A Week Trip to Rwanda and DR Congo

Here’s a proposed A Week Trip to Rwanda and DR Congo itinerary that incorporates golden monkey trekking in Rwanda, lowland gorilla trekking in Bukavu and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe.

Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

• Morning: Take a city tour of Kigali, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
• Afternoon: Drive to Volcanoes National Park (2.5–3 hours).
• Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

• Early morning: Golden monkey trekking experience.
• Afternoon: Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village or relax at the lodge.
• Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 3: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park

• Full-day scenic drive along Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
• Stop at viewpoints and local markets en route.
• Overnight near Nyungwe Forest.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

• Early morning: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest.
• Afternoon: Canopy walk or nature hike in Nyungwe.
• Overnight near Nyungwe Forest.

Day 5: Drive to Bukavu, DR Congo

• Morning: Cross the border into DR Congo via Rusizi.
• Afternoon: Explore Bukavu town or relax at your lodge.
• Overnight in Bukavu.

Day 6: Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

• Full-day: Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
• Overnight in Bukavu.

Day 7: Bukavu to Kigali

• Morning: Drive back to Rwanda via the Rusizi border.
• Afternoon: Return to Kigali (6–7 hours).
• Overnight in Kigali.

Highlights of A Week Trip to Rwanda and DR Congo

• Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
• Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest.
• Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

About Kahuzi Beiga National Park

Kahuzi Beiga 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 gorillas 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.

For now the Virunga National Park where Mountain Gorilla Trekking is done and Hiking the Nyirangongo Volcano is still closed due to conflict with the M23 rebels and tribal conflicts around the park areas. But other National Parks and areas and some areas of Congo are very safe that is Kahuzi Beiga National Park is open for tourists to visit and you have a chance to trek and see the Eastern Lowland Gorillas. Nyiragongo hike is not available due to security reasons So if you are interested in visiting Congo we can arrange for you a 3 day tour to visit the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park

How much is gorilla trekking in DR Congo?

Gorilla trekking in DR Congo is done in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park, like gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, you will need a gorilla permit for you to be allowed to trek the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park and Mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. Eco Adventure Safaris provides relevant gorilla permit booking information for Congo to enable you plan your gorilla safari well. You don’t have to hassle booking your gorilla permit if you choose from our Congo gorilla tours. We will check for you availability of gorilla permits for your requested dates, book and purchase them for you once you have made payment and book all services on your behalf. Usually you have to obtain a gorilla permit several months in advance. We always advise at least 5 months in advance or prior to your visit given they are only 2 groups available for trek in Kahuzi Biega National park. While booking a gorilla tour, always pay your gorilla permit fee in advance to enable us acquire it for you.

Lowland Gorilla trekking permit price in Congo Kahuzi Biega National park are as follows;

Non Residents-USD400

East African Residents-USD200

National Citizens of Congo-USD20

Where does gorilla trekking start from in Congo. Gorilla trekking is a daily activity done in Virunga National Park in Congo, a gorilla permit costs USD400 per person per trek for the high season months of Mid-December to mid-march then June to October and then USD200 for the low season months of mid-march to mid-May and then mid-October to mid-December every year. As Eco Adventure Safaris we do provide all-inclusive gorilla tour packages for all the visitors with no hidden costs. The most essential and priority cost is the gorilla permit price that you will incur to secure your trek in Virunga National Park. All our tour packages range from budget safaris to Luxury safaris and you can opt to do any as we tailor your trip together according to your interest. We do have Gorilla tour packages that start in Kigali for the DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali. For a 2day Trip from Kigali costs USD1100 per person in a group of two inclusive of Gorilla permits and as a budget option, transportation, accommodation, Meals, guide services are inclusive as well.

What is the best time to visit Congo for Gorilla Trekking?

Congo is located in the tropics and with this it experiences tropical climate and weather throughout the year, both Virunga and Kahuzi Beiga National Parks experience the same weather, with this both national Parks are prone to receiving uncertain rains any time of the day or week, good months to visit Congo for gorilla trekking are 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.

For tourists interested in visiting Congo for gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park have a special gorilla trekking offer during the wet season that is low season, during this time the gorilla permit costs USD200 per person per trek during the months from Mid-March to May and Mid-October to Mid-December (15^th March to 15^th May and 15^th October to 15^th December every year).

Why Book A Week Trip to Rwanda and DR Congo Through Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing gorilla safari experiences to 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 about booking A Week Trip to Rwanda and DR Congo.