Trekking mountain gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is an adventure of lifetime! The park is located in the south-Kivu region, just 40km off Bukavu city. Trekkers get a golden chance of meeting the remaining 5000 eastern lowland gorillas, with almost a quarter of this number residing in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Due to the fact that this safari begins in Kigali, an enroute visit to some iconic sites is inevitable; including a cultural tour in Nyanza King’s palace and ethnographic museum in Butare.
Safari Day by Day.
Day 1: Kigali to Bukavu city (D.R. Congo).
Pick up from your hotel in Kigali or from the airport upon landing. Our professional guide will welcome and brief you about the safari, what to expect and he may also answer a few arising questions.
A journey to Bukavu takes approximately 7 hours, traversing the south-western terraced highlands of Rwanda; driving through Nyanza, Huye, Nyungwe forest and Rusizi district located on the shores of Lake Kivu. The drive is also graced by the views of V-shaped valleys, large plantations, bustling local towns, remote homesteads; justifying why Rwanda was nicknamed the land of a thousand hills”.
Have lunch in Nyanza or Huye towns after visiting the ethnographic museum and king’s palace where you will learn about the history of King Musinga and Rudahigwa – his successor.
From here continue on the drive southwards until you cross via Rusizi border in Rusizi district. Overnight and dinner at your hotel in Bukavu.
Day 2: Transfer to Kahuzi-Biega National Park for Lowland gorilla trekking.
Rise up for breakfast and depart from your hotel in Bukavu transferring for the highlight of this adventure – lowland gorilla trekking. The distance from Bukavu to the park is about 40km taking 1.5 hours’ drive. Arrive before 8:00am for a short briefing session about the expected rules to be observed while trekking these magical species.
The trek thereafter begins as soon as briefing is done, passing through dense jungles for 2-8 hours depending on the location of a gorilla family being trekked. Trekking lowland gorillas is easier and less hectic than mountain gorillas, due to the fact that they live in lowland forests which are easier to navigate.
You will be given only one hour to be with these endangered species, as you take pictures, videos, and ask any information you may need to know. After this experience, you have an option of visiting Tsibati falls situated on the foothills of Mount. Biega or visit Mbeya tea plantation and local communities before retiring back to your hotel in Bukavu town for dinner and night stay.
Day 3: Depart from Bukavu back to Rwanda – Kigali city.
This is the last day of your 3 day lowland gorilla tour in Kahuzi-Biega N/Park. Cross via Rusizi I border post and enter Rwanda, driving through Kamembe city, stunning Nyungwe forest where you may stop for photography.
Enroute lunch will be in Butare city and a tour of ethnography museum in case you missed it on the first day.
