Eastern Congo is one of the most beautiful regions of the African continent if not even in the whole world. For this trip, we combine two gems of parks: the mythical Virunga Park, home to the largest lava lake in the world and mountain gorillas that live among the green hills of the park; as well as the savannahs of Garamba Park, home to elephants, giraffes and lions.
Our trip starts in Entebbe as it is logistically easier and cheaper to fly to Garamba from there and save several thousand euros. We will stay there for a week to fully explore the park, enjoy a jeep safari, walking tours and even a flight safari! After that, we’ll continue to Goma and after a night’s rest in Goma, we will enter Virunga National Park. We will start with our conquest of the Nyiragongo Volcano and marvel at the splendor of the giant lava lake and the green foliage of the hills in search of mountain gorillas.
After the tour you can return through Goma, Kigali or Entebbe. Be sure to have enough time for your transfers and that all flights connect well.
It’s not bad to add an extra day or two to your program in the city of your departure as a buffer. Don’t forget to bring your yellow booklet with proof of yellow fever vaccination or you won’t be able to enter the country! Be sure to bring a flashlight, enough batteries and power bank, DEET, sweater, good raincoat and rain pants, sturdy walking shoes, basic medications, long pants and good socks.
Please note that the schedule below may differ, but we do all activities as listed below. There is also a standard 1-hour airplane safari on the program, which gives you great views of the park. If you wish, you can upgrade it to a helicopter flight for around 3,000 USD extra. It is difficult to tell which day the flight is, it depends on the availability of the pilot.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
You will be welcomed by our team and taken to your hotel.
Day 2: Flight to the park
You will be taken on the first plane and go to the border with Congo, where our team will help you cross the border and then fly to the park with a second plane. Enjoy the beautiful views.
Arrival around 13:00, followed by lunch with game drive and sunset in the park. Dinner is served at 7 p.m.
Day 3 Garamba
We have an early coffee or tea at 5.30am and at 6.00am we go on a game drive to see the animals. We have brunch at 9 a.m. in the park and return to the lodge around 11 a.m. Lunch at 1:00 p.m., followed by a free afternoon. At 4:30 p.m., we begin our second journey with a magnificent sunset. When it is dark, we look for animals that are active at night. We eat around 8:00 p.m.
Day 4 Garamba
After an early morning coffee or tea at 5:30 am, we leave by car in the morning towards the Bagunda mountain where we take a walk. At 9:00 a.m. we take our brunch at the top and around 10:00 a.m. we return to the lodge. We eat