Explore leading DRC wildlife safari packages in a destination whose tourism potential has not been fully explored. DRC has insecurity issues but while in East Africa you can access the Eastern part that is safe for tourists. While here, look out for attractions like Mountain gorillas, Mount Nyiragongo and Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega national park.  Below are some ideal itineraries you can look at while intending to take on the Congo Adventure

Mount Nyiragongo in DRC Safari Packages
Mount Nyiragongo Lava Lake. Courtesy Photo

Day 1: Transfer to Goma

You will be driven to Goma in DRC from Kigali as its usually the nearest arrival point. If you are in Uganda you can equally be driven across the border to DRC in Goma town. You will get there early enough you can visit Goma town and get to know more about the Congolese lifestyles.

Day 2: Nyiragongo Hike

Head to Kibati post where you will meet your guides, rangers and porters, for briefing and proceed with the adventure. A Nyiragongo hike offers scenic views of the greater Virunga massif, Ruwenzori ranges and the great lakes in the vicinity. The hike takes 5 to 6 hours with stopovers for a rest and photography. You will therefore get to the mountain top or summit early enough for a rest and enjoy some scenic views. You will check-in your chalets at the Volcano rim waiting for the night to have magnificent views of hot lava. This can be clearly seen in the night and early in the morning.

Day 3: Descend the Volcano

You will have an early sight seeing of the hot lava and then embark on your journey descending the Volcano. Arrive early for a transfer back to Rwanda for a drop off at the airport for departure if on schedule.

End of Tour 

Mountain Gorilla in Democratic Republic of Congo
Mountain Gorilla in Virunga National Park. Photo by Blue Skye Photos

Day 1: Transfer to Virunga National Park DRC.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Kigali for a transfer across the border to Virunga national park. As per the new park regulations, you are supposed to be at the border by 8:00 am.  Meet the security team for a convoy transfer to Virunga national park arriving early and head to your lodge.

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Tracking

After briefing you will be guided to the forested mountains of Virunga National park a home to the mountain gorillas. The park has other mammal wildlife species and birds. You will be allowed in the presence of gorillas for an hour taking photos, observing and knowing more about them. You will later be brought back to your lodge for a rest and can go for a guided nature walk.

Day 3: Departure

On this day after breakfast at your lodge, you will be driven back to your hotel in Kigali or Goma.  In-case you want to add more adventures to this itinerary like the Nyiragongo hike then its also very doable.

End of Tour.

Kahuzi Beiga National Park Lowland Gorilla Tour

Eastern Lowland Gorillas Kahuzi Biega NP Democratic Republic of Congo
Silverback Lowland Gorilla in Kahuzi Beiga NP DRC. Photo by Shannon

This beautiful national park is also located in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.  If in Goma you can access the park by boat to Bukavu a port on Lake Kivu near the park. In-case you are in Rwanda coming from Kigali you can take a road trip to Bukavu via Nyungwe forest. Kahuzi Biega is unique of all the gorilla parks because it has a unique mountain gorilla species, the lowland gorillas. Below is the itinerary that can enable you fully explore this part of the great Congo.

Day 1: Transfer to Kahuzi Biega NP

You will be picked up from your Hotel for a transfer to Kahuzi Biega National park in Eastern Congo. You will take a boat cruise along lake Kivu further south of the lake. From Kigali you can fly to Kamembe airstrip near Nyungwe forest and connect to Bukavu by road. Alternatively you can take a 6 to 7 hours drive from Kigali to Cyangungu border for an overnight in Bukavu.

Day 2: Lowland gorillas expedition

After breakfast you will report to the park headquarters for a briefing about lowland gorilla tracking.  You will then be guided to the forested mountains of Kahuzi Biega where you will meet this rare gorilla species. You will be in the presence of the gorillas for an hour, later be led back to the your lodge. The Kahuza Biega ecosystem offers endemic wildlife species encounters and part of the Albertine rift endemics.

Day 3: A tour to the Lwiro Sanctuary

On this day you will have breakfast and be taken for a tour to the Lwiro sanctuary. This is a home and rehabilitation center for orphaned chimpanzees and you will get to learn more about them.  Later  you will be driven back to your Hotel or Lodge.

You will have breakfast and head out for a briefing at the park headquarters about the mountain hike.  You will then be guided on this jungle mountain hike seeing various wildlife species like birds and primates.  After reaching the summit you will later descend the mountain for a transfer to your lodge for a rest.

Day 5: Departure

You will be driven to Bukavu border and crossover back to Rwanda and directly head to Kigali.   You will proceed for a drop off at the airport for departure or Hotel depending on schedule.

End of Tour.