The 9 Day safari in Rwanda Congo to see lowland gorillas is one of the best primate safari destinations in Africa. While on this combined tour, expect to engage in myriad of experiences including lowland gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk, hike to Mount Bisoke, Ellen DeGeneres Dian Fossey campus tour, cultural experience in Iby’Iwacu village and canoeing excursion on Lake Kivu.

Primate destinations to explore as per this itinerary include Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Other areas of interest include Lake Kivu, Iby’Iwacu village and Mt. Bisoke.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up – Transfer to Bukavu Congo

Day 2: Lowland gorilla trekking

Day 3: Cross back into Rwanda – Transfer to Nyungwe national park

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking – canopy walk

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu – visit the Goma, fishing village

Day 6: Canoeing on Lake Kivu – Transfer to Volcanoes national park

Day 7: Golden monkey tracking – Visit Iby’Iwacu cultural village

Day 8: Mount Bisoke hike

Day 9: Visit Ellen DeGeneres Dian Fossey campus – Transfer to Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up – Transfer to Bukavu Congo

Following a hefty breakfast, check out of the hotel in Kigali and today, be ready for your road trip to Bukavu in the D.R. Congo. Today’s journey involves crossing the borders of Rwanda and Congo that is Cyangugu. Arrive at Bukavu early and this is where you will have a relaxed stay at one of the lodges.

Accommodation

  • Orchid’s Safari Club Hotel
  • The Lodge Coco

Day 2: Lowland gorilla trekking

Join other visitors for briefing at Kahuzi-Biega National Park offices. You will have idea on what to do and not to do on your actual eastern lowland gorilla trek. Today’s trek in search for lowland gorillas will go for 2-6 hours which includes an hour for you to observe how these apes behave and taking pictures. After the interaction with lowland gorillas, you will walk back and the rest of the evening will be had at the lodge.

Accommodation

  • Orchid’s Safari Club Hotel
  • The Lodge Coco

Day 3: Cross back into Rwanda – Transfer to Nyungwe national park

After an early morning breakfast, you will cross back to Rwanda- specifically visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park. Check in your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation

  • Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
  • Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Lodge/Hotel

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking – canopy walk

Leave your respective lodges for an early morning briefing about chimpanzee tracking regulations. You will have 2-5 hours searching for chimpanzees or slightly less/more depending on the location of these primates and your fitness level. Once you come across chimps, a maximum of an hour will be availed for you to explore how these apes behave and also take pictures.

In the afternoon, end your day at Nyungwe with a canopy walk. This involves exploring the 200m extensive canopy walkway with a guide while you keep eyes on primates and birds.

Accommodation

  • Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
  • Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Lodge/Hotel

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu – visit the Goma, fishing village

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and after, you will set off for Lake Kivu. Expect to pay a visit to the fishing village and later, return to have relaxation at the hotel.

Accommodation

  • Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 6: Canoeing on Lake Kivu – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, head off for a canoe ride on Lake Kivu. This will be perfectly done with an expert and as you cruise, keep eyes on some birds. You will return from the canoeing experience and relax, have lunch then proceed to Volcanoes National Park.

Accommodation

  • Luxury: Bisate Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/The 5 Volcanoes
  • Midrange: La Palme/Le Bambou Lodge
  • Basic: Kinigi Guesthouse

Day 7: Golden monkey tracking – Visit Iby’Iwacu cultural village

Head off to Kinigi to get briefed about your golden monkey trek and guidelines to follow. At around 8:00am, the park ranger guide assigned to you will accompany you on search for golden monkeys. On finding golden monkeys, expect to spend an hour face-to-face with a troop of the habituated apes.

When you get back to the lodge, have lunch and you will depart for evening cultural experience. Visit the Iby’Iwacu village where locals will entertain you with their unique dances and you will also explore more about their tradition, cultures as well as practices.

Accommodation

  • Luxury: Bisate Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/The 5 Volcanoes
  • Midrange: La Palme/Le Bambou Lodge
  • Basic: Kinigi Guesthouse

Day 8: Mount Bisoke hike

Get up early morning and prepare yourself for adventurous hike to the summits of Bisoke Volcano. Expect to spend 4 hours hiking to the top of Bisoke Mountain or less and later, return to have a relaxed time at the lodge.

Accommodation

  • Luxury: Bisate Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/The 5 Volcanoes
  • Midrange: La Palme/Le Bambou Lodge
  • Basic: Kinigi Guesthouse

Day 9: Visit Ellen DeGeneres Dian Fossey campus – Transfer to Kigali

A delicious cup of tea/coffee be enjoyed early morning and after, you will pay a visit to Ellen campus in the morning. The available options at the campus include behind the scenes tours and self-guided tours. After the tour, proceed to Kigali and today marks the end of tour.

End of safari

Inclusions

  • Park entry fees
  • Accommodation and all meals
  • Ground travel and service from the guide
  • Bottled water
  • Government taxes
  • All activities except when optional

Exclusions

  • Tips
  • Laundry services
  • All optional activities
  • Extra accommodation after or before start of the vacation
  • Cigarettes
  • Travel insurance