Wildlife & Culture Tour
3 Day Congo Gorilla Tour| Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour| Virunga National Park Gorilla Tour
Overview
3 Day 2 Night DR Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour
Virunga National Park | Gorilla Tracking from Kigali | Congo Wildlife Adventure
Experience the Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Safari in Congo
Embark on an unforgettable 3 Day 2 Night DR Congo Gorilla Safari Tour in the legendary Virunga National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse protected areas.
This short but powerful safari takes you deep into the jungles of the Congo Gorilla trekking experience, home to the endangered mountain gorillas of the Virunga Massif, shared between:
- Virunga National Park (DR Congo)
- Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda)
Start and end your journey in Kigali, Rwanda, making this one of the most accessible Congo gorilla trekking safaris.
Why Choose Virunga National Park for Gorilla Trekking?
Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Africa’s oldest national park, established in 1925. It is globally recognized for its unmatched biodiversity and dramatic landscapes.
Key Highlights:
- Home to over 250 habituated mountain gorillas
- One of the most biodiverse parks in Africa
- Located in the Great Albertine Rift Valley
- Features volcanoes, forests, savannah, and lakes
- Famous for Mount Nyiragongo volcano (optional hike)
Despite past security challenges, Virunga remains one of the most adventurous and rewarding gorilla safari destinations in Africa.
Virunga National Park Wildlife & Biodiversity
Virunga is home to extraordinary wildlife, including:
Mammals:
- African elephants
- Buffaloes
- Okapi
- Leopards
- Giant forest hogs
- Antelopes and duikers
Primates:
- Mountain gorillas
- Chimpanzees
- Golden monkeys
- Blue monkeys
- Colobus monkeys
Birdlife:
- Over 700 bird species, including rare Albertine Rift endemics
Cultural Experience in Virunga Region
The park is surrounded by rich indigenous communities such as:
- Batwa (Pygmy) people
- Mbuti communities
- Hutu and Tutsi groups
Visitors may experience:
- Traditional dances
- Local storytelling
- Cultural village tours
- Forest survival skills demonstrations
3 Day 2 Night Congo Gorilla Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali (Rwanda) – Transfer to Bukima (DR Congo)
- Meet your safari guide in Kigali
- Drive through scenic countryside to Gisenyi border
- Cross into DR Congo and continue to Bukima
- Overnight near Virunga National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
- Early morning briefing at park headquarters
- Enter the jungle for a gorilla tracking adventure
- Trek through dense forest for 1–4 hours
- Spend 1 magical hour with mountain gorillas
- Photography and observation of gorilla families
- Return to the lodge for relaxation
Day 3: Return to Kigali (Rwanda)
- Breakfast at the lodge
- Drive back through Goma and cross the border
- Transfer to Kigali Airport or hotel
- End of safari
Gorilla Trekking Experience in Virunga
Gorilla trekking in Virunga is one of the most thrilling wildlife encounters in the world.
What to expect:
- Guided jungle trekking with armed rangers
- Encounter with gorilla families such as the Kabirizi group
- Observation of gorilla behavior in a natural habitat
- Strict conservation and eco-tourism rules
Optional Activities in Virunga National Park
- Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
- Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
- Nature forest walks
- Lake Kivu boat cruise
- Batwa cultural village visit
Best Time to Visit Virunga National Park
Recommended Seasons:
- Dry season (best trekking conditions):
- June – September
- December – February
Wet season:
- March – May
- October – November
(cheaper rates but muddy trekking conditions)
Travel Access Routes
1. Rwanda Route (Most Popular):
- Fly into Kigali International Airport
- Drive 4–5 hours to Gisenyi border
- Cross into Goma (DR Congo)
2. Uganda Route:
- Travel via Kisoro → Bunagana border
- Cross into Congo and continue to Virunga
Accommodation Options in Virunga Area
Luxury:
- Mikeno Lodge
Mid-range:
- Kibumba Tented Camp
Budget:
- Local guest lodges near Goma
All lodges offer comfort, safety, and proximity to gorilla trekking points.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking
- Passport, visa & yellow fever certificate
- Hiking boots and gloves
- Waterproof jacket
- Long trousers & long-sleeved shirt
- Camera & binoculars
- Insect repellent
- Day backpack with water
Why This Congo Gorilla Safari is Unique
- One of the cheapest gorilla permits in Africa ($500–$600 range)
- Less crowded compared to Rwanda & Uganda
- Highly adventurous jungle trekking experience
- Authentic and raw African wilderness
- UNESCO World Heritage destination
Book Your Congo Gorilla Trekking Safari Today
This 3 Day 2 Night Virunga Gorilla Trekking Safari is perfect for travelers seeking:
- Adventure travel
- Wildlife photography
- Primates and conservation tourism
- Unique African safari experiences
Tour Overview
Availability
January 01 - December 31
Duration
3D/2N
Pickup Location
pickup avaiable from airport, train and also cruise
Language
English
Car PickUp
Available
Tour Guide
Included
Included
- Full board accommodation
- Tour guide
- bottled water
- Transport
- Gorilla permits and any other activity named in the itinerary
Excluded
- Visas
- Kigali hotel fees
- International flights
- Extra activities
- Personal expenses like; Cigars, tips, beers, laundry services, souvenirs among others.
Itenary
-
08:00 AM
Day 1: Kigali-Rwanda to Bukima-DR Congo
Early morning, you will have a pick up from your guide; he will brief you concerning the safari.You could have a visit to the Genocide memorial sitewhere you will find out a lot that transpired during the 1994 genocide.
Have an early lunch and transfer you to Goma in Congo which is a 4 hours drive and add other 2 hours to connect to Bukima in DR Congo.
You will arrive in the evening; have dinner and spend an overnight at either Mikeno lodge (Up market) or Bukima tented camp(Mid range) or Ihusi Hotel-Goma(Budget).
-
08:00 AM
Day 2: Gorilla trekking -Virunga National Park
Have a morning delicious breakfast, after drive to the park head offices for briefing, where you will be told all the rules concerning gorilla trekking.Start off with trekking through the jungle; you are allowed only 1 hour when you meet with the gentle giants.
Also all trekkers are advised to carry enough water, non flash cameras, sturdy trekking shoes, hats, and long sleeved trousers. After return to the lodge, relax in the evening.
Have dinner and Overnight at either Mikeno lodge (Up market) or Bukima tented camp(Mid range) or Ihusi Hotel-Goma(Budget).
-
08:00 AM
Day 3: Return to Kigali
Enjoy a tasty breakfast from the lodge and return back to Kigali to your hotel/lodge having lunch on the way and if you have your flight in the evening; you will be transferred to the airport as you bid farewell to the Land of a thousand hills-Rwanda
"After a week working in Kigali, Rwanda, we did a 3-day trip to Virunga National Park in DR Congo with Ultimate Wild Safaris. Moses was our guide and driver. We left from Kigali, traveled to Congo for over 5hour drive, and had a successful gorilla trekking."
5/5
5.0/5
Customer Review

Ramires
29th May, 2020After a week working in Kigali, Rwanda, we did a 3-day trip to Virunga National Park in DR Congo with Ultimate Wild Safaris. Moses was our guide and driver. We left from Kigali, traveled to Congo for over 5hour drive, and had a successful gorilla trekking.