Virunga Gorilla Trekking Tour in Congo.
The 3 Days Virunga Gorilla Trekking safari is a short but rewarding adventure to Virunga National Park in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This Congo safari is suitable for travellers who wish to experience a close encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park and is famous for its dramatic landscapes, lush forests, active volcanoes and rich wildlife. The highlight of this safari is gorilla trekking, one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in Africa.
Safari Highlights
Day 1: Transfer to Virunga National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Day 3: Transfer from Virunga National Park to Goma
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Virunga National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel or agreed meeting point in Goma. After a short briefing by the guide, you will begin the drive to Virunga National Park headquarters. The journey takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on road conditions and your starting point. Along the way, you will enjoy views of Lake Kivu, local villages and the green countryside surrounding the park.
When you arrive at the park, you will check into a booked lodge. You will be served lunch at the lodge. After having lunch, you will relax at the lodge till evening. In the evening, you will be served dinner, and you retire to bed for your night’s rest.
Meal plan
- Lunch and dinner
Accommodation options at Virunga National Park
- Luxury: Mikeno lodge
- Midrange: Bukima tented camp
- Budget: Kibumba camp
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred from the lodge to the park headquarters by the guide. At the park headquarters, you will meet park rangers for a briefing session about Congo gorilla trekking rules, safety guidelines and expectations. You will then be assigned a gorilla family and begin the trek into the forest with an experienced armed ranger guide. The trekking time can take about 2 to 6 hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas in the forest.
Once the Congo gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one full hour observing them in their natural habitat. You will watch them feed, play, groom each other and move through the forest. This close interaction is emotional, peaceful and deeply memorable. After the trek, you will return to the starting point and then drive back to your lodge for lunch. The afternoon is free for rest, photography, or sharing stories about the experience. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the lodge.
Meal plan
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Transfer from Virunga National Park to Goma
You will have breakfast in the morning and then check out of the lodge. After checking out, the driver guide will take you back to Goma. This will take about 1 to 2 hours to get to Goma. Upon arrival, you will visit Lake Kivu if time is on your side. The guide will then drop you off at a hotel, marking the end of the 3 days Virunga gorilla trekking safari.
Meal plan
- Breakfast
Safari Includes
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Park entry fees
- English-speaking driver guide
- Pick-up and drop-off
- 4 x 4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation for 2 nights
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water
- All activities fees as per the itinerary
Safari Excludes
- Visa fees
- Air ticket fees
- Life insurance
- Personal expenses like alcoholic beverages and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
