3 Days Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking tour in Congo

3 days Eastern lowland gorilla tour to Congo takes you to the Kahuzi Biega National Park for an amazing tour to see the endangered Grauer’s gorilla. Kahuzi-Biega National park is one of best places to go for a safari in Congo. It is one of the few national parks in Africa that remain relatively undiscovered with pristine wilderness and offering a feeling of being in true African wilderness – unspoiled and uncrowded. A safari in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is special and will reward visitors who are courageous to visit with amazing landscape and the Africa of our dreams.

Kahuzi Biega is one of the two natural habitats to Eastern lowland gorillas. The other population is found in Maiko National Park which is also in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are about 4,800 Eastern lowland gorillas remaining in the wild. Eastern lowland gorillas are the largest of the gorilla sub-species and the closest in appearance to mountain gorillas. Tracking eastern lowland gorillas generally takes a shorter time – lasting between 1 to 4 hours. There are 4 habituated gorilla groups within Kahuzi Biega National Park with one very close to the park offices itself. Two of the groups tend to move deeper into the forest or highlands especially during the dry season to look for food.

This 3 days Eastern lowland gorilla tour usually starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda but it can also start from Kisoro in Uganda. If coming from Kigali, you will cross to the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Cyangugu border. Visitors coming from Uganda will enter Congo through the Bunagana border. The package assumes that you will depart through Kigali international airport. Security while on a safari in Kahuzi Biega is excellent and there have been no incidences involving tourists like it is with Virunga National Park. It is possible to combine gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega and Virunga National Park to see mountain gorillas or hike mount Nyiragongo.

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Head to Bukavu Congo

Day 2: Lowland Gorilla tracking at Kahuzi Biega National Park

Day 3: Heading Back to Kigali and Depart

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Head to Bukavu Congo

If you are arriving from Kigali, our company guide will pick you up from your hotel or airport and take you to Congo using the Cyangugu border. The journey to Congo is long but if you love nature, you will be impressed with the beautiful rolling hills of Rwanda, the beautiful forests along the way and primates along the road while passing through Nyungwe national park. You will then cross into Congo using the Bunagana border and go all the way to Bukavu town which is close to Kahuzi-Biega national park. Visitors coming through Uganda will cross to Congo using the Bunagana border which is close to Kisoro town.

Overnight and Dinner at either Orchid Safari Lodge (Luxury) or Hotel Horizon (Mid-range and Budget).

Day 2: Eastern Lowland Gorilla tracking at Kahuzi-Biega National Park – Nature/Community Walk

Lowland gorilla trekking at Kahuzi-Biega National Park starts with registration at the park offices. You will get up early and have breakfast before heading for the park offices. After registration you will be briefed on the rules to follow while tracking lowland gorillas, what to expect and the history of the park. The park authorities will assign you to one of the four habituated Eastern Lowland Gorilla groups. Expect to take about 4 hours out in the jungle looking for the primates. Once you find them take time to observe as much as you can because you will only have one hour with them. Remember to take as many photos and videos as you can. The park has other mammals, primates and bird species that you will encounter as you track the primates. On completion, you will head back to the starting point where you will find the driver to take you for lunch and a shower. Later in the afternoon, the driver will take you to visit the community homes, the Kibati waterfalls, Bukavu town, the Mbayo tea estate or the nearby research center. Alternatively, you can choose to go for a walk at the Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Overnight and Dinner at either Orchid Safari Lodge (Luxury) or Hotel Horizon (Mid-range and Budget).

Day 3: Head back to Kigali or Kisoro for departure

You should wake up early and take breakfast as you wait for the driver to start the journey to Kigali in Rwanda though the Changungu border. The driver will ensure that the long journey is as memorable as possible by making short stops to key landmarks and attractions along the way. You will stop to visit the former palace of the King of Nyanza and where he is laid to rest with the wife. There is also the Museum in Butare. Expect to arrive in Kigali evening late in the afternoon.

End of Tour

Quote Inclusions and Exclusions

The Tour includes: Ground transportation, Fuel, Gorilla tracking permits, 3-days accommodation including meals, bottled water time, A company driver/guide and related expenses. The tour cost also includes Park/Ranger Fees and Transportation by a 4×4 safari vehicle.

Tour Exclusions: Airfares, Visa Fees, Personal Insurance, drinks, telephone, laundry, cigars, tips, accommodation and meals not included in the itinerary. This tour doesn’t include accommodation before and after the tour but we can arrange it on request.

Accommodation

Orchid’s safari club: Orchid’s safari Camp is simply the best luxury lodge in Bukavu and close to Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The lodge offers 22 luxury rooms overlooking the amazing lake Kivu. Each room is self-contained and decorated with African art. You also find all the amenities that you would expect from a luxury hotel. There is a central lounge with a bar, restaurant and expansive area for relaxation. Staff are very friendly and welcoming. Food is great and consists of both local and international cuisine prepared by resident chefs. We highly recommend this lodge if you are after high quality services in a secure and serene environment that Lake Kivu offers.

Horizon Hotel Bukavu: Horizon Hotel and Orchid’s Safari Club are two of the most popular lodges in Bukavu. Whereas Orchids focuses on luxury services, Horizon is more affordable. Horizon Hotel offers mid-range and luxury rooms which are self-contained and of very good quality. All rooms have a private terrace, private bathroom, free toiletries and a modern bathroom. There is also a sitting area, working tables, chairs, free internet and a flat screen Television. The other general amenities are an in-house bar, a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant. We also highly recommend Horizon Hotel is you have a lower budget but still want to stay in a quality self-contained lodge.