This tour is an excellent opportunity for those interested in learning about the Lowland Gorillas, a subspecies of the Eastern Gorillas that inhabit the lowland forests of Congo with Gorilla Trek Africa. The Lowland Gorilla is the largest of the four gorilla species and is endemic to the tropical rainforests of Eastern Congo.
It is distinguished from other gorillas by its stocky body, large hands, and short muzzle. It primarily feeds on fruits and plants. Unfortunately, the population of these magnificent creatures has significantly decreased over the years due to habitat loss and poaching, exacerbated by the ongoing civil unrest in this volatile region of Congo. The three-day Lowland Gorilla trekking experience begins and ends in Kigali (Rwanda), but if you are in Goma (Congo), you may also join the tour.
Trip Summary
Day 1: Transfer to Bukavu in Congo via Kamembe border post (4-5 hours)
Day 2: Lowland gorilla tracking and visit to Lwiro Sanctuary
Day 3: Transfer back to Kigali
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Bukavu in Congo via Kamembe border post (4-5 hours)
In the morning, you will be driven from Kigali to the Congo border near Kamembe, where your Congo guide will meet you and transfer you to Bukavu. You will spend the night and have dinner at the Panorama Hotel.
Day 2: Lowland gorilla tracking and visit to Lwiro Sanctuary
You will be driven to the Kahuzi Biega National Park headquarters in the morning for a briefing before tracking the Lowland Gorillas. Once you spot them, you can observe them for up to one hour before returning to your hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the nearby Lwiro Primates Rehabilitation Center to see orphaned primates, including chimpanzees and other monkey species. You will tour the facility and learn about the conservation efforts undertaken there before returning to your hotel for the night and dinner at the Panorama Hotel.
Day 3: Transfer back to Kigali
After breakfast, your Congo guide will transfer you back to the border, where your Rwandan driver will take you back to Kigali for drop-off.
End of the tour.
Tour Inclusions
Mountain gorilla trekking permit
Accommodation and meals
Bottled drinking water
Full-time English-speaking guide
Ground Transportation
All activities included in the itinerary
Government taxes
Miscellaneous
Tour Exclusions
Porter’s fees and tips
Personal expenses (such as phone calls and shopping)
Extra activities not included in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages
Guide tips