Gorilla Trekking
Encounter a habituated family of Grauer’s gorillas – the largest primate
Explore the UNESCO-listed Kahuzi-Biega National Park in DRC, home to rare Grauer’s gorillas, beautiful birdlife and volcanic peaks. Trek in search of this critically endangered gorilla subspecies, before soaking up the colourful, colonial charm of the tropical lakeside town of Bukavu.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Bukavu
Stay in the lakeside town of Bukavu, full of tropical gardens and colonial mansions
3
Hiking
Climb Mount Bugulumiza or Mount Biega for spectacular views of the park
Kayaking
Kayak along the shores of Lake Kivu, past traditional villages and rolling hills
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Why we like it
Located just over the border from Rwanda, Kahuzi-Biega is surprisingly accessible. Despite this, few people visit and just a handful of tourists trek for gorillas each year. This means the trekking groups are usually small and there is a chance that you may even have the gorillas to yourself. If this happens, it is a real privilege – all the more so because the only habituated Grauer’s gorillas in the world are found in this beautiful park.
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Day 1
Kigali
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Day 2
Kigali - Kamembe - Bukavu
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Day 3
Kahuzi-Biega
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Day 4
Kahuzi-Biega
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Day 5
Bukavu - Kibuye
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Day 6
Kibuye - Kigali
Day 1
Kigali
Day 2
Kigali - Kamembe - Bukavu
Bukavu
Stay in the lakeside town of Bukavu, full of tropical gardens and colonial mansions
Day 3
Kahuzi-Biega
Gorilla Trekking
Encounter a habituated family of Grauer’s gorillas – the largest primate
Day 4
Kahuzi-Biega
Hiking
Climb Mount Bugulumiza or Mount Biega for spectacular views of the park
Day 5
Bukavu - Kibuye
Kayaking
Kayak along the shores of Lake Kivu, past traditional villages and rolling hills
Day 6
Kibuye - Kigali
More Details
Kahuzi-Biega
Founded in 1939 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, Kahuzi Biega National Park remains the last stronghold of the eastern lowland gorillas, number around 250 individuals. Dominated by two huge extinct volcanoes (Kahuzi and Biega) this vast area of primary tropical forest is a sprawling park of lush, rolling hills and thick jungle which is also home to the elusive forest elephant.
Gorilla Trekking
An adventurous alternative to gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, DRC is home to the last surviving population of Grauer’s gorillas. Found almost exclusively in Kahuzi-Biega, this critically-endangered subspecies is the lowland cousin of the mountain gorilla and is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies.
Explore Bukavu
The town of Bukavu is believed to be the prettiest town in the whole of the DRC, with faded colonial mansions and lush gardens dotting the lakeside peninsulas, where traditional fishing boats float on the lake.
Stay at the long-established Orchids Safari Club in Bukavu. This privately owned hotel is full of character, set amongst beautiful tropical gardens that extend to Lake Kivu, which itself is surrounded by stunning mountains.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £2,300 Per person
When to travel
Democratic Republic of Congo in January
January and February is the short dry season, so it is a good time to visit. It is hot, so if you are planning to climb Nyiragongo it will be slightly less cold on the top. However be prepared for rain at any time of year though, as the DRC has a tropical climate.
Democratic Republic of Congo in February
January and February is the short dry season, so it is a good time to visit. It is hot, so if you are planning to climb Nyiragongo it will be slightly less cold on the top. However be prepared for rain at any time of year though, as the DRC has a tropical climate.
Democratic Republic of Congo in March
March to May is the short rainy season, so you’ll definitely need to bring a raincoat if you plan to travel at this time. It is the quietest time of year though, so you can have your pick of the best accommodation.
Democratic Republic of Congo in April
March to May is the short rainy season, so you’ll definitely need to bring a raincoat if you plan to travel at this time. It is the quietest time of year though, so you can have your pick of the best accommodation.
Democratic Republic of Congo in May
March to May is the short rainy season, so you’ll definitely need to bring a raincoat if you plan to travel at this time. It is the quietest time of year though, so you can have your pick of the best accommodation.
Democratic Republic of Congo in June
June to September is definitely the driest time of year to explore Virunga and Nyiragongo. It will be cooler and less humid, so easier for trekking. However, you will need all your layers on the top of Nyiragongo. The most popular time to travel so is prepared to book in advance to secure the best accommodation.
Democratic Republic of Congo in July
June to September is definitely the driest time of year to explore Virunga and Nyiragongo. It will be cooler and less humid, so easier for trekking. However, you will need all your layers on the top of Nyiragongo. The most popular time to travel, so be prepared to book in advance to secure the best accommodation.
Democratic Republic of Congo in August
June to September is definitely the driest time of year to explore Virunga and Nyiragongo. It will be cooler and less humid, so easier for trekking. However, you will need all your layers on the top of Nyiragongo. The most popular time to travel, so be prepared to book in advance to secure the best accommodation.
Democratic Republic of Congo in September
June to September is definitely the driest time of year to explore Virunga and Nyiragongo. It will be cooler and less humid, so easier for trekking. However, you will need all your layers on the top of Nyiragongo. The most popular time to travel, so be prepared to book in advance to secure the best accommodation.
Democratic Republic of Congo in October
October to December is the long rainy season. November is the wettest month, so if you do plan to travel at this time you’ll need to be well prepared with all-weather gear. However, accommodation is easier to come by and you may be able to save money on gorilla permits and hotels.
Democratic Republic of Congo in November
October to December is the long rainy season. November is the wettest month, so if you do plan to travel at this time you’ll need to be well prepared with all-weather gear. However, accommodation is easier to come by and you may be able to save money on gorilla permits and hotels.
Democratic Republic of Congo in December
October to December is the long rainy season. November is the wettest month, so if you do plan to travel at this time you’ll need to be well prepared with all-weather gear. However, accommodation is easier to come by and you may be able to save money on gorilla permits and hotels.
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