2 Days Virunga gorilla trekking tour
This 2 Days gorilla trekking tour in Virunga National Park in Congo has been specially designed for visitors who have a tight travel schedule and who still love to trek some of the last mountain gorillas in the world. This short gorilla trekking safari begins and ends in Kigali City, in Rwanda.
Virunga National Park is strategically located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the three habitats for the endangered species of mountain gorillas left in the world. It is also the oldest national park on the African continent following its establishment in 1925. The national park is believed to have an estimated number of about 500 plus mountain gorillas, 109 reptile species, about 706 bird species, 196 mammal species including 22 primate species and 78 amphibian species. Luckily for you, this primate tour will give a chance to trek this unique species of mountain gorillas.
2 Days Virunga Gorilla Trekking Itinerary.
Day 1: Pickup from Kigali and Transfer to Virunga National Park.
You will be picked by your guide at your hotel in Kigali or upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport. You will then proceed to drive 163km to Gisenyi Town, which is about a 3½ hour drive. On drive to Virunga national park, you will get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Rwanda’s countryside; see breathtaking sites like the lush green and well terraced hills, tea plantations and Lake Kivu. You will have lunch on route as you journey to Virunga. You will then proceed with your drive to Goma town, passing through Le Grande barrier into the Democratic Republic of Congo. From Goma town, you will proceed to drive to Virunga National Park; enjoy the scenic beauty of the Virunga Massif and amazing Lake Kivu on the Congo side, on your way to the national park. Check into your lodge for accommodation and dinner.
Accommodation options:
Luxury: Mikeno Lodge.
Mid-range: Lac Kivu Lodge.
Budget: Ihusi Hotel.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga and Transfer back to Kigali.
Have an early morning breakfast and drive to Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While on your voyage, you will get to explore the remarkable views of the Virunga massif, vegetation and Lake Kivu. You will cross into Congo via the Goma border at le Grande barrier and drive to Goma town. Here you will be escorted in a convoy provided by Virunga National Park. There are 8 habituated mountain gorilla groups in Virunga national park, and are available for tourists to track. Gorilla trekking in Virunga start from two major points, which are Mikeno and Bukima visitor centers.
Gorilla trekking activities in Virunga starts at 7:30am and usually take between 2-4 hours; inclusive of an hour spent with the gorillas once they have been located. Gorilla trekking activities in Virunga national park don’t a lot of vigorous hiking activities and hence can be done by any adult. Remember to bring your camera along with you on this day; plus a good pair of hiking shoes and a raincoat, just in case it rains. After this awesome experience, you can enjoy your packed lunch and later proceed with your drive back to Kigali. Depending on the time of your departure flight, your guide will drop you off at the airport in Kigali or a nearby hotel. End of Congo Gorilla Trekking Tour.
This tour package is inclusive of;
- Gorilla trekking permit.
- Park entrance fees
- Accommodation and meals as per your itinerary
- Congo tourist visa
- Activities as per your itinerary
- Mineral water
- 4×4 wheel drive safari vehicle
- An English speaking tour guide.
This tour package excludes.
- Rwanda tourist visa
- International flight tickets
- Alcoholic beverages and personal purchases.
