Over view
25-Day DRC Gorilla and Nyiragongo Hike Combined with Kenya–Tanzania Migration Safaris.
Consequently, in this package, you will visit a group of unique apes (Eastern Lowland Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas), which is undeniably one of the most thrilling and most sought-after adventures. you should count on it as a must to include in your next safari holiday. Spending a few hours on a face-to-face encounter with these dramatic creatures is such a magical experience that comes once in a lifetime! Visitor encounters with these Great apes entirely involve exploring their general behavior and lifestyles (feeding, mating, nesting, body gestures, and others) while they are in their natural habitat. This is among the rarest experiences for one visiting Africa.
Included in the package is a hike to Nyiragongo, which is a beautiful stratovolcano that features the world’s largest lava lake.
While the trek up to the volcano will not be the easiest (it takes 4 to 6 hours), it will be completely worth it once you reach the top. The lava lake is incredible, and tourists spend hours watching the waves of lava and listening to its roars. This will surely be an unforgettable experience, and probably one of the best things you will ever do.
After Congo, you will go for game safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, countries which are well-known worldwide for their abundance of wildlife and high biodiversity. You will experience the most craved for migratory and some resident wildebeest, which number over 2 million individuals, constitute the largest population of big mammals that still roam the planet. They are joined in their journey through the Serengeti – Mara ecosystem by 250,000 plains zebra, half a million Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, and tens of thousands of topi and Coke’s hartebeest. Masai giraffe, waterbuck, impala, warthog, and hippo are also abundant. Some rarely seen species of antelope are also present during the migration, such as common eland, klipspringer, roan antelope, bushbuck, lesser kudu, fringe-eared oryx, and dik
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Airport pickup and transfer to your Hotel in Kigali. Early arrivals can take an optional tour of Kigali city and the surrounding areas. Overnight and Dinner at City Blue Hotel.
Day 2: Transfer To Bukavu, DR Congo
After an early morning breakfast, you will be picked up by the driver from your hotel in Kigali and driven southwards to the Cyangugu border on the way to Bukavu in DR Congo. You will have a stopover in Butare, where you will visit the national museum of Rwanda, the king’s palace in Nyanza, and the Rwanda genocide memorial site. After lunch, continue on a scenic journey to Bukavu with wonderful views of the hills in Rwanda through the tropical forest of Nyungwe National Park and a clear view of Lake Kivu. Dinner and overnight at Panorama or Orchid Safaris Club.
Day 3: Lowland Gorilla Tracking Tour In Kahuzi-Biega
You will head for the memorable adventure of tracking the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Tracking lowland Gorillas is very amazing. Lowland Gorillas differ from the mountain gorillas; the lowland gorillas are bigger in size, and it usually takes 1-4 hours to track the lowland Gorillas. The lowland Gorillas stay in bigger families as compared to the mountain gorillas; you will not regret the safari effort once you meet the amazing Gorillas! Later in the afternoon, drive back to your hotel for dinner and a night’s stay.
Day 4: Transfer To Goma
In the morning, you will take a boat from Bukavu to Goma, which takes 6-7hours. Upon arrival in Goma, transfer to your hotel for rest and overnight at the Hotel. In the afternoon, Goma city tour and return back to the hotel.
Day 5: Transfer To Virunga National Park
First, after your hotel pickup, you will be transferred to Virunga National Park. Subsequently, upon arrival, you’ll check into Kibumba Tented Camp. Afterward, the afternoon will focus on a gentle nature walk and bird watching. This takes place within the surrounding Kibumba Village. Finally, later you return to camp for dinner and your overnight stay.
Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Consequently, after an early breakfast at Kibumba Tented Camp, trekkers will head down the hill to meet their Ranger guides. They will have a briefing before the gorilla trek. Furthermore, treks usually require 1-2.5 hours of hiking each way. This depends on the location of the gorilla group and the difficulty of the terrain. Following the allotted hour with the gorilla family group, trekkers will then make their way back to camp. Finally, they will enjoy a late lunch and have the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 7: Hike Nyirangongo
After an early breakfast at the summit, you will descend at around 12 pm, depending on the group’s speed. Upon arrival at the bottom, proceed back to Kigali. For rest and overnight
Day 9 : Transfer To Nairobi
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will meet your dedicated Driver Guide and transfer to Nairobi for dinner and overnight at your hotel/lodge.
Day 10: Visit Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, we’ll drive straight to Lake Nakuru for lunch with a glimpse of the beautiful flamingo birds. The afternoon will be spent on a game drive within the park, before returning to your camp or lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.
Day 11: Masai Mara Adventure
After breakfast, check out of your accommodation. Next, we transfer directly to the Masai Mara for a day of full game viewing. During the day, you’ll have the option of a packed picnic lunch or driving back for a hot meal before the game drive resumes. Later in the evening, you will drive back to your lodge, camp, or tented camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 12-13: Masai Mara
Your midday meal is flexible. You can choose an adventurous picnic lunch. Enjoy it at a scenic park viewpoint. This lets you cover greater distances and stay out longer. Or, return to camp for a hot lunch and a short rest. You’ll then resume your afternoon game search
Your midday meal will be flexible: you may opt for an adventurous packed picnic lunch to be enjoyed at a scenic viewpoint within the reserve, allowing you to cover greater distances and stay out longer. Alternatively, you can drive back to your camp or lodge for a relaxed, hot lunch and a brief siesta before continuing your search for wildlife in the afternoon.
