Experience two world-class gorilla destinations in one memorable safari: first, trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park; then, cross into DR Congo to meet the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega. This short, expertly guided itinerary blends thrilling encounters, local culture, and comfortable transfers therefore it’s perfect for time-pressed wildlife lovers.
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Quick highlights
Day 1: Kigali → Volcanoes National Park.
Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking (Volcanoes).
Day 3: Transfer to Bukavu (DR Congo) via Cyangugu.
Day 4: Lowland gorilla trekking (Kahuzi-Biega).
Day 5: Return to Kigali and departure.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your guide meets you in Kigali (hotel or airport), briefs you, and then drives north to Volcanoes National Park. Meanwhile, you may add a short Kigali city tour and lunch. Finally, check in at the lodge, relax, and prepare for tomorrow’s early start.
Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking (Volcanoes)
Rise early and head to the park HQ for a mandatory ranger briefing. Then, join a group (maximum eight trekkers per gorilla family) and enter the rainforest to find the habituated mountain gorillas. Treks vary anywhere from about 30 minutes up to 5 hours but once the group is found you will enjoy a magical one-hour encounter to photograph and observe them closely. Afterwards, receive your trekking certificate and, later, connect with local communities on a guided village walk.
Day 3: Scenic transfer to Bukavu (DR Congo)
After breakfast, depart for the Cyangugu border and cross into DR Congo. En route, you will see impressive Lake Kivu and pass rural communities; lunch is served on the way. Subsequently, arrive in Bukavu in the evening, check in, and rest for tomorrow’s lowland gorilla adventure.
Day 4: Lowland gorilla trekking (Kahuzi-Biega)
Early breakfast, then transfer to Kahuzi-Biega National Park for a ranger briefing and group allocation. Next, trek through lowland forest to locate the lowland gorillas treks can take between 30 minutes and 6 hours depending on gorilla movement. Importantly, you’ll again have one hour with the gorillas to photograph, film, and simply watch their family life. Later, enjoy a guided nature walk to Tshibati waterfalls, local tea plantations, and cultural sites before returning to the lodge.
Day 5: Return to Kigali & departure
Finally, after a relaxed breakfast, check out and drive back to Kigali via Cyangugu. Then, enjoy lunch in Kigali before being dropped at your hotel or Kigali International Airport marking the end of a rare, two-park gorilla experience.
Why book this tour?
You’ll meet both mountain and lowland gorillas a truly rare combo.
The itinerary balances adventure with comfort, so you can focus on the experience.
Professional guides and park rangers handle logistics, permits, and safety.