Experience the heart of Central Africa on this exclusive 8 Days Congo Primates and Nature Safari with Wanderwort Safaris. This journey combines rare wildlife encounters with luxurious comfort, offering you the chance to track both the legendary mountain gorillas of Virunga National Park and the eastern lowland gorillas of Kahuzi Biega National Park. Alongside these breathtaking experiences, you will marvel at the active Nyiragongo Volcano, soak in the tranquility of Lake Kivu, and enjoy cultural insights into Congo’s rich traditions. Each day blends adventure and relaxation, with handpicked lodges and hotels ensuring the highest level of comfort throughout your safari.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Arrive at Kigali International Airport where a representative from Wanderwort Safaris will meet and assist you. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a brief city exploration including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local craft centers. Retire to your luxury hotel where you can unwind in style as you prepare for your Congo safari adventure.
Accommodation Options: Kigali Serena Hotel, The Retreat Kigali, Radisson Blu Hotel Kigali
Meals: (Dinner)
Day 2: Kigali to Virunga National Park, Congo
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the Goma border post. Once border formalities are complete, you will be transferred to Virunga National Park, one of Africa’s most biodiverse and protected natural treasures. Settle into your lodge surrounded by lush greenery and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Accommodation Options: Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Rise early for a briefing before beginning your mountain gorilla trek. Accompanied by expert rangers, venture into the thick forests to find one of Virunga’s habituated gorilla families. Spend an hour observing their fascinating behavior, from playful juveniles to the dominance of the silverback. Afterward, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest and an evening of fine dining.
Accommodation Options: Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
Today is dedicated to one of Africa’s most dramatic adventures, hiking Mount Nyiragongo, home to the world’s largest lava lake. With professional guides, ascend through scenic landscapes until you reach the summit where fiery lava bubbles beneath you. Spend the night in exclusive summit shelters, enjoying the surreal glow of the lava lake under the stars.
Accommodation Options: Nyiragongo Summit Shelters
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Descend Nyiragongo and Relax by Lake Kivu
Descend the volcano in the morning and transfer to Goma. From here, check in at a luxury lakeside hotel along Lake Kivu. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps enjoying a private boat cruise, indulging in spa treatments, or simply relaxing with panoramic views of the lake.
Accommodation Options: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Ihusi Hotel, Cap Kivu Hotel
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Transfer to Bukavu, Gateway to Kahuzi Biega National Park
After breakfast, take a scenic boat ride or a short flight from Goma to Bukavu. Upon arrival, transfer to your lodge overlooking the lake. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the property’s amenities or take a cultural visit to local communities around Bukavu.
Accommodation Options: L’Orchids Safari Club, Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Panorama Hotel Bukavu
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
This morning, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trek in Kahuzi Biega National Park to track the rare eastern lowland gorillas. These giants are larger than their mountain relatives and offer an extraordinary primate encounter. After spending time with them, return to your lodge for a relaxed afternoon with breathtaking lake views and fine dining.
Accommodation Options: L’Orchids Safari Club, Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Panorama Hotel Bukavu
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: 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 stop for last-minute shopping or a leisurely lunch before being dropped off at the airport for your onward journey, concluding your Congo primates and nature safari.
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.