As the sun begins to set, signaling the end of an exhilarating day, you will drive back to your comfortable camp, tented camp, or lodge. The evening is reserved for a delectable dinner followed by a peaceful overnight stay, preparing you for the next day’s unforgettable safari
Day 14: Transfer To Serengeti, Tanzania
After breakfast, the morning begins with a drive toward the Tanzanian border. With lunch boxes provided for the journey, we’ll reach Isebania, where you’ll finalize customs formalities and obtain your Tanzania Visa. The transfer subsequently proceeds into the Serengeti, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and settle in for the night.
Day 15-16: Serengeti National Park
Days 15 and 16 focus on the unforgettable transition to the vast plains of the Serengeti. Your morning begins with a delicious breakfast, fueling you for one last game drive in your current location. Following this, you will transfer to Serengeti National Park, known globally for the Great Migration and its massive concentration of wildlife. The drive itself serves as a game viewing opportunity, allowing you to experience the changing landscape. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into your accommodation. The full day of Day 16 is dedicated to extensive game drives, exploring the Serengeti’s immense wilderness, and searching for the Big Five, ensuring a truly immersive safari experience.
Day 17: Ngorongoro Reservation Area
This day marks your transfer from the plains to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You’ll enjoy a morning breakfast and then embark on the scenic drive. This journey will take you to the rim of the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge, often situated with stunning views overlooking the crater or the surrounding highlands. The afternoon is open for relaxing, enjoying the lodge amenities, or a guided nature walk. Appreciate the unique ecosystem of the area.
Day 18: Ngorongoro Reservation Area Game Drive.
Day 18 is entirely dedicated to exploring the magnificent crater floor. Following an early breakfast, you will descend hundreds of meters into the Ngorongoro Crater. This natural enclosure boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, offering unparalleled photographic opportunities. Your full-day game drive will focus on spotting the ‘Big Five with the inclusion of the endangered black rhino, as well as vast herds of zebras, wildebeest, and numerous predators. You will enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before ascending back to the rim in the late afternoon, concluding an incredible day of intensive game viewing within this natural wonder.
Day 19: Transfer To Lake Manyara
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll drive from Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara. The scenic transfer takes about two to three hours. Generally speaking, roads are good for this journey. You arrive near the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Here, you will visit the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu. This unique town is a cultural melting pot. Your visit allows you to engage with locals. You’ll learn about their diverse lifestyles. Explore their traditional crafts and farming
This immersive morning is followed by a hot, locally prepared lunch, giving you a taste of authentic Tanzanian cuisine before the afternoon’s wildlife viewing
Afterwards, you’ll head into Lake Manyara National Park for an exciting afternoon game drive. Known for its lush groundwater forests, shimmering soda lake, and diverse habitats. The park offers a chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and immense flocks of flamingos when the water levels are right. As the day winds down, you’ll be transferred to your selected campsite, tented camp, or lodge outside the park for a well-deserved dinner and overnight rest.
Day 20: Transfer to Arusha
First, the final morning begins with an exciting game drive within the park after breakfast, maximizing your last opportunity to view the wildlife. Subsequently, following the drive, you’ll return to your campsite, tented camp, or lodge to enjoy a satisfying hot lunch. Afterwards, you will commence your transfer back to Arusha. The drive is timed to ensure you arrive in the city in the late afternoon, with plenty of time to check into your hotel or lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 21: Summit Challenge and Return to Arusha
Today marks a unique and exciting day, with a focus on the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. Following an early breakfast, you will be driven to the mountain’s base, arriving promptly at the Marangu Gate. Here, you will begin your thrilling day hike by trekking through the lush rainforest along the well-known Marangu Route. Your first rest point is Mandara Hut, where you will pause to enjoy a well-deserved picnic lunch.
After enjoying the air and scenery at Mandara, you will begin your descent, trekking back down to the Marangu Gate. Your dedicated driver-guide will be waiting to meet you there. Upon meeting, you will immediately begin your transfer back to Arusha, completing your brief but memorable Kilimanjaro experience.
Day 22: Farewell Dinner in Arusha
You will arrive in Arusha this afternoon or evening. You’ll have time to settle into your accommodation. The day ends with a relaxing dinner and overnight stay. Reflect on your amazing safari and Kilimanjaro trek. Onward travel is scheduled for tomorrow.
Day 23: Amboseli National park
After breakfast, you will begin your journey toward Kenya, with a packed lunch provided for the drive.
Your first major stop is the Namanga One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), the official crossing point between Tanzania and Kenya. Upon arrival, you will complete customs and immigration formalities. including obtaining your Kenyan Visa (or presenting your pre-arranged e-Visa).
Therefore, immediately following the border process, you will continue your drive to Amboseli. You will arriving in time for an exciting afternoon game drive. This is a prime time to view the park’s famous large herds against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
After the late afternoon game drive, you will transfer to your camp or lodge. You can relax, enjoy a leisurely evening, have dinner, and settle in for the overnight stay.
Day 24: Full Day Game Drive
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before dedicating the entire day to full-day game viewing within the park. This comprehensive excursion ensures maximum opportunities for wildlife sightings. Alternatively, depending on your preference or the location of your accommodation. You either carry a picnic lunch to a scenic spot or drive back for a hot meal. Consequently, following the extensive day of exploration, you will return to your camp, tented camp, or lodge in the late afternoon for a relaxing evening, dinner, and overnight rest.
Day 25: Departure
Consequently, following this, a final breakfast at your camp or lodge, you will then head out for one last thrilling morning game drive. This is your chance to capture any memorable wildlife sightings you may have missed or simply savor the final moments of the African wilderness. Immediately thereupon, following the drive, you’ll return to your accommodation for a satisfying hot lunch. In the afternoon, your adventure concludes as you are transferred directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi to catch your flight back home.
