5 Days Congo Lowland Gorilla Safari
This 5 Days Congo Lowland Gorilla Safari takes travelers into Kahuzi-Biega National Park, one of DR Congo’s most important protected areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is known for its rich rainforest, volcanic mountains, biodiversity, and the rare eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas. DR Congo’s official tourism platform describes Kahuzi-Biega as a 6,000 km² protected area of montane and lowland rainforest in Sud-Kivu Province.
The journey combines lowland gorilla trekking, scenic drives around Lake Kivu, cultural encounters, and time to experience Bukavu’s relaxed lakeside atmosphere. It is a strong option for travelers who want a less common gorilla trekking experience beyond Uganda and Rwanda.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Track eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
- Explore one of DR Congo’s most biodiverse rainforest parks
- Enjoy scenic views around Lake Kivu and Bukavu
- Visit local communities and learn about life around the park
- Experience a quieter, less crowded gorilla trekking destination
- Optional nature walk, coffee experience, or city tour in Bukavu
PRICING
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Final pricing may vary depending on travel dates, lodge availability, domestic flight rates, room category, and group size. For an exact quote, please contact us.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali or Bukavu
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda or Bukavu, DR Congo, depending on your preferred starting point.
If starting from Kigali, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred towards the Rwanda-DR Congo border. After border formalities, continue to Bukavu, a lakeside city on the southern shores of Lake Kivu.
Check in at your hotel and relax after the journey.
Overnight: Hotel in Bukavu
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Bukavu City Experience and Lake Kivu
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed introduction to Bukavu.
Depending on timing and local arrangements, activities may include a short city tour, a visit to local markets, lakeside viewpoints, or a cultural/community experience.
The afternoon can be spent relaxing by Lake Kivu or preparing for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Overnight: Hotel in Bukavu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to Kahuzi-Biega National Park headquarters for registration and briefing.
You will then enter the forest with park rangers and guides in search of the eastern lowland gorillas. The trek length may vary depending on the location of the gorilla family on the day.
Once the gorillas are found, spend time observing their behavior, movement, feeding, and family interactions. This is the main highlight of the safari.
After the trek, return to Bukavu for rest and overnight.
Overnight: Hotel in Bukavu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Nature Walk, Community Visit or Optional Second Gorilla Trek
Spend the day exploring more of the Bukavu and Kahuzi-Biega area.
Depending on availability and guest preference, you may choose one of the following:
- Guided nature walk
- Community or cultural visit
- Coffee experience
- Bukavu city tour
- Optional second lowland gorilla trek
This extra day gives the itinerary breathing room and allows travelers to enjoy Congo beyond the main gorilla trekking activity.
Overnight: Hotel in Bukavu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast, check out and begin your return journey.
You may be transferred back to Kigali, dropped off at the border, or assisted with onward travel arrangements from Bukavu.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
INCLUSIVE
- Accommodation for 4 nights
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off, depending on start point
- Ground transport in a comfortable safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Lowland gorilla trekking permit
- Park entrance fees
- Ranger and guide fees for gorilla trekking
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and activities
- Community or city visit as listed in the itinerary
- Border assistance where applicable
- All applicable local taxes and service charges
EXCLUSIVE
- International flights
- Visa and passport fees
- Travel insurance and medical insurance
- Vaccinations, medication, and personal health requirements
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and extra beverages
- Optional activities such as balloon safari or cultural visits
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, and extra snacks
- Costs caused by delays, missed flights, cancellations, or changes beyond the operator’s control
YOUR EXPEDITION AWAITS
Envision Your Experience
Whether you want a short escape, a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a bigger Africa safari, Afoyo Safaris can help you build the right itinerary. We can help with route planning, accommodation, guided experiences, activities, and extensions to nearby destinations.
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