4 Days Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park

 Overview

Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega

The 4-Day Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park offers a more relaxed and accessible Gorilla trekking experience in Congo. This short itinerary provides an enriching adventure, focusing on trekking the Lowland Gorillas of Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Grauer’s Gorillas, also known as western Lowland Gorillas, are one of the two subspecies of the western Gorilla. Congo is the only country where you can experience both Mountain Gorilla and Lowland Gorilla trekking. Lowland Gorilla trekking takes place at lower altitudes compared to Mountain Gorilla trekking, making it a less strenuous option.

The 4-Day Lowland Gorilla Trekking begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda, featuring a city tour before and after the trek. Kigali International Airport offers daily flights from various countries, making it convenient for both pickup and drop-off. This tour is available year-round and is suitable for tourists aged 15 and above.

Tour Summary

• 4 Days, 3 Nights: Gorilla trekking safari in Congo
• No trekking expertise required
• Starts and Ends: Kigali – Rwanda
• Lowland Gorilla trekking available year-round
• Minimum age: 15

What You Need to Know

• Tour Details: Starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda with Gorilla trekking in Congo
• Border Crossing: Includes road travel to Congo via Cyangugu border
• Visa Requirements: Congo tourist visa is necessary
• Packing Essentials: Appropriate clothing and sturdy boots for the trek
• Customizable: The tour can be tailored to meet your preferences

Itinerary Highlights: Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega

• Day 1: Arrival, pick up from airport and Kigali city tour then transfer to hotel
• Day 2: From Kigali Rwanda, transfer to Bukavu in Congo
• Day 3: Congo Lowland Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
• Day 4: Transfer back from Congo to Kigali International Airport

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, Pick-Up from Airport and Kigali City Tour

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your allocated tour guide will be there to welcome you. The guide will be easily identifiable, holding a placard with your name.

After introductions, your guide will transfer you to Kigali for a city tour. During the tour, you will visit several museums, followed by a delightful lunch. Following lunch, you will be taken to your booked lodging facility in Kigali. You will check-in, relax, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.

Meal Plan: Dinner

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Serena Hotel Kigali
• Mid-range: Hotel Chez Lando
• Budget: Iris Guest House

Day 2: From Kigali Rwanda, Transfer to Bukavu in Congo

From Kigali city, an allocated driver-guide will be there to pick you up for a transfer to Congo. Depending on your departure time, you may have the opportunity to visit the King’s Palace or the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, Rwanda.

Afterward, you will cross over into the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Cyangugu border, located on the shores of Lake Kivu. Upon arrival in Bukavu, you will check into your booked accommodation at a hotel or lodge for the night.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Orchids Safari Club
• Mid-range: Hotel Begonias
• Budget: Mount Kahuzi Hotel

Day 3: Congo Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park

On Day 3, prepare for an early start and be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. After the briefing, you will embark on a Lowland Gorilla trekking tour.

Unlike Mountain Gorilla trekking, which is more physically demanding due to the higher altitude, Lowland Gorilla trekking is significantly easier. The experience takes approximately 1 to 4 hours, depending on where the Gorillas spent the previous night. These Gorillas live in larger groups, making the interaction remarkable with breathtaking sights. You will spend 1 hour observing the Gorillas in their natural habitat.

Following your encounter with the Lowland Gorillas, you may choose to visit nearby waterfalls, depending on how tired you are. After the trek, you will return to the start point for a drive back to your hotel, where you will refresh and spend the remainder of the day. You will stay the night at the same hotel.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Transfer Back from Congo to Kigali International Airport

After breakfast at your hotel, your driver-guide will ensure a smooth drive back to Kigali, Rwanda. You will be dropped off either at your residence in Kigali or at Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch