
Travel Advice and Tips for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Revised Implementation Date for Uganda Gorilla Permits Prices
How far is Kahuzi Biega National Park from Volcanoes NP? Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, while Volcanoes National Park is situated in northwestern Rwanda. The distance between the two parks is approximately 220 kilometers (about 137 miles) as the crow flies. However, travel distance can vary significantly depending on the specific route taken, transportation methods, and any border-crossing procedures that may be involved. It’s essential to consider the current political and safety situation in the region before planning any travel between these two locations you can contact Eco Adventure Safaris to advise with the current safety situations in this area.
How far is Kahuzi Biega National Park from Volcanoes NP? This 5 Days Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo and Rwanda will give you an opportunity 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 Volcanoes 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 5 Days Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo and Rwanda;
Day 1: Kigali to Bukavu Via Ruziz Border Arrival in DR Congo
- Pick up from Kigali Meet your tour guide.
- Transfer to your accommodation in Bukavu.
- Briefing and orientation about the gorilla trekking experience.
- Rest and prepare for the trekking adventure ahead.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
- Early morning breakfast.
- Transfer to the Kahuzi Biega National Park headquarters Registration and a pre-trek briefing by park rangers.
- Begin your gorilla trekking adventure in the lush rainforest, guided by experienced trackers and armed park rangers.
- Spend up to one hour observing a gorilla family in their natural habitat.
- Return to the starting point after the trek and have lunch.
- Rest and enjoy a relaxing evening at your accommodation.
Day 3: Drive to Volcanoes National Park
- Drive to Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern part of Rwanda.
- Enjoy scenic views of the Virunga Mountains.
- Check into your lodge near the park.
- In the afternoon, take a nature walk in the surrounding area or relax at your lodge.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Early morning start for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.
- Spend time observing and photographing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
- After the trek, return to your lodge and rest.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer back to Kigali.
- Embark on a golden monkey trekking expedition in Volcanoes National Park.
- After the trek, have lunch and drive back to Kigali International Airport to end the trip with drop off at the Airport for your flight out.
End of the 5 Days Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo and Rwanda
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 gazetted 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 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 Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is also known as Parc Des Vulcan’s in French and Pariki Yigihugu yibirungu in Kinyarwanda (Local language) which is found in North-Eastern in a small town called Musanze, Rwanda in East Africa. Volcanoes National park is one of the major national parks in Rwanda and East Africa and one of the oldest parks in Africa, it is a home to the endangered apes and primates that include the Mountain Gorillas and golden Monkeys, there also many species of birds, Monkeys, trees, forest hogs, bushbucks among others in the forest as well as the unique culture. Volcanoes national park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area including five extinct volcanoes namely; Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Karisimbi and Mountain Bisoke. Gorilla tourism in Volcanoes National park has earned Rwanda economic development as it has attracted more visitors every year. Gorilla trekking is a life time experience of seeing the endangered gorillas in their natural environment and half of the population of the remaining gorillas is found in East Africa.
What is the best time for Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo and Rwanda?
The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda 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.
There is a special gorilla trekking offer during the low season months that is low season, during this time the gorilla permit costs in DR Congo USD200 per person per trek during the months from Mid-March to May and Mid-October to Mid-December (15th March to 15th May and 15th October to 15th December every year) and in Rwanda from 1st November to 31st May every year you pay $1050 for the gorilla permits if you stay 2 more nights at Nyungwe National Park or Akagera National Park.
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 near Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park range from Budget, mid-range to luxury options, Luxury options include Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Five Volcanoes Hotels and Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge. The price ranges from USD300 to USD1000 per person per night. The Midrange lodge options at Volcanoes National Park include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and Lebambou Gorilla Lodge, Davinci Lodge. For budget accommodation in Volcanoes National Park the options are many from basic accommodation to camping which include Kinigi Hotel, Hotel Muhabura, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Virunga Hotel, Faraji Hotel and La Palme Hotel or Home Inn.
Why book 5 Days Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo and Rwanda Through Eco Adventure Safaris
Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing gorilla safari experiences in 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 How far is Kahuzi Biega National Park from Volcanoes NP.

