11-Day Combination Safari Burundi, Rwanda and the DRC
Overview
This package offers a combination of adventure across three different countries—Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Experience thrilling encounters with chimpanzees and lowland gorillas in Congo, while also enjoying days of relaxation at Lake Kivu in Kibuye/Karongi. Additionally, the tour includes hikes and trekking experiences to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and wilderness of these regions.
Tour Features
- Mid-range Tour: This mid-range tour includes accommodations in lodges and hotels.
- Private Tour: This tour is organized exclusively for you and will not be shared with others.
- Can Start Any Day: Subject to availability, this tour can begin on any day.
- Can Be Customized: Minor changes to accommodations and destinations can be requested.
- Suitable for Solo Travelers: Solo travelers are welcome to book this private tour.
- Minimum Age: 18 years
Activities & Transportation
- Activities: Gorilla trekking & chimpanzee trekking
- Getting Around: Normal 4×4 vehicle
- Transfer: A transfer from and back to the airport is included.
Day 1: Arrival in Bujumbura – Cultural and Historical Tour
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to Hotel Safari Gate for check-in. Depending on the arrival time, a short tour may follow, including a visit to the Livingstone–Stanley Monument at Mugere.
This historic monument, located 12 km south of Bujumbura overlooking Lake Tanganyika, commemorates the meeting of explorer and missionary Dr. David Livingstone and journalist and explorer Henry Morton Stanley in November 1871. You will also visit the Mausoleum of the Hero of Independence.
Day 2: Source of the Nile – Karera Waterfalls – Drum Performance
After breakfast at 7:30 AM, head south towards the Source of the Nile. This site is marked by a compact pyramid, located approximately 115 km from Bujumbura on Mount Kikizi. German explorer Burkhart Waldecker established this spot in the early 20th century, making it the southern source of the White Nile.
From there, travel to Karera Waterfalls, a peaceful park in southeastern Burundi known for its beautiful waterfalls nestled within a tranquil garden setting. You’ll have the chance to meet locals also visiting the area.
Continue towards Gitega, the second-largest town in Burundi and the political capital. On a hill outside Gitega, you will find several straw-roofed structures that were once the royal palace, disbanded in 1966. Here, witness an impressive drum performance from world-famous Burundian drummers.
Day 3: Rusizi National Park’s Wetlands – Cross the Border to Rwanda
After breakfast at 8:00 AM, drive back to Bujumbura and visit Rusizi National Park’s wetlands, a rich and diverse habitat for various species of animals and vegetation.
Take a boat trip on the Rusizi River, providing a closer view of hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife, as well as the joining point between the Rusizi River and Lake Tanganyika—the world’s second deepest lake.
Following the visit, transfer to the Rwanda border, where you will overnight at Butare Materi Boni Hotel.
Day 4: Transfer from Huye to Bukavu
After breakfast, you will transfer from Kigali to Bukavu. Upon arrival at the border, you will be welcomed by a Golden Rwanda Safari Experiences guide who will escort you to Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Throughout the journey, enjoy the scenic beauty of Rwanda’s rolling hills as you pass through various districts, eventually reaching the Congo-Rwanda border at Bukavu.
Border arrangements will be finalized, and you will cross into Congo. Your dinner and overnight stay will be at Orchids Safari Club.
Day 5: Visit of Chimpanzees sanctuary
After an early morning breakfast, you will drive in the safari jeep to visit Jane Goodall Lwiro Chimps sanctuary Kahuzi-Biege; it is here that you will be briefed about the cover. Afterward, you will return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
In your second gorilla trekking activity, you will spend 1 hour observing and photographing the Eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. Watch them interact, play, and care for their young ones as you experience a truly unforgettable encounter.
After this remarkable experience, you will return to the park headquarters where your driver will be waiting. You will be driven back to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: Bukavu back to Nyungwe Forest National Park
On this day, you will wake up early and have a cup of tea. Then, you will jump onto your safari jeep for the drive back to Rwanda side. If time allows, you will make stopovers in exciting places. Later, you will be dropped off at the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 8: Nyungwe Forest National Park for Chimps
Today, you will spend the day in Nyungwe Forest. Early in the morning, you will embark on a chimpanzee tracking adventure, returning to the hotel for lunch.
In the afternoon, you may choose to explore the Canopy Bridge Trail, offering stunning views of the forest from above. Afterward, you will return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 9: Nyungwe Forest National Park – Waterfalls
After breakfast, you will enter Nyungwe Forest to track either the Nyungwe Colobus monkeys or explore the park’s stunning waterfalls. A guided walk through the forest, led by knowledgeable guides skilled in botany, ornithology, and interspecies relationships, will provide a unique and enriching experience.
You will return to the hotel for lunch, with the option to relax or visit the Nyungwe Colobus monkeys.
Day 10: Nyungwe Forest National – Kibuye
After enjoying your breakfast, you will have some free time for a leisurely experience. Following that, you will board your safari jeep for a scenic drive towards Kibuye on the shores of Lake Kivu.
Once there, you can relax and take in the stunning views of Lake Kivu, with the option to swim or simply unwind at the lodge.
Day 11: Kibuye Back to Kigali
After breakfast, you will take a boat ride to Peace Island for a unique experience of cow swimming. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you walk the island by boat.
Following this, you will drive back to Kigali International Airport for your departure home.
End of Tour.
Package includes:
- Transport: vehicle, fuel, and driver
- Gorilla permit
- Full board accommodation for the
- Entrance fees.
- All activities.
- Bottled drinking water
Package excludes:
- Visas
- Air ticket
- Personal expenses.
- Cost for anything that is not mentioned in the itinerary.
We use 4×4 safari cars for our safaris and therefore every traveler is guaranteed a window seat, bellow are photos of the cars.
Do you need assistance with planning your safari? Talk to our specialists
Call: +256 772 867 943
WhatsApp: +447 466004 653
Email: info@jewelsafaris.com
