7-Day Congo Gorillas and Chimpanzee Safari| mum And Dad Uganda Tours
7 days Congo gorillas and chimpanzee safari, This 7-day Congo Gorilla Safari is one of the most exceptional and rewarding packages among Congo safaris. The Democratic Republic of Congo is a land richly blessed with natural beauty, offering a unique and untouched wilderness that 
is rare to find anywhere else in the world.
During this unforgettable journey, you will have the opportunity to track the majestic mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, encounter the rare lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, and observe the playful chimpanzees—often referred to as the mountain gorillas’ little cousins—in the lush Mahura Forest.
Detailed itinerary for 7 days Congo gorillas and chimpanzee safari
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport & Transfer to Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide. After a short briefing about your 7-day Congo safari, you’ll have the chance to refresh at the airport restaurant. Alternatively, if you’re already in Kigali, your guide can pick you up directly from your hotel.
You will then embark on a scenic 7-hour drive to Kahuzi-Biega National Park, home to the rare lowland gorillas. This picturesque journey takes you through Rwanda’s rolling green hills and past the renowned Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Along the way, you’ll stop in Nyanza to visit the King’s Palace, enjoy lunch, and continue to the Rusizi border, where you will cross into the Democratic Republic of Congo and proceed to Bukavu, located near Kahuzi-Biega National Park. dinner and an overnight at
Accommodation options; Orchid’s safari lodge/ Hotel Panaroma/ Elizabeth Hotel Bukavu
Meal plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner
drinking water on board
Day 2: Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
After an early breakfast, you will prepare for your lowland gorilla trekking adventure. Your guide will transfer you to the Kahuzi-Biega National Park headquarters, approximately a 45-minute drive from your hotel.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and introduced to the park officials, who will conduct a detailed briefing on what to expect during the trek. You will then be assigned to a ranger team and begin your trek into the dense tropical rainforest in search of the elusive Eastern Lowland Gorillas.
The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family on that particular day. Kahuzi-Biega is home to more than five habituated gorilla families, and you are guaranteed to track and observe one of them.
Once you locate the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend one unforgettable hour in their presence—watching their behavior, taking photos and videos, and soaking in the experience of being up close to these gentle giants.
After the trek, you’ll return to your starting point and be transferred back to the lodge. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and reflect on the day’s incredible experience as you await dinner.
Accommodation options:
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Orchid’s Safari Lodge
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Hotel Panorama
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Elizabeth Hotel Bukavu
Day 3: Boat Cruise to Goma & Transfer to Virunga National Park
7 days Congo gorillas and chimpanzee safari, Your day begins with an early breakfast and check-out from the lodge. Your safari guide will escort you to the port for a scenic boat cruise across Lake Kivu to Goma. This water transfer is a more convenient and enjoyable option, taking approximately 3 hours—offering a relaxing and picturesque alternative to the long drive.
Upon arrival in Goma by mid-morning, you will be welcomed by officials from Virunga National Park. Your gorilla trekking permits will be ready, and you’ll be transferred to your accommodation near the park.
After settling in and enjoying lunch, spend your afternoon on a guided nature walk and explore the nearby communities for a cultural immersion experience.
Accommodation options:
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Mikeno Lodge
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Kibumba Tented Camp
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Today is a highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking in the renowned Virunga National Park. After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing, which begins promptly at 8:00 AM.
During the briefing, park rangers will explain the guidelines, rules, and safety precautions for trekking. While the gorillas are habituated to human presence, they are still wild animals—so it’s important to follow instructions closely to ensure a safe and respectful experience.
You will then be assigned a gorilla family and set off into the forest, guided by experienced rangers. The trek can be either moderate or challenging depending on the gorilla family’s location and your physical fitness level, but the reward of encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is well worth the effort.
Once you find the gorilla family, you will have the extraordinary opportunity to spend one full hour observing their behavior, taking photographs, and simply enjoying the rare privilege of being in their presence.
After the trek, return to the starting point and transfer back to the lodge to relax and reflect on this unforgettable experience.
Day 5: Double Gorilla Trekking Experience
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading back to the Virunga National Park headquarters for another pre-trek briefing—similar to the previous day. This time, you will be assigned a different trail and a new gorilla family to track, giving you a fresh and unique experience.
As with your first trek, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing the behavior and interactions of a different group of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It’s a rare privilege to witness these endangered creatures twice, offering deeper insight and appreciation of their lives.
After the trek, return to the starting point where your guide will meet you and transfer you back to the lodge for some well-deserved rest.
Later in the evening, you may choose to relax at the lodge, take a short nature walk, or visit the Senkwekwe Centre, the only orphanage for mountain gorillas in the world, located within the park headquarters.
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Mahura Forest
Today offers yet another thrilling primate encounter—chimpanzee trekking in the beautiful Mahura Forest. The trek begins early, as chimpanzees are most active just before they leave their nests for the day.
You will have a very early breakfast before transferring to Rumangabo, where the Mahura Forest is located. With the guidance of park rangers, you’ll set off on foot through the forest in search of these intelligent and energetic primates.
The trek typically doesn’t take long, and once the chimpanzees are located, you will enjoy observing their fascinating behavior in the wild.
After the experience, return to the lodge for a hot lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing, or opt for a peaceful nature walk around the lodge surroundings.
Accommodation options:
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Mikeno Lodge
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Kibumba Tented Camp
Day 7: Transfer Back to Kigali & Departure
Wake up at leisure and enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out of the lodge for your return journey to Kigali. Before crossing the border, you’ll stop at the migration office to process your re-entry into Rwanda. Please note that unless you hold a valid East African Tourist Visa, you will be required to pay for a new entry visa.
Continue your scenic drive to Kigali, with a lunch stop en route.
Upon arrival in Kigali, you may opt for a brief city tour, including visits to local craft markets where you can purchase souvenirs and handmade items as a memory of your safari experience.
Afterwards, you will be dropped off at your hotel or transferred directly to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, depending on your travel schedule.
End of 7 days Congo gorillas and chimpanzee safari
Includes in the Congo gorillas and chimpanzee safari
Gorilla tracking permits
Low land gorilla permits
Chimpanzee trekking
All ground transport including pick and drop off
Full board meals and accommodation
Park entry
And all other activities mentioned in the itinerary
It Excludes in the Congo gorillas and chimpanzee safari
Visa entry fees
Expenses on personal nature
Tipping
Air tickets and any other not mentioned in the itinerary.