Tour Overview
Experience an intrepid wildlife pilgrimage into the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This immersive safari bridges the world of both Mountain Gorillas in the volcanic slopes of Virunga and Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Grauer's Gorillas) in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas are the largest living primates on Earth, with adult silverbacks weighing up to 250 kilograms. Journey by private speed boat across Lake Kivu between Goma and Bukavu, stay in comfortable safari lodges with volcanic panoramas, and meet dedicated ICCN conservation rangers who protect Africa's most biodiverse wildlife corridors. Fully arranged with private convoy escorts and professional bilingual guides.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1: Kigali to Goma Border Crossing
Pick up in Kigali, Rwanda. Drive through the picturesque green hills to the Grand Barriere border crossing in Goma. Clear immigration and transfer to your luxury lakefront hotel in Goma.
Day 2: Day 2: Virunga Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Early morning transfer to Bukima ranger post. Trek into the tropical slopes of Virunga National Park to spend a magical hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family. Afternoon at leisure overlooking Lake Kivu.
Day 3: Day 3: Speedboat across Lake Kivu to Bukavu
Board a comfortable private speedboat for a scenic 3-hour cruise south across Lake Kivu to Bukavu. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Idjwi island and the Congo Nile divide.
Day 4: Day 4: Eastern Lowland Gorilla Tracking in Kahuzi-Biega
Head to Tshivanga visitor center. Track the immense Eastern Lowland Gorillas through the primary bamboo and primary rainforest. Experience the commanding presence of an enormous Grauer's silverback.
Day 5: Day 5: Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Bukavu Heritage
Visit the historic Lwiro Primate Sanctuary caring for orphaned chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. Take a guided walking tour of Bukavu's unique colonial architecture and local artisan markets.
Day 6: Day 6: Bukavu to Kigali & Departure
Cross the Cyangugu border back into Rwanda. Journey through Nyungwe Forest National Park to Kigali International Airport for your evening departure.
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
- DR Congo tourist visa processing and border clearance
- Official Lowland Gorilla tracking permit (Kahuzi-Biega)
- Official Mountain Gorilla tracking permit (Virunga)
- Private Lake Kivu speedboat transfer (Goma – Bukavu)
- 4x4 safari cruiser with professional bilingual French/English guide
- Full-board lodge and hotel accommodations throughout
- Park ranger escorts and security protocol management
What's Excluded
- International airfare and Rwanda visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for border entry)
- Gratuities for rangers, porters, and drivers
Accommodation & Destination Info
Lodging Standard
Handpicked luxury eco-lodges featuring private en-suite cottages, fine dining, and tranquil riverfront or forest views.
Route & Transport
Travel in customized 4x4 Safari Land Cruisers with charging ports, fridge, wide windows, and pop-up roof for optimal 360-degree game viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lowland Gorillas are significantly larger and heavier, with broader chests and shorter hair compared to Mountain Gorillas. Seeing both in one trip offers a peerless comparative primate experience.
All client movements operate strictly in secure tourism corridors under direct coordination with the Congolese Wildlife Authority (ICCN) and park ranger protection.
