Discover Congo’s best in just ten days. This 10 Days Congo Safari combines mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega, chimpanzees, the active Nyiragongo Volcano hike, nature walks, and a Kigali city tour.
Moreover, the itinerary can start in Goma or Kigali and finishes in Kigali perfect for a seamless international departure. Finally, it’s designed to be primate-rich, action-packed, and utterly unforgettable.
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Highlights
Mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park.
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking in Mahura Forest.
Hike to the Nyiragongo volcanic summit and its lava lake.
Scenic transfers via Lake Kivu and Nyungwe forest.
Kigali city tour and cultural introduction.
Comfortable lodge stays (Mikeno Lodge included) and guided ranger briefings.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Kigali city tour.
Your driver-guide meets you at Kigali International Airport; afterwards, check in and, time permitting, enjoy a concise Kigali city tour. Then relax at your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
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Day 2: Transfer to Bukavu via Nyungwe and Lake Kivu.
After breakfast, travel to Bukavu while taking in views of Nyungwe forest and Lake Kivu. Next, check into your hotel, unwind, and prepare for tomorrow’s trek.
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Day 3: Eastern lowland gorilla trek (Kahuzi-Biega).
Early briefing and then set off with packed lunch. Trekking may last 30 minutes to several hours, and once located you have one hour with the gorillas to observe and photograph them. Afterwards return to the lodge for dinner.
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Day 4: Nature walks & Tshibati waterfalls.
In the morning, enjoy guided nature walks and visit tea estates en route to the Tshibati waterfall. Meanwhile, watch for birds and wildlife at water’s edge. Later, return to the lodge to rest.
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Day 5: Transfer to Goma (speed boat) & Virunga check-in.
Check out and take a 3–4 hour speed boat across Lake Kivu to Goma. Then collect your Virunga gorilla permit at park HQ and check in at Mikeno Lodge. Finally, relax on the terrace before dinner.
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Day 6: Mountain gorilla trekking (Virunga — first family).
After a ranger briefing at Bukima, track mountain gorillas; trekking can vary from 30 minutes to 5 hours. Once found, spend an hour observing their natural behaviors. In the afternoon, you may visit the Virunga Congo hounds.
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Day 7: Second mountain gorilla trek.
Today you track a different gorilla family for a fresh experience. Afterwards enjoy a picnic in the forest and, later, visit the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage or rest at the lodge.
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Day 8: Chimpanzee trekking (Mahura Forest).
Depart early for a briefing, then search for chimpanzees with trained researchers and guides. Trekking may last 30 minutes to 4 hours; once found, you’ll spend an hour with them before returning to the lodge.
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Day 9: Nyiragongo Volcano hike (to summit).
Begin very early and drive to Kibati Post for ranger briefing. Then hike through rich biodiversity to the summit, where you’ll witness one of the world’s largest lava lakes. Enjoy dinner and an overnight at the summit camp.
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Day 10: Descend Nyiragongo & return to Kigali.
After an early breakfast on the summit, descend to Kibati and drive back to Kigali with lunch en route. Finally, arrive in Kigali for your onward flight or overnight stay.
Why this safari?
First, it concentrates the Congo’s top primate encounters in one efficient route. Second, it mixes active adventure (volcano hike) with relaxed nature walks and cultural stops. Therefore, it’s ideal for both wildlife lovers and adventurous travellers who value comfort and expert guides.