6-Day Trip to Visit Eastern Lowland Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas

Are you interested in visiting Gorillas both in DR Congo and Uganda this 6-Day Trip to Visit Eastern Lowland Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas is the best itinerary to book, Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Uganda is a unique and exciting adventure that allows you to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat?

This 6 Day Trip to visit Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Congo and Mountain Gorillas in Uganda will allow you to trek different species of gorillas, you will visit Kahuzi Biega National Park in Bukavu DR Congo to trek Eastern Lowland Gorillas after you will visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to trek the Mountain Gorillas. It’s essential to plan your trip carefully to ensure a safe and memorable experience. Here is a detailed itinerary for 6-Day Trip to Visit Eastern Lowland Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas;

Day 1: Transfer to Kahuzi-Biega National Park

• Morning: Early breakfast and depart for Kahuzi-Biega National Park, home to the Eastern Lowland Gorillas. The drive takes around 2-3 hours.
• Afternoon: Briefing at the park headquarters, followed by a short nature walk.
• Overnight: Stay in Bukavu. Recommended lodges include Orchids Safari Club or Hotel Begonias.

Day 2: Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park

• Morning: After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing.
• Trekking: Start the gorilla trek, which can take between 1-6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Spend up to one hour with the gorillas once found.
• Afternoon: Return to Bukavu for relaxation.
• Overnight: Same lodge as Day 2.

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

• Morning: Depart Bukavu, cross back into Rwanda and drive to Cyanika border post to enter Uganda. The journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is about 6-7 hours.
• Afternoon: Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Overnight: Stay at Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, or Gorilla Forest Camp.

Day 4: Batwa Pygmies Community Experience

• Morning: After breakfast, head to the Batwa Pygmy community for a full-day cultural experience.
  • Introduction: Meet with the Batwa guides who will provide a background on the Batwa people, their history, and their culture.
  • Forest Walk: Take a guided walk through the forest where the Batwa will demonstrate their traditional hunting and gathering techniques. Learn about the medicinal plants and their uses.
  • Traditional Dance and Music: Participate in or observe traditional Batwa dances and music performances.
  • Craft Demonstration: Watch the Batwa as they make traditional crafts and possibly purchase some handmade souvenirs.
  • Storytelling: Listen to stories about the Batwa’s way of life, their challenges, and how they are adapting to modern changes.
• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional meal prepared by the Batwa community.
• Afternoon: Continue with more cultural activities and interactions.
• Overnight: Stay at Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, or Gorilla Forest Camp.

Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park

• Morning: Early breakfast and briefing at the park headquarters.
• Trekking: Begin the mountain gorilla trek. The hike can vary in duration depending on the gorillas’ location. Spend up to one hour with the gorillas.
• Afternoon: Return to the lodge for relaxation.
• Overnight: Same lodge as Day 4.

Day 6: Return to Kigali and Departure

• Morning: After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. The journey takes about 4-5 hours.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Kigali, possibly visit some local attractions such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
• Evening: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Key Considerations

• Permits: Gorilla trekking permits are essential and must be secured well in advance. The cost for permits is $400-600 for Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Congo and $800 for Mountain Gorillas in Uganda.
• Fitness Level: Gorilla trekking can be strenuous and requires a reasonable level of physical fitness.
• Health Precautions: Ensure you have necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial medication. You need to have yellow fever vaccination for entry in DR Congo and Uganda.
• Packing List: Essentials include sturdy hiking boots, waterproof clothing, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera.

This itinerary offers a comprehensive experience of both Eastern Lowland and Mountain Gorilla trekking, providing an unforgettable adventure in two unique environments.

About Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Biega National Park was created in 1970 and the first Lowland Gorilla trekking was done in 1973, when it come to Lowland gorilla trekking it ranks high, it was gazzeted to conserve the Grauer’s gorilla species the world’s largest gorilla species. The Eastern Lowland gorilla also known as Grauer’s gorillas is the largest of the largest of the four gorilla subspecies, trekking Eastern Lowland gorillas is done in Kahuzi Biega National park located in Congo 30kms from Bukavu town the can be accessed by road and air. The park was gazetted in 1970 and the first lowland gorilla trekking was done in 1973, this type of trekking is only done here and this makes the park rank high when it comes to the lowland gorilla trekking. The Park has 12 gorilla families and out of these only 2 gorilla families are habituated and they are open for visitors to trek. The families are called Chimanuka and Mugaruka both named after a dominant silver back, Chimanuka is famous for many visitors given it consist of one of the largest gorilla family in the world with over 36 gorilla individuals.

About Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest is done in 4 sectors which include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi and Ruhija sector in the North Eastern part of Bwindi both sectors are located close to Queen Elizabeth National Park making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game viewing if you are trekking at these sectors. In the southern Part of Bwindi it is where Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are located close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking. Each sector has different habituated mountain gorilla families open for gorilla trekking with Rushaga sector having many families compared to other sectors.

What is the best time for Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo and Uganda?

The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and DR Congo is during the dry season months which occurs in the months of December, January, February, June, July, August and September during these months it always easy to walk through the trails which are drier compared to the wet months then as well the vegetations is not fully grown and this makes sighting of gorillas easy and more clear. Other months which are slightly wet that is March, April, May, October and November most travelers avoid visiting gorillas during these months because the vegetation is fully grown and trails are much slippery making the trekking much harder.

Where to stay near Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

This ranges from budget, mid-range to luxury. Budget options include Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus bukavu, Lake Side Hotel Bukavu among others fares range from 90-100 dollars a night per person, mid-range options include Coco Lodge Bukavu among others fares range from 100-200 dollars a night per person and then Luxury options include L’Orchids Safari Club fares range from 200-400 dollars a night per person. You let us know the best option that works for you and we will for availability and book you according.

Where to stay during Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park is done in the northern part that is Buhoma and Ruhija and in southern part that is Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. In Rushaga lodges, you can stay at Rushaga Gorilla camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and Karungi Camp. In Nkuringo lodges you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge or Lake Mutanda Resort, all these lodges are close to the start point of Gorilla Habituation and Gorilla trekking.

In the northern part, in Buhoma sector you can stay at Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman among others, In Ruhija you can stay at Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp among others.

How to access Congo for gorilla trekking?

You will fly to Kigali International Airport then connect to Gisenyi town; from Gisenyi town you will cross the Rwanda-Congo boarder to Goma town in DR Congo then drive towards the park headquarters of Kahuzi Beiga National Park from where you will do start the gorilla trek from, it is approximately a 2 hours drive from Gisenyi town to reach the park headquarters.

Why book 6 Day Trip to visit Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Congo and Mountain Gorillas in Uganda Through Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing gorilla safari experiences to DR Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. We are also highly rated and reviewed on Trip Advisor. We combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, these include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises excursions and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience including popular and great African safari destinations Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia. Feel free to contact us for more information about booking this 6-Day Trip to Visit Eastern Lowland Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas.