4 Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking in DR Congo
4 Days – 3 Nights
4 Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking in DR Congo
Overview
This 4 Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking in DR Congo takes you deep into Virunga National Park, one of Africa’s most biologically diverse destinations and the only place in the world where you can trek mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in the same park. Perfect for primate lovers and adventurous travelers, this tour offers an incredible opportunity to see two of our closest relatives in the wild—both endangered and protected in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The trip begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda, with all transfers, park permits, accommodations, and meals included. Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience or a compact adventure packed with impact, this tour delivers unforgettable moments in Africa’s heart of biodiversity.
-
4 Days/ 3 Nights
-
Dr. Congo
-
Guided, Private Safari
-
Airport TransfersCar hireServices of an English-speaking guideRefreshments like waterAll accommodation & MealsAll activitiesAll Taxes /VATA professional driver /guideFuelGorilla permitChimpanzee permitDrinking water
-
Tips and gratuitiesAll items of personal natureInternational flightsAlcoholic drinks
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Bukima – Virunga National Park
Your guide will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel in Kigali or from Kigali International Airport. After a short briefing, you’ll begin your 4-hour drive to Goma, crossing the Rwanda–Congo border. Enjoy the scenic views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and Lake Kivu along the way.
You’ll have a stop for lunch in Goma before continuing your journey to Bukima, the park entry point near the gorilla trekking base. Here, you’ll check into your lodge, relax, and prepare for your gorilla adventure the following morning.
Main Destination: Virunga National Park, DR Congo
Accommodation Options:
-
Luxury: Mikeno Lodge
-
Comfort: Bukima Tented Camp
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Bottled Drinking Water
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
After an early breakfast, your guide will take you to the Virunga Park Headquarters for a briefing with park rangers. You’ll then set off into the misty rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The trekking duration varies depending on the gorillas’ location—it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours. Once you find them, you’ll have an awe-inspiring hour to observe their behavior, take photos, and quietly marvel at their human-like interactions.
After the trek, return to the park base, where your driver will transfer you back to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Main Destination: Virunga National Park
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge or Bukima Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Bottled Drinking Water
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking or Habituation in Virunga National Park
Today is dedicated to chimpanzee tracking or habituation—another once-in-a-lifetime experience. After breakfast, you’ll head back to the park headquarters for a briefing.
If you choose the chimpanzee trekking experience, you’ll hike into the forest with a ranger to locate a group of wild chimpanzees. Once found, you’ll enjoy a one-hour encounter, watching them swing through the trees, groom each other, or forage for food.
Alternatively, opt for the chimpanzee habituation experience, where you’ll spend the entire day with a team of researchers, learning about the process of acclimating wild chimpanzees to human presence. This immersive experience offers deeper insight and more time with the chimps.
Note: Be sure to let us know in advance which option you’d like so we can secure the right permits for you.
Main Destination: Virunga National Park
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge or Bukima Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Bottled Drinking Water
Day 4: Return to Kigali – End of Tour
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kigali, Rwanda. On your way back, enjoy a relaxed drive with scenic stops, including the Rwanda-Congo border for souvenir shopping, photos, or a short break.
You’ll arrive in Kigali by afternoon. Depending on your flight schedule or travel plans, you can be dropped off at your hotel or at Kigali International Airport for your onward journey.
Main Destination: Kigali, Rwanda
Accommodation: Not Included (can be arranged on request)
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Drinks: Bottled Drinking Water
Request a Quote
Suggested Congo Safari Ideas
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what’s possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.
