6 Day Lowland & Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari in DR Congo

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide who will brief you about your upcoming safari. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in Kigali, a vibrant and clean city known for its rolling hills and welcoming atmosphere.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an optional short city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local craft markets. This gentle introduction helps you connect with Rwanda’s history and culture before heading into the wilderness.

After an early breakfast, begin your journey southwest toward the Rwanda–Congo border near Rusizi (Cyangugu), a scenic drive of approximately 5 to 6 hours.

This route is one of the most beautiful in East Africa, winding through lush hills, terraced farmland, and tea plantations. As you approach Lake Kivu, the views open up to reveal one of Africa’s Great Lakes, dotted with fishing boats and small islands.

After completing border formalities, you will cross into the Democratic Republic of Congo and continue to Bukavu—a peaceful lakeside town and gateway to Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Arrive in the afternoon, check in at your lodge, and relax as you prepare for your lowland gorilla trekking experience the following day.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced rangers. You’ll learn about gorilla behavior, conservation efforts, and trekking guidelines before being assigned to a habituated gorilla family.

Your Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking safari begins as you enter the dense tropical rainforest accompanied by skilled trackers. The trek typically takes 1 to 4 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Compared to mountain trekking, the terrain here is less steep but still requires navigating thick vegetation and humid conditions.

Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one full hour in their presence, observing their natural behavior at close range. These gorillas are the largest of all gorilla subspecies and watching them feed, move, and interact within their social groups is an incredibly powerful wildlife experience.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you may explore the surrounding area with a short nature walk, visit local communities, or simply enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere.

After breakfast, depart Bukavu and begin your journey north toward Virunga National Park, passing through Goma. The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, offering scenic views of Lake Kivu, volcanic hills, and rural settlements.

You will stop in Goma for lunch before continuing to the Bukima sector, the starting point for mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park.

Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge, nestled at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, enjoying the forest surroundings, and preparing for the next day’s trek.

Today is the highlight of your safari—mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park. After an early breakfast, transfer to the Bukima ranger station for a briefing that typically begins around 7:00–8:00 AM.

You will be assigned to a habituated gorilla family and begin your trek into the forest with experienced guides and trackers. The trek can take between 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on where the gorillas nested the previous night.

As you move through the forest, you’ll experience the rich biodiversity of Virunga—listening to birds, spotting unique plant species, and following signs left by the gorillas.

Once the gorillas are found, you will spend one magical hour observing them, watching their interactions, feeding habits, and social behavior. Seeing a silverback up close or watching young gorillas play is a deeply emotional and unforgettable experience.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and a well-earned rest.

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kigali. You will drive back through Goma, complete border formalities, and continue into Rwanda.

The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, with optional stops along the way for photos, refreshments, or souvenir shopping.

Arrive in Kigali in the afternoon, where your driver-guide will drop you off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport for your onward travel.