Experience the untamed beauty of the Congo Basin with Gorilla Quest Africa’s 10 Days Congo Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife Tour. This luxury adventure is designed for tourists who desire an authentic yet comfortable exploration of one of Africa’s most diverse destinations. From thrilling gorilla treks in Virunga National Park to chimpanzee tracking and rare wildlife encounters in Kahuzi-Biega, this journey combines immersive wilderness experiences with the comfort of top-tier lodges and lodgings that blend seamlessly with nature. Expect unforgettable moments as you walk through lush rainforests, encounter magnificent primates, and explore the Congo’s spectacular landscapes guided by experts who ensure both safety and enrichment at every step.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by a professional representative from Gorilla Quest Africa. After a short briefing about your safari, you will be transferred to your luxurious hotel in the heart of Kigali for rest and recovery. If time allows, you can take a short guided city tour to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, or the local art galleries that showcase Rwanda’s creative spirit. In the evening, unwind and enjoy a fine dining experience as you prepare for your upcoming journey into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Accommodation Options: Kigali Serena Hotel, The Retreat by Heaven, Radisson Blu Hotel Kigali
Meals: (Dinner)
Day 2: Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Goma, DR Congo
After breakfast, enjoy a brief morning tour of Kigali’s cultural and historical landmarks before departing for Goma through the Gisenyi border. The scenic drive reveals Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, tea plantations, and the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu. Once you cross into the Congo, the landscape changes dramatically with volcanic scenery and lush vegetation welcoming you to the land of adventure. Check into your luxury lakeside lodge for relaxation as you enjoy breathtaking sunset views over Lake Kivu.
Accommodation Options: Lac Kivu Lodge, Kivu Safari Lodge, Ihusi Hotel
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Transfer to Virunga National Park
After breakfast, embark on a picturesque drive to Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park and home to a stunning array of wildlife. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages and breathtaking volcanic scenery, giving you a glimpse of rural Congolese life. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and take the afternoon to relax or explore the surrounding area. Virunga’s rainforest is teeming with wildlife including chimpanzees, elephants, and colorful bird species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Accommodation Options: Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Today is one of the most exciting highlights of your tour. After an early breakfast, you will report to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your mountain gorilla trekking experience. Accompanied by expert rangers, you’ll venture deep into the rainforest in search of a gorilla family. Watching these powerful yet gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a life-changing experience. You’ll spend up to an hour observing them before returning to your lodge for a warm meal and relaxation.
Accommodation Options: Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Visit the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage and Nature Walk
After breakfast, visit the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center, located near the park headquarters. This is the only sanctuary in the world that cares for orphaned mountain gorillas, giving tourists a rare opportunity to learn about ongoing conservation efforts. Later, take a guided nature walk or visit a nearby local community to experience Congolese culture and traditions. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner by the fireplace and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Virunga.
Accommodation Options: Mikeno Lodge, Tchegera Island Camp, Bukima Tented Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Virunga National Park
Today you will embark on a chimpanzee tracking adventure. After an early breakfast, head out with researchers and rangers into the forests around the Rumangabo area where semi-habituated chimpanzees reside. Watching them swing from tree to tree and interact with one another offers fascinating insights into their intelligence and social behavior. After your tracking experience, return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy a relaxed afternoon surrounded by Virunga’s serene landscapes.
Accommodation Options: Mikeno Lodge, Kibumba Tented Camp, Tchegera Island Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Transfer to Bukavu – Journey to Kahuzi-Biega National Park
After breakfast, depart Virunga for a scenic drive southward along the shores of Lake Kivu toward Bukavu. This route offers a rich blend of landscapes, from lush hills to fishing villages and vibrant local communities. Upon arrival in Bukavu, check in at your lodge and unwind. The town’s colonial charm and lakeside beauty provide a perfect setting to relax before your next great adventure in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, home to the eastern lowland gorillas.
Accommodation Options: L’Orchids Safari Club, Coco Lodge Bukavu, Hotel Horizon Bukavu
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your lowland gorilla trekking experience. The eastern lowland gorillas are larger and more robust than their mountain cousins, offering a different but equally moving encounter. The trek can take between two and five hours depending on their location. Once you locate a gorilla family, you’ll spend up to an hour observing their behavior in the thick forests. Return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation and dinner.
Accommodation Options: L’Orchids Safari Club, Coco Lodge Bukavu, Hotel Horizon Bukavu
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: Nature Walk and Community Visit in Kahuzi-Biega
Today offers a lighter pace. After breakfast, take a guided nature walk through the surrounding forest trails where you may spot colobus monkeys, forest elephants, and vibrant birdlife. Later, visit a nearby local community to interact with residents and learn about traditional Congolese culture and crafts. This cultural immersion adds a meaningful dimension to your wildlife adventure. In the evening, enjoy a candle-lit dinner as you reflect on the week’s unforgettable experiences.
Accommodation Options: L’Orchids Safari Club, Coco Lodge Bukavu, Hotel Horizon Bukavu
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Return to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, check out and begin your scenic return journey to Kigali, crossing back into Rwanda via the Cyangugu border. Enjoy the beautiful views of the countryside as you make your way to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy lunch and a short stop at a craft market before being dropped off at the airport for your departure. Your 10 Days Congo Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife Tour with Gorilla Quest Africa concludes with lifelong memories of Africa’s wild heart and its magnificent primates.
Accommodation Options: N/A (Departure Day)
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
End of the 10 Days Congo Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife Tour.
The 10 Days Congo Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife Tour cost includes;
- Airport Transfers.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Gorilla Permits.
- Chimpanzee Permits.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Bottled Water in the car.
- Tour Guide Allowances.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
The tour cost excludes;
- Visa fees.
- International air fare.
- Tips to local guides.
- Personal shopping bills.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Items not listed as included in the cost.