Join Wanderwort Safaris on this immersive 7 Days Congo Gorillas and Cultural Tour, an experience that blends the thrill of wildlife encounters with the richness of Congolese heritage. This carefully crafted journey offers you a chance to track both mountain and lowland gorillas in their natural habitats, explore lush rainforests, and connect with local communities for an authentic cultural exchange. To complement the adventure, each night you will stay in handpicked luxury lodges and hotels that combine world-class comfort with stunning natural surroundings. This is more than a safari, it is a cultural and wildlife odyssey through one of Africa’s most captivating destinations.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Your adventure begins as you arrive at Kigali International Airport where a representative from Wanderwort Safaris will warmly welcome you. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a guided tour of Kigali, including visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets. Later, transfer to your hotel where you will enjoy a relaxing evening in luxurious comfort.
Accommodation Options: Kigali Serena Hotel, The Retreat Kigali, Radisson Blu Hotel Kigali
Meals: (Dinner)
Day 2: Kigali to Virunga National Park (Congo)
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive toward the Congo-Rwanda border at Goma. Following border formalities, continue into Virunga National Park, Africa’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival, check in to your luxury lodge nestled amidst the volcanic landscapes. Spend the afternoon at leisure or enjoy a guided nature walk.
Accommodation Options: Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
After an early breakfast, set out on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Guided by expert trackers, hike into the thick forests of Virunga in search of a mountain gorilla family. Once found, spend an awe-inspiring hour watching their natural behavior. In the afternoon, return to your lodge for relaxation, fine dining, and storytelling by the fireplace.
Accommodation Options: Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Cultural Encounters around Virunga
Today offers a cultural immersion into the lives of local communities living around Virunga. Visit nearby villages to learn about traditional music, dance, and crafts. Engage with community projects that support conservation and sustainable livelihoods. Later, return to your lodge where you can unwind in luxurious surroundings and enjoy a leisurely evening.
Accommodation Options: Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Transfer to Bukavu, Gateway to Kahuzi Biega
After breakfast, take a scenic boat ride across Lake Kivu to Bukavu, the gateway to Kahuzi Biega National Park. On arrival, check into your lodge overlooking the lake. The rest of the day is free for relaxation or you may opt for a cultural excursion to nearby artisanal markets and heritage sites.
Accommodation Options: L’Orchids Safari Club, Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Panorama Hotel Bukavu
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Today, embark on another once-in-a-lifetime gorilla experience, this time with the eastern lowland gorillas of Kahuzi Biega. Larger than their mountain relatives, these gorillas provide a unique primate encounter. Spend time observing their interactions before returning to your lodge for an afternoon of leisure. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance by local dancers at the lodge.
Accommodation Options: L’Orchids Safari Club, Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Panorama Hotel Bukavu
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, transfer back across the border into Rwanda and continue to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before being dropped off at the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your Congo gorillas and cultural tour.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
- Airport Transfers.
- 2 Gorilla Permits per person.
- Accommodation and Meals as per the itinerary.
- Nyiragongo Volcano Hike.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Bottled Water in the car.
- Tour Guide Allowances.
- Wildlife Game Drives.
The tour cost excludes; International air fare, Visa fees, personal travel insurance, personal shopping bills, tips to local guides, souvenirs, alcoholic drinks and items not listed as included in the cost.