Gorillas and Chimps
Encounter mountain and Grauer’s gorillas, as well as chimpanzees
This pioneering adventure to DRC explores two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – home to great apes, active volcanoes and the world’s largest lava lake. Have the unique chance to trek for two subspecies of gorilla, as well as chimpanzees.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
Nyiragongo Volcano
Spend a night on Mount Nyiragongo, home to the world’s largest lava lake.
Gorilla Orphan Sanctuary
Visit the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphan Sanctuary.
Anti-Poaching
Meet the bloodhounds that help track poachers in Virunga National Park.
Why Steppes?
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Why we like it
DRC’s dramatic eastern region, shaped by tectonics, has a wild allure. Underdeveloped and rarely visited, it redefines off the beaten track; any trip here is an adventure. However, the wealth of wildlife – including two endangered gorilla subspecies – and the spectacular landscapes, make this journey worth the extra effort.
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Day 1
Kigali - Nyungwe Forest National Park
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Day 2
Nyungwe Forest National Park - Bukavu
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Day 3
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
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Day 4
Lake Kivu - Goma
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Day 5
Goma - Virunga National Park
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Day 6
Virunga National Park
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Day 7
Virunga National Park
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Day 8
Virunga National Park
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Day 9
Virunga National Park - Tchegera Island
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Day 10
Tchegera Island - Goma - Kigali
Day 1
Kigali - Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 2
Nyungwe Forest National Park - Bukavu
Day 3
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Grauer’s Gorillas
Encounter the largest subspecies of gorilla in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Day 4
Lake Kivu - Goma
Day 5
Goma - Virunga National Park
Day 6
Virunga National Park
Gorilla Orphan Sanctuary
Visit the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphan Sanctuary.
Day 7
Virunga National Park
Anti-Poaching
Meet the bloodhounds that help track poachers in Virunga National Park.
Day 8
Virunga National Park
Day 9
Virunga National Park - Tchegera Island
Nyiragongo Volcano
Spend a night on Mount Nyiragongo, home to the world’s largest lava lake.
Day 10
Tchegera Island - Goma - Kigali
More Details
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Starting in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, the last remaining habitat for Grauer’s gorillas, base yourself in the colourful town of Bukavu. Here, faded colonial mansions sit on the lakeside peninsula, bougainvillaea flowing down across the gardens to the shores of Lake Kivu. A drive to the gorillas takes you past traditional fisherman on the shores of the lake and on into the lush forests, which are also home to elusive forest elephants and the Congo peafowl.
Virunga National Park
Continue north across the lake by boat, to the city of Goma, a town built on a lava flow. Then enter Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest, containing half of all the biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa and three habituated groups of mountain gorillas.
Trekking the mountain gorillas here though is only the start of the adventure. Encounter chimps, visit the world’s only mountain gorilla orphanage, meet Virunga’s anti-poaching rangers and spend a night on the top of Nyiragongo volcano for a spectacular display of the world’s largest lava lake. This is a thrilling journey through one of Africa’s wildest regions.
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 £6,325 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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