3 Days Virunga Gorilla Trekking Safari
3 Days Virunga Gorilla Trekking Safari
3 Days Virunga Gorilla Trekking Safari: 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.
This 3 Days Virunga gorilla trekking Safari starts and ends in Kigali city, Rwanda. During this safari, you will undoubtedly have the best primate experience of your lifetime has you have a close encounter with the endangered mountain gorilla subspecies in Virunga national park.
Day 1: Transfer to Virunga National Park.
Have an early morning breakfast and embark on a road trip 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. Upon you arrival in the national park, you will check into your lodge, have dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga.
This is the day you have been waiting for! Wake up early and have your breakfast before you proceed to the park’s headquarters. Depending on wish gorilla group you wish to track, your guide will drive you to either Mikeno or Bukima visitor Centre, where all gorilla trekking activities begin.
Just like in Rwanda, while at Virunga national park, you will be briefed first and then placed into groups of a maximum of 8 members per gorilla group. You will be escorted by armed park rangers, experienced guides and porters, if you wish to hire one. There are 8 habituated mountain gorilla groups in Virunga national park, and are available for tourists to track.
Gorilla trekking activities in Virunga 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. Get back to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Later in the afternoon, you can opt to go on a cultural tour to one of the neighboring village communities or visit the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage for those staying in Mikeno lodge. Later return back to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Kigali and half day City Tour.
This is day marks the end of what we hope was an amazing 5 day gorilla trekking safari. After having a relaxed breakfast, you will drive back to Kigali in Rwanda; and depending on departure flight time, you can have a half day tour of Kigali City. During your Kigali city tour, you will visit some amazing cultural and historical places in the city like; Kigali genocide memorial center, camp Kigali, Nyamirambo women’s center and Caplaki craft village; where you can grab some souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones back home. End of Tour.
