3 Days Congo Gorilla Safari from Kigali
The 3-Day Congo Gorilla Safari Tour to Virunga National Park differs from Uganda and Rwanda. The increase in the price of gorilla permits in Rwanda has made silverback gorilla excursions and safaris to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo better and more affordable. A gorilla permit in the Democratic Republic of the Congo costs $400 USD, whereas gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 USD. Our three-day Congo gorilla safari to Virunga National Park is meant to provide our guests with a less expensive but still unique opportunity to experience gorilla trekking in the renowned Virunga national park, which has so much to offer despite poor reputation and recent closures.
Day 1: Arrival and pick-up – Kigali city tour – Virunga National Park transfer
Our guide will meet you at the Kigali airport or hotel. He/she will take you on a tour around Kigali after briefing you on the excursion. The former presidential palace, the genocide memorial site, the main city market, and artisan shops will all be visited. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase souvenirs and gifts for friends and family. Following the morning city tour, the driver will depart towards the Congo border. After you arrive at the Congo border, you will eat lunch, visit the migration office, and then be handed over to the Virunga National Park Authorities for transfer to your park lodge.
Day 2: Congo Gorilla Trekking – Evening Relaxing or a trip to the Senkwekwe Center
Three Days in Congo Hiking the Gorillas While you wait for the park authorities to pick you up from your hotel, you will need to get up quite early to eat breakfast. The advantage of staying close to the Virunga national park headquarters is that you will be able to begin the gorilla tracking briefing on time. Congo has eight habituated gorilla groups. Your gorilla group will be assigned to you based on your degree of fitness and other things. When with the gorilla family, follow the advice of the Guides and Rangers. Remain calm and avoid making needless noises or motions that may irritate the gorillas. After your one hour with the gorillas, return back to the starting point where you will meet your guide to drive back to the resort for relaxation. If you are staying at Mikeno Lodge, you can go for a walk, relax at the hotel, or visit the gorilla orphanage at the Senkwekwe Centre in the evening.
Day 3: Return to Kigali for departure.
Get up at your leisure, eat breakfast, and get ready to begin the journey back to Kigali. The park authorities will bring you up to the border crossing point, where you will cross back into Rwanda and meet a Mission Africa Safaris driver.
