This 18-day Majestic Congo, Rwanda & Uganda Tour takes you to the most prized game parks and tourist hot spots in the region, for instance, Virunga National Park, and additionally, Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Congo, Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, and, naturally, Lake Kivu in Rwanda.
In these parks and tourist places, you will enjoy fantastic game drives and boat launches, memorable primate encounters, nature walks, and beautiful scenery. The tour includes the memorial sites in Kigali.
On this 18-day Magnificent Congo, Rwanda & Uganda Tour, you will visit mountain gorilla troops in Virunga National Park.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival In Kigali International Airport
Experience an incredible journey for Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking! Start your adventure by crossing the Rwanda-DRC border at Gisenyi/Goma. From Goma, take a scenic drive to the city of Bukavu. Reach your comfortable Kahuzi-Biega National Park lodge, like Coco Lodge or L’Orchids Safari Club, perfectly positioned for your primate safari.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive In Volcanoes National Park
Experience the thrill! Start your day right with an unforgettable morning game drive through Volcanoes National Park. Spotting incredible wildlife is a highlight as the rising sun illuminates the stunning volcanic landscape. Track and photograph unique species and immerse yourself in the park’s vibrant ecosystem.
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking In Volcanoes National Park
Experience the incredible! On Day 3, you trek deep into Volcanoes National Park to find and observe the majestic Mountain Gorillas. Join expert trackers as you navigate the rainforest and witness these critically endangered primates in their natural habitat. Capture stunning photographs and spend a magical hour with a habituated family. This essential wildlife encounter will create lasting memories.
Day 4: Transfer To Congo
Begin your journey with a picturesque drive from Gitega to Bukavu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While the journey covers a significant distance, nevertheless,plan for the drive to take approximately 5 to 6 hours. Allowing for border crossings and variable road conditions. Upon arrival in the evening, settle in for a relaxing stay at the luxurious Orchids Safari Club in Bukavu, a highly-regarded lodge nestled on the shores of Lake Kivu.
Day 5: Drive to Kahuzi Biega National Park
Enjoy a scenic drive to Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Visit the Lwiro Primate Centre (a chimpanzee orphanage) and a local waterfall, which offers a view of the former residence of Mobutu Sese Seko. Conclude your day with an overnight stay in the comfortable cottages at Kahuzi Lodge, perfectly positioned for your park activities.
Day 6: Low Land Gorilla Trekking
Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park begins with the essential steps of registration and a briefing at the park offices, where you will be assigned to one of the four habituated Eastern Lowland Gorilla groups. Upon locating the gorillas, visitors are granted a precious one-hour window to observe their behavior, capture photographs, and take videos, maximizing this limited time for an unforgettable encounter.
Day 7: Transfer To Goma
Your exciting day kicks off with a morning breakfast, followed by a 4-5 hour boat transfer to Goma, where you’ll settle in for an overnight stay at Palm Garden Resort.
Day 8: Goma City Tour
Dive into a comprehensive Goma City Tour, offering an immersive learning experience into the local culture and daily life. You’ll engage with residents, sample traditional food, and enjoy local dances. The tour also provides a deeper perspective on social challenges by visiting local schools to understand educational hurdles and an orphanage to witness the impact of conflict on rural families. Conclude your day with an overnight stay at the luxurious Goma Serena Hotel.
Day 9: Transfer To Kibati Hiking point
Start your epic journey by driving to Kibati, the official trailhead for the Nyiragongo volcano hike. Prepare for an adventurous 5-6 hour ascent to the summit, where you’ll witness the mesmerizing and volatile world’s largest lava lake.
An overnight stay at the summit allows for incredible photography opportunities of this natural wonder.
Day 10: Descend Nyiragongo
Enjoy a relaxed morning breakfast while capturing final photos of the active lava lake at the summit. Afterward, begin your descent from Nyiragongo back to Kibumba Camp.
Day 11: Adventure in Virunga
Following an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Park Headquarters for an essential briefing on the rules of gorilla trekking. The adventure begins immediately after, as you enter the thick jungle of Virunga National Park with your guides to track the gorillas. Be prepared for a challenging trek that involves navigating rugged, steep, and often muddy terrain, which can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. This effort, however, is rewarded with a vibrant atmosphere filled with rich forest sounds. Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll have a precious one hour to observe them before returning for your overnight stay at Kibumba Camp.
Day 12: Transfer To Butembo
Embark on an extensive 12-hour scenic drive that takes you through the towns of Lugunangabo, Ruthuru, Ishasha, and Kayabayanga, culminating in the city of Butembo. Upon arrival, you will enjoy dinner and spend the night at the comfortable Marafiki Safari Lodge.
Day 13: Butembo city tour
Dedicate a full day to an insightful Butembo City Tour, exploring this vital commercial center. You’ll discover its large markets, the impressive cathedral, and major hospitals. This region is also renowned for its tea and coffee production, offering a unique insight into the local economy. The tour offers a comprehensive learning experience in Congolese history and an invaluable opportunity for in-person interaction with local people. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at the comfortable Marafiki Safari Lodge.
Day 14: Community encounters
Engage in a cultural immersion by visiting the local communities surrounding Butembo, a city predominantly (90%) populated by the Nande tribe, known for its strong ethnic solidarity. This visit offers a comprehensive learning experience in Congo history and provides genuine, in-person interaction with local people. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at the Marafiki Safari Lodge.
Day 15: Transfer To Beni
Enjoy the scenic views on a short 1.5-hour drive from Butembo to Beni, covering approximately 44 km. You will conclude your journey with dinner and an overnight stay at Beni Hotel.
Day 16:Transfer To Rwenzori In Uganda
Embark on a scenic drive from Beni, passing through Rwenzori and Mitwanga, and then crossing over the Semuliki area. Keep a keen eye out for potential sightings. In addition, watch the rare okapis while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains.. The journey continues down to the Kasindi border, where you’ll cross into Uganda, concluding your day with an overnight stay at the magnificent Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 17: Morning game Drive In Rwenzori
Start your day with an exciting morning game drive deep into the crater. you have the chance to spot diverse wildlife, including elephants, warthogs, hyenas, buffaloes, and various antelopes. This is followed by an afternoon boat cruise that offers a comprehensive view of the area’s remaining wildlife. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at the luxurious Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 18: Departure Flight
our unforgettable adventure concludes with a flight back to Entebbe, marking the end of your journey. Finally, you will depart, carrying incredible memories that will last a lifetime.
