How do Eastern Lowland Gorillas differ from Mountain Gorillas?

Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Grauer's gorillas) are generally larger and more robust than Mountain Gorillas, with shorter, coarser hair. They also tend to live in larger family groups and inhabit lowland tropical rainforests, whereas Mountain Gorillas live at higher altitudes in montane forests. Their behavior and diet can also vary based on their distinct habitats.

Is a visa for DR Congo easily obtained for this specific trek?

Yes, a specific tourist visa for the Democratic Republic of Congo is required to access Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Our tour operator will guide you through the process of obtaining this visa, which is usually tied to your gorilla permit and park entry and can be arranged in advance or sometimes obtained upon arrival at the Rusizi border with proper documentation. Please ensure you allow sufficient time for visa processing.

What is the trekking difficulty like for Eastern Lowland Gorillas compared to Mountain Gorillas?

The trekking for Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega is generally considered less strenuous than some Mountain Gorilla treks. While still involving walking through dense forest and potentially uneven terrain, the altitudes are lower, and the slopes are often less steep. The duration can still vary, from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the gorilla family's location.

What is the best accommodation option for this tour?

For this tour, we offer two primary accommodation options in Bukavu. Nediva Lodge provides a comfortable, budget-friendly stay. Orchids Safari Club offers a mid-range to luxury experience with excellent amenities and often beautiful views overlooking Lake Kivu. Both options are conveniently located to facilitate your daily transfers to Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

3 Days Kahuzi-Biega Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trek

An exclusive 3-day Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trek from Kigali, venturing into Kahuzi-Biega National Park for an intimate and rare encounter with the world’s largest gorilla species in DR Congo.

Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Map

FAQs

Overview

This 3-Day Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trek in DR Congo offers a rare and unforgettable encounter with the largest gorilla species in the world—the magnificent Eastern Lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas.

Unlike their mountain cousins, these gentle giants thrive in the lush lowland rainforests of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, one of the last remaining strongholds for this critically endangered species.

Established in 1970 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kahuzi-Biega National Park boasts unparalleled biodiversity and offers visitors a unique combination of thrilling wildlife experiences amidst stunning, untouched landscapes.

This concise safari is meticulously crafted for adventurous travelers and passionate primate lovers who seek to witness the grandeur of Eastern Lowland gorillas in a less crowded, truly off-the-beaten-path setting.

Starting and ending conveniently in Kigali, Rwanda, this immersive journey promises not just a wildlife spectacle but also a deep dive into the serene beauty of the region, leaving you with profound memories of an authentic African wilderness encounter.

Highlights

Day 1: Scenic journey from Kigali to Bukavu, gateway to Kahuzi-Biega
Day 2: Exclusive Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Day 2: Spend a magical hour observing the world's largest gorilla species
Day 3: Return drive through picturesque Rwandan landscapes to Kigali

Day 1 :

Pick-up from Kigali and Transfer to Bukavu – Congo

Your extraordinary journey begins early this morning with a welcoming pick-up from your hotel or Kigali International Airport in Rwanda.

After a concise safari briefing from your knowledgeable driver-guide, you will embark on a captivating scenic drive southwest through the picturesque Rwandan countryside.

Your destination is the Rusizi border post near Cyangugu, the entry point into the Democratic Republic of Congo. This approximately 6-hour journey is filled with breathtaking vistas of Rwanda’s signature rolling hills, vibrant green tea plantations, and charming lakeside towns.

Once you complete border formalities and cross into Congo, you will proceed to Bukavu. This charming town, nestled on the southern shores of Lake Kivu, serves as the strategic gateway to Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Arriving in Bukavu in the afternoon, you will check into your comfortable lodge, enjoy a delightful dinner, and relax in anticipation of the thrilling gorilla trekking experience that awaits you tomorrow.

Accommodation Options:

Silver: Nediva Lodge (Budget-friendly, comfortable)
Gold/Platinum: Orchids Safari Club (Mid-range to Luxury, scenic lakeside views)

Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Drinks: Bottled Drinking Water

Day 2 :

Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

An exhilarating day begins with an early breakfast at your lodge. Afterward, you will set off for a short drive to Kahuzi-Biega National Park, the heart of your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Upon arrival at the park headquarters, you’ll receive a comprehensive briefing from the park rangers, who will share vital information about the Eastern Lowland gorillas and the trekking protocols. You will then be assigned to a habituated gorilla family group.

The Eastern Lowland gorillas are notably larger and more robust than their mountain gorilla cousins, and they typically live in more sizable family groups, making for a fascinating observation. The trek itself can range from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the current location and movements of the gorilla family.

While the terrain can be challenging, involving some uphill climbs and dense forest navigation, the reward is immeasurable. Once you locate the gorillas, you will be granted a full, magical hour to observe these majestic creatures up close.

Witness their natural behaviors, from foraging and playing to social interactions, and capture incredible photographs of these rare primates.

After this profound encounter, you will trek back to your vehicle and return to your hotel in Bukavu for a well-deserved, relaxed afternoon and dinner, reflecting on your extraordinary day.

Accomodation & Meals: Same as day 1

Day 3 :

Return to Kigali – End of the Tour

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your lodge before checking out. Your driver will then begin the comfortable return journey to Kigali, tracing the same picturesque route back through the Rusizi border.

Along the way, you’ll have ample opportunity to stop for final photographs of the stunning landscapes, perhaps pick up some last-minute souvenirs, or simply enjoy the serene surroundings one last time.

You are expected to arrive back in Kigali in the afternoon or early evening, depending on border crossing times and traffic. You will be dropped off at your hotel for post-tour accommodation or directly at Kigali International Airport, perfectly timed for your onward flight.

This marks the end of your exclusive and unforgettable Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trek in the Democratic Republic of Congo.