Across the Gorilla Kingdoms: Rwanda and DRC Safari

Following an early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to Tshivanga, the headquarters of Kahuzi Biega National Park, in preparation for your lowland gorilla trekking adventure in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The day will begin with an introduction from the park warden, who will share information about lowland gorillas and how they differ from other subspecies.

You will then join a team of rangers and trackers who will take you closer to the starting point of the hiking trails leading to the gorillas. The trekking experience can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas' movements. Once located, you will have the opportunity to spend 2 hours observing them.

After your experience, you will return to Bukavu for an overnight stay at Nediva Bed and Breakfast or a similar accommodation, with an upgrade option available at Orchids Safari Club.

Following a relaxed breakfast, you will transfer to Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, so keep your passports handy for the border crossing back into the country. Enjoy the stunning views of tea plantations as you make your way to Gisakura.

You will spend the night at Ken Barham Guesthouse or a similar accommodation, with the option to upgrade to Nyungwe Topview Lodge or One and Only.

At 4:30 AM, enjoy an early breakfast or request a packed meal. This will be followed by a meeting with the ranger guide, after which you will transfer to either the Cyamudongo or Uwinka visitor center to start your chimpanzee trekking.

Later, you'll experience a canopy walk that begins at the Uwinka visitor center before returning to the lodge to relax.

Overnight accommodations will be at Ken Barham Guesthouse or a similar option, with an upgrade available at Nyungwe Top View Lodge or One and Only.

After an early breakfast, we'll go on a journey along the lakeside to the breathtaking Virunga mountains, which form the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This area is home to half of the world's Mountain Gorilla population, with the other half residing in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is considered one of the premier destinations for gorilla trekking, with trekking permits often costing twice or even three times more than at other locations. Lunch will be enjoyed along the way at Lake Kivu before checking into Volcanoes National Park.

Overnight accommodations will be at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or a similar accommodation, with various upgrade options available.

The day begins early with breakfast, followed by a transfer to the Kinigi park headquarters to meet up with other groups for gorilla trekking or alternative activities such as the volcano hike, Golden Monkey trekking, or the Dian Fossey hike, which are popular excursions in Volcanoes National Park. You will be assigned to a gorilla group and accompanied by a lead ranger and their team of trekkers. Gorilla trekking can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, so it’s advisable to bring plenty of drinking water and a packed lunch in case of delays. Once you locate the gorilla family, you'll have an hour to observe their daily behaviors.

After this unforgettable experience, you'll return to the lodge where you can enjoy Wi-Fi and review your incredible photos. Overnight accommodations will be at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or a similar option, with various upgrades available.

Following an early breakfast, head back to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for the Golden Monkey Trekking. This trekking can be scheduled for before noon or by 1 PM at the latest, allowing enough time to drive to Kigali and arrive before the genocide museum closes at 4 PM. You will visit the museum to honor the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi.

Afterward, you will be transferred to the airport for your overnight flight, concluding your 7-day Mountain and Lowland Gorilla Trekking adventure in Rwanda and DRC. End.