically diverse protected areas on earth, with Virunga alone containing half of all the biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa! Book this 5-Day Congo & Rwanda Gorilla Tour to discover some of Africa’s finest gorilla experiences!
5-Day Congo Rwanda Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrive in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: PNV Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Experience
- Day 3: Transfer to Virunga National Park
- Day 4: Virunga Gorilla Trekking Experience
- Day 5: Transfer to Kigali
Detailed 5-Day Congo Rwanda Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Morning pick-up from the airport or your overnight hotel in Kigali for your 5-Day Congo & Rwanda Gorilla Tour, have breakfast, and begin your journey to the northwest of the country, at the point where DR Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda meet. Arrive in Musanze town, check into the lodge, have lunch, and relax.
In the afternoon, experience an authentic Rwandan village in Iby’Iwachu community. Immerse yourself in the village, interact with locals, and learn about their lifestyle. Return to the lodge for dinner, overnight stay, and a campfire.
Day 2: PNV Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Experience
Wake up to a beautiful morning and a delicious breakfast. Drive to Kinigi Park headquarters by 7:00 am and assemble for a briefing about the regulations for trekking these rare primates. Escorted by park rangers, trackers, and porters, begin your gorilla expedition through the dense alpine vegetation.
Trekking time is highly unpredictable, ranging from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location. Spend up to an hour observing them as they feed, play, and mothers breastfeed. Capture photographs and learn more about their lifestyle.
Return to the starting point for your tracking certificate, meet your guide, and return to the lodge.
Spend the afternoon resting or visit the Ib’yiwachu Cultural Center for a showcase of traditional Rwandan culture and life. Alternatively, take a tour of the nearby Musanze caves and learn about their history as hideouts during ancient civil wars in Rwanda.
Day 3: Transfer to Virunga National Park
After an early breakfast, leave Volcanoes National Park and head to Virunga National Park in the North Kivu province of D.R. Congo. Enjoy a scenic drive southwest through the Virunga Massif, plantations, and along the shimmering Lake Kivu.
Cross into Goma, have lunch en route, and continue with your Congo driver to the park. Dinner and overnight stay in Virunga National Park.
Day 4: Virunga Gorilla Trekking Experience
Wake up for an adventure-filled day in Virunga National Park! Enjoy an early breakfast and drive to either Mikeno or Bukima Visitor Centre for a pre-trek briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette. Divided into groups of eight, you will be assigned a specific gorilla group.
Proceed to the trekking starting point with your ranger guide, trackers, and optional porter. Trekking duration varies depending on the gorillas’ location and weather conditions.
Encountering these gentle giants in their natural habitat is a unique experience not to be missed during your African safari. Wear long trousers, sturdy hiking boots, garden gloves for protection, a rainproof jacket, and carry enough drinking water and packed lunch/snacks.
You are allowed one hour with the gorillas to observe them feeding and going about their routine before trekking back to the starting point. Return to the lodge for relaxation and reflection.
Day 5: Transfer to Kigali
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and prepare for the journey back to Kigali city. Cross the Goma border and soak in the sights and sounds of Rwanda’s wilderness and rolling hills.
Arrive in Kigali for lunch, rest, and engage in a short city tour to visit the Genocide Memorial Museum, shopping malls, and craft markets for shopping before heading to the airport for your departure flight.
End of 5-Day Congo & Rwanda Gorilla Tour.
