3 Days Kahuzi Biega Lowland Gorilla Safari

lowland gorillas kahuzi biega - johnny africa

Overview

As the only safari destination offering trekking of Eastern lowland gorillas, visiting Kahuzi-Biega National Park is more than a dream-come-true. Travellers connect with the endangered Eastern lowland gorillas (largest of the four gorilla sub-species) through our 3 days Kahuzi-Biega lowland gorilla tour.

Located in the East of DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo), Kahuzi-Biega National Park is about 2316 square miles, having existed from 1970. Its establishment was mainly attributed to the protection of Eastern lowland gorillas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is found close to the western shores of Lake Kivu as well as border with Rwanda. While it is a stronghold for the Eastern lowland gorillas, the Park is surprisingly a haven to over 136 mammal species, about 350 bird species and plant species totaling to over 1178.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Meet and greet in Kigali City and drive to Bukavu Town

Ease into the amiable welcome of Rwanda’s spirit on arrival into the International Airport or having enjoyed breakfast at your Kigali Hotel, start your love affair with the land of a thousand hills. First explore the top historical and cultural sites in form of local markets, Art and Crater Centers as well as the Kigali genocide Memorial Site before embarking on a road trip to Congo’s Town of Bukavu. The 6-7 hours’ scenic drive goes through the verdant Nyungwe Forest, with lunch break at Butare and after finalizing immigration and customs clearances, cross the border to the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the evening gather for orientation from your safari guide, then rest at the booked hotel.

Day 2: Kahuzi-Biega National Park: Congo lowland Gorilla Trekking

Begin this remarkable day with breathtaking views of the City of Bukavu, followed by a one hour’s drive to the picturesque Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Enter the UNESCO World heritage Site through one of its gates and attend briefing as well as allocation into any of the five habituated gorilla groups. By 8:00am, the search for the allocated gorilla group begins in the company of armed ranger, a guide and porters (hired by travellers), going through the slopes of Kahuzi and Biega Mountain slopes until found. Afterwards, one hour is allowed to watch and photograph the World’s largest Great Apes.

After lunch, head to the Tshibati waterfalls where you will get the chance to take as many photos as possible amidst its roaring sounds.

Day 3: Road trip back to Kigali City, via Rusizi I border post

Your affair with Kahuzi-Biega National Park comes to an end as you undertake a road trip back to Kigali City and you will decide to either extend your Rwanda tour or return back home by flight.

Affiliations

UWA AUTO USAGA UTB