16 Days Combined Congo Burundi Rwanda and Uganda Trip

Are you interested in a trip covering many African countries to see the African Apes, we have a 16 Days Combined Congo Burundi Rwanda and Uganda Trip which will allow you to explore some of the most beautiful and culturally rich parts of East Africa. Each country has its own unique attractions, and this itinerary will give you a taste of the diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures in the region. Here’s a suggested itinerary for 16 Days Combined Congo Burundi Rwanda and Uganda Trip:

Day 1-2: Arrival in Burundi (Bujumbura)

• Arrive in Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi.
• Explore the city, visit the Livingstone-Stanley Monument, and take a boat ride on Lake Tanganyika.
• Overnight in Bujumbura.

Day 3-4: Gitega and Karuzi

• Drive to Gitega, the second-largest city in Burundi, and visit the Gitega National Museum.
• Continue to Karuzi to experience local culture and traditions.
• Overnight in Karuzi.

Day 5-7: Travel to Congo (Bukavu)

• Cross the Ruzizi border into Congo and head to Bukavu Town.
• Explore Bukavu and the surrounding Kahuzi Biega National Park.
• Enjoy gorilla trekking in the Kahuzi Biega National Park to see the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.
• Overnight in Bukavu.

Day 8-9: Return to Rwanda (Kigali)

• Drive back to Rwanda and return to Kigali.
• Explore Kigali, visit the Genocide Memorial, and experience the city’s vibrant culture.
• Overnight in Kigali.

Day 10-12: Explore Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park)

• Head to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.
• Go trekking to see the endangered Golden monkeys
• Explore the park, visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, and hike to beautiful viewpoints.
• Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 13-14: Travel to Uganda (Kisoro)

• Cross the border into Uganda and drive to Kisoro.
• Explore the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda.
• Visit Lake Mutanda, take a canoe trip, and hike in the nearby hills.
• Overnight in Kisoro.

Day 15-16: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Departure (Kampala or Entebbe)

• Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Go gorilla trekking in Bwindi to see another group of mountain gorillas.
• After the trek, return to Kampala or Entebbe for your departure.

Please note that this 16 Days Combined Congo Burundi Rwanda and Uganda Trip itinerary is just a suggestion and can be customized to your preferences.

Here is some Comparisons of Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.

Comparing the cost for Gorilla Trekking permits in Congo Compared to Uganda and Rwanda; Gorilla trekking is much cheaper in Congo compared to Uganda and Rwanda. This issue of price difference is basically out of policy differences between these three countries Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. Rwanda wants to promote itself as a Luxury destination while Uganda wants to market itself as an affordable destination. Congo is trying to promote its gorilla tourism to attract more travelers after a long turmoil in the region that caused a lot of insecurity.  Whereas Uganda is promoting it’s self as the preferred best affordable destination for gorilla trekking among the 3. The experience and duration spent with gorillas is still the same in the all the 3 countries? Gorilla trekking in Uganda Compared to Rwanda and Congo

The Gorilla permit in Uganda Costs $700 Per person per trek for the Foreign nonresidents, $600 Per person for residents and $70 (Ugx 250,000) for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan), this gives you an opportunity to spend one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

The Gorilla permit in Rwanda Costs $1500 Per person per trek for the Foreign nonresidents, $500 Per person for foreign residents and $200 for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan), this gives you an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

A gorilla permit in Congo costs $400 per person per trek for the high season months of Mid-December to mid-march then June to October and then $200 for the low season months of mid-march to mid-May and then mid-October to mid-December every year. A gorilla permit in Kahuzi Beiga National Park costs $400 for foreign non residents, $200 for East Africa Residents and $20 national resident. Lowland Gorilla trekking permit price in Congo Kahuzi Biega National park costs USD400 for Non Residents, East African Residents-USD200 and National Citizens of Congo-USD20

In terms of accessibility, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a better option than Uganda and DR Congo. Reasons to support this is that Volcanoes National Park is a 2-3 hours drive from Kigali, that Gorillas are easily seen with a short drive time possible even in one day. This is indeed very true and no one can run away from it. People used to avoid gorilla trekking in Bwindi because of the 9-10 hours drive from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi but now we arrange tours to Bwindi via Kigali which then becomes 4-5 hours drive only. With this, you land in Kigali, use the East African Tourist Visa (which allows you to visit both countries at ago) and then trek gorillas in Uganda at an affordable price. Because of this, even Rwanda tour operators are selling Bwindi instead of their country.

In terms of Lodges, Both Countries have Budget, Mid Range and Upmarket Lodges where you could choose to stay during your trek. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is the best place for gorilla trekking for those interested in staying in super luxury lodges on international standards compared to Bwindi. These lodges offer great and luxury services some are ranked among the best in Africa and the country at large for example Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Volcanoes National Park. However for those looking for much budget offers then Uganda and Congo is best option for you given the fact there are many options to choose from where to stay ranging from $30 to $100 as per your booked package.

In terms of Gorilla families, Uganda has more gorilla families open for trekking than Volcanoes National Park. Bwindi has 20 habituated gorilla family groups this means 160 Gorilla permits are available every day for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Volcanoes National Park has 12 Gorilla families hence 96 Gorilla permits are available each day for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Congo has 10 gorilla families that is 8 in Virunga National Park and 2 in Kahuzi Beiga National Park. This makes it more flexible to get gorilla trekking permits in Uganda compared to Rwanda and Congo especially during the peak season months.

In terms of the best gorilla trekking experience, the whole truth is that Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo have gorillas and there is no big difference when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of your trek. Chances of seeing gorillas in all countries are 98% so which ever country you visit you will be able to see these great apes in their natural environment. However Uganda is unique given the fact you an option to spend more time with the mountain gorillas through Gorilla habituation experience which is only done in Bwindi forest, a gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 per person giving you an opportunity to spend 4 hours encounter with the semi habituated mountain gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers as opposed to one hour for the normal trekking. Congo as well gives you a unique opportunity to see the Eastern Lowland gorillas which are found in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

In terms of distance to see Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo, The issue of walking longer or short distance depends on the given gorilla family allocated to you on the day of trekking at of the national park in the country you choose to go for gorilla trekking. In all the 3 countries gorilla families are allocated depending on the interest and physical fitness of given individual. If for example, you want a shorter trek, you will have to inform the park authorities on the very day of trekking so that you are allocated such family. If you want a medium or longer trek, then you do the same. It should be noted that while they will try to give you a family that requires shorter walks, the behavior of gorillas might affect the experience if for example gorillas decide to move further as you look for them you will need to move a longer distance still.

Best time for booking this 16 Days Combined Congo Burundi Rwanda and Uganda Trip

Visiting Burundi, Rwanda Uganda and Congo at once is possible all year round. The best months to track gorillas include; June to August and December to February since they receive the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, when you happen to travel during March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation.

Why book this 16 Days Combined Congo Burundi Rwanda and Uganda Trip Through Eco Adventure Safaris?

Eco Adventure Safaris takes pride in customizing tailor made safaris. It has a very diligent and trust worthy team. Your queries are answered within 30 minutes by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make you a travel plan for you, answer to all your questions and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. Feel free to contact us for more details about this 16 Days Combined Congo Burundi Rwanda and Uganda Trip.