9 Days Congo Rwanda safari allows you to explore the wonders from the Democratic Republic of Congo combined with Rwanda. The main focus of this Congo-Rwanda combo safari is primate treks, volcano hiking, and recreational experiences. On the 9-day Congo-Rwanda safari, you will start with lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, chimpanzee tracking, and a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

After visiting Nyungwe, expect to proceed to Lake Kivu where you will visit the Goma fishing village. Proceed to Volcanoes National Park for unforgettable golden monkey tracking and conclude your tour in Kigali.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up –Transfer to Bukavu Congo

Day 2: Lowland Gorilla trekking

Day 3: Cross back into Rwanda –Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking –Canopy walk

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu –Visit the Goma, fishing village

Day 6: Canoeing on Lake Kivu –Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Day 7: Golden Monkey tracking –Visit Iby’Iwacu cultural village

Day 8: Mount Bisoke hike

Day 9: Visit Ellen DeGeneres campus –Transfer to Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up –Transfer to Bukavu, Congo

Meet your driver guide at the hotel in Kigali and today, expect to cross the borders from Rwanda to Bukavu in Congo. This involves spending about 5 hours as you navigate via Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey to Bukavu includes a stopover at Rusizi for lunch and some refreshments. Leave Rusizi for the Cyangugu border for you to clear with the border authorities then cross to Bukavu town in Congo. Check in your hotel or camp nearby Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Day 2: Lowland Gorilla trekking

Join other guests for briefing at Kahuzi-Biega National Park offices, where you will get to know the lowland gorilla trekking guidelines. Expect to be allocated a park ranger guide to lead you on the actual search for the lowland gorillas in their natural setting. Once you have come across the lowland gorillas, you will have one hour to observe their behaviors and also to take pictures. After the up-close and personal encounter with the lowland gorillas, you will return to have a relaxed stay at the lodge.

Day 3: Cross back into Rwanda –Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Enjoy a hefty breakfast at the comfort of the lodge and later, you will proceed to the Nyungwe Forest National Park. At Nyungwe, expect to have a leisurely time in your respective lodges.

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking –Canopy walk

Get an early morning breakfast and after, you will proceed with guided chimpanzee tracking adventure in Nyungwe. Nyungwe chimp trek will begin early enough and expect to spend about 2-4 hours less or more but expect to have an hour for up close and personal encounter. Later, you will get back to chill at the lodge, enjoy lunch, and in the afternoon, continue with a canopy walk.

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu –Visit the Goma fishing village

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and after, you will be transferred to Lake Kivu which is one of the Great Lakes in Africa. It is set at the border between Congo and Rwanda. At Lake Kivu, you will pay a visit to the fishing village around Goma. During the fishing trip, expect to observe fisher men as they carry their activities and later, return to relax at the lodge/hotel.

Day 6: Canoeing on Lake Kivu –Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Get up early to have breakfast and after, expect to embark on Lake Kivu tour once again. Today, you will embark on a canoeing experience to explore the charming Lake Kivu and its surrounding using a traditionally dugout canoe. Return from your canoeing experience and you will be transferred to Volcanoes National Park.

Day 7: Golden Monkey tracking –Visit Iby’Iwacu cultural village

Following an early breakfast, assemble at Kinigi for briefing about golden monkey tracking rules and regulations. At Kinigi, you will be allocated the park ranger guide and at around 8:00 am, you will start the actual trek to see golden monkeys. Golden monkey tracking allows you a maximum of one hour to enjoy up close and personal encounter with a troop of golden monkeys.

After trekking golden monkeys, you will have great time at the lodge. Later in the afternoon, you will conclude the day with a cultural tour to the Iby’Iwacu cultural village located near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 8: Mount Bisoke hike

Enjoy a hefty breakfast at the lodge and set off for Bisoke hike when prepared with the right gear. The hike to the summits of Mount Bisoke (3711m) takes a day. It is 6-hour round hike to the summit and two hours for you to return to the base.

Day 9: Visit Ellen DeGeneres campus –Transfer to Kigali

After a heavy breakfast, leave the lodge with your property and today, you will pay a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The DeGeneres Campus lies near Volcanoes National Park and is a research and education center focused on gorilla conservation.

A visit to this site allows you explore interactive exhibits, museum, gift shop, and café or embark on walking trails. Once you have had great time at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, you will proceed to Kigali.

End of safari

Safari cost includes

• Park entry fees
• Golden monkey permit
• Lowland gorilla permit.
• All safari activities excluding optional ones.
• Accommodation for 8 nights plus meals.
• Travel by road using 4×4 vehicle plus the services of a driver guide.
• Bottled drinking water.

The safari cost excludes

• Alcoholic drinks.
• Shopping expenses.