2 Days Virunga Gorilla Tour from Kigali
2 Days Virunga Gorilla Tour from Kigali is an adventurous short safari that starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda. During the safari you will be able to visit Virunga national park which is the oldest national park in Africa located in Eastern part of Democratic republic of Congo. The national park is known for harboring the endangered mountain gorillas which can be seen during the breathtaking gorilla trekking activity which gives you an opportunity to spend one hour with the gorillas in their natural habitat.
Highlights of the 2 days Virunga gorilla tour from Kigali
- Day 1: Pick up from Kigali and transfer to Virunga national park
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Virunga national park and departure to Kigali
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 of the 2 days Virunga gorilla tour from Kigali
Pick up and transfer to Virunga national park, on the first day of the 2 days Virunga gorilla tour from Kigali, our driver guide will pick you up from Kigali in Rwanda, brief you about the safari and then start the journey to Virunga national park in the eastern part of Congo. The journey takes about 5 hours drive passing via the Goma Grande Barrier border and on the way you will have great views of the rolling hills in Rwanda, beautiful scenery, views of Lake Kivu, local people, homesteads and en-route. After lunch you will continue the journey and join the Virunga security convoy to connect to Bukima where you will check into the lodge, have dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Virunga national park and departure to Kigali
Gorilla trekking, after an early breakfast on the second day of the 2 days Virunga gorilla tour from Kigali you will carry packed lunch and meet up with your driver to transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing about the rules, regulations and expectations of gorilla trekking. After the briefing you will be grouped into 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and a park guide who is well conversant with trails in the jungle. Gorilla trekking in Virunga national park starts at around 8:00am and takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are located, during trekking you will be able to spot other wildlife species such as different bird species, other primates, plant and tree species, beautiful scenery among others.
Once the gorillas are found you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to watch them carry out their daily activities like breastfeeding, feeding, playing, grooming each other, learn about their habits and behaviors, take great photos and record the moments to show people back home. After the one hour encounter with the mountain gorillas you will trek to the park headquarters where you will meet up with your driver guide to transfer to Kigali passing via Goma Grande barrier. You will have en-route lunch on the way and upon arrival in Kigali your driver guide will drop you off at Kigali international airport for your departure flight or drop off an the hotel depending on your schedule.
End of 2 days Virunga gorilla tour from Kigali
Gorilla tour from Kigali includes
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Services of an English speaking driver guide
- Full board accommodation
- Pick up and drop off
- Vehicle and fuel
- Bottled water
Gorilla tour from Kigali excludes
- Air flight tickets
- Visas
- Optional activities not included on the itinerary
- Life insurance
- Personal expenses like buying souvenirs, crafts, drinks, laundry services, hiring a porter, tips among others.
Gorilla trekking tips in Virunga national park
- Hiking shoes
- Garden gloves
- Long sleeved shirt and trouser
- Insect repellent
- Water proof rain jacket
- Warm sweaters
- Long cotton stockings
- Water proof back pack to carry your equipment’s
- Camera
- Drinking water and packed lunch from the lodge
- Walking stick
- Hiring a Porter who will help you carry your equipment’s and gives you a pull or a push in steep and slippery areas.
