What is the age limit for gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, DR Congo, is 15 years old. This regulation is in place to ensure the safety of both the trekkers and the gorillas, as younger visitors may find it challenging to maintain composure or adhere to strict instructions during an encounter.

Do I need a special visa for this gorilla trek in DR Congo?

Yes, a specific tourist visa for the Democratic Republic of Congo is required. For guests visiting Virunga National Park, this is often a 'Safari Visa' which is facilitated through the park upon confirmation of your gorilla permit and accommodation booking. Our team will assist you with the necessary steps to obtain this visa, which is typically processed electronically and collected at the border.

What should I pack for the gorilla trekking experience?

For the gorilla trek, we recommend sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, long trousers (tucked into socks or gaiters to prevent insects), a long-sleeved shirt, a waterproof jacket, a hat, gardening gloves (for gripping vegetation), a small daypack, plenty of water, and energy snacks. A camera with extra batteries and no flash is also essential. Due to variable weather in the rainforest, layers are advisable.

What is the difference between Mikeno Lodge and Bukima Tented Camp?

Mikeno Lodge is a luxury lodge located within Virunga National Park's headquarters at Rumangabo, offering high-end bungalows, excellent amenities, and is generally further from the gorilla trekking starting point. Bukima Tented Camp is a semi-luxury tented camp located very close to the Bukima patrol post, which is the actual starting point for gorilla treks, offering a more rustic but incredibly convenient experience for trekkers. Your choice depends on your preference for comfort vs. proximity to the trek start.

3 Days DR Congo Mountain Gorilla Trek | Virunga Safari from Kigali

Immerse yourself in the heart of Africa on a transformative 3-day mountain gorilla trek in Virunga National Park, offering an intimate encounter with endangered gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Map

FAQs

Overview

This 3 Days Gorilla Trek in DR Congo safari is a short yet profoundly rewarding journey into one of Africa’s most iconic conservation areas—Virunga National Park.

As the oldest national park in Africa, Virunga is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a vibrant sanctuary for a significant population of endangered mountain gorillas, set amidst lush rainforests, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and breathtaking scenery.

This quick adventure presents a rare and privileged opportunity to come face to face with these magnificent, gentle giants in their pristine natural habitat.

Designed for discerning travelers seeking an extraordinary wildlife experience within a limited timeframe, this all-inclusive trip seamlessly begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda. Along the way, you’ll be treated to scenic drives through verdant landscapes, opportunities for authentic cultural interactions, and the unparalleled thrill of tracking gorillas through dense jungle.

Whether you are embarking on your first African safari or are a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, this gorilla trekking in DR Congo will undoubtedly leave you with powerful, lasting memories and a profound appreciation for the natural wonders of the Congo.

Highlights

Day 1: Scenic transfer from Kigali to Bukima, Virunga National Park
Day 2: Unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
Day 2: Spend a magical hour observing a habituated gorilla family
Day 3: Return journey to Kigali with cultural insights

Day 1 :

Pick-up from Kigali and Transfer to Bukima, Congo

Your captivating adventure begins early this morning with a warm welcome and pick-up from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. After a brief safari orientation by your expert guide, you will embark on a picturesque 4-hour drive towards the Rwanda–Congo border.

The journey takes you through Rwanda’s enchanting, undulating countryside, past vibrant rural towns, before arriving in Goma, DR Congo, where a delicious lunch awaits.

Following lunch, the journey continues deeper into the heart of Virunga National Park, heading towards Bukima. This area serves as the primary base for gorilla trekking within the park.

Upon arrival, you will check into your chosen lodge, settling in for an evening of relaxation amidst the serene natural beauty. Spend the remainder of the day unwinding and preparing for the thrilling gorilla encounter that lies ahead.

Accommodation:

Silver/Gold: Bukima Tented Camp (Semi-Luxury tented camp, closer to trek start)
Platinum: Mikeno Lodge (Luxury lodge, located further inside the park)

Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Drinks: Bottled Drinking Water

Day 2 :

Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

An early start awaits this morning with a hearty breakfast at your lodge. Afterward, your driver-guide will transfer you to the Virunga National Park headquarters in Bukima.

Here, you will attend a crucial briefing session where experienced park rangers will share essential guidelines, rules, and expectations for your gorilla trekking adventure. You will then be assigned to one of the habituated mountain gorilla families.

With your armed park ranger leading the way, you’ll set off into the misty, dense forests of Virunga. The trek itself can vary significantly in duration, from as short as 30 minutes to as long as 7 hours, depending on the gorillas' movements and location on any given day.

The hike can be physically demanding, traversing uneven terrain, dense vegetation, and potentially muddy slopes, but the anticipation of meeting the gorillas fuels every step.

Once you locate them, you will be granted a magical and strictly observed one hour to quietly observe these incredible primates as they feed, play, groom, and interact within their family unit.

It’s an intimate and awe-inspiring experience that few words can truly capture. After this profound encounter, you will trek back to your lodge to relax and reflect on an unforgettable day.

Accomodation & Meals: Same as day 1

Day 3 :

Return to Kigali and End of Tour

After a relaxed breakfast at your lodge, you will check out and begin your scenic drive back to Kigali, passing through Goma once more.

Along the way, you’ll make a stop at the Congo–Rwanda border, providing time to stretch your legs, capture some final photographs, browse for local souvenirs, or simply soak in the cross-border atmosphere.

Once back in Kigali, you will be comfortably dropped off at your hotel for post-tour accommodation or directly at Kigali International Airport, depending on your onward travel plans.

This marks the end of your short but profoundly unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking safari in Congo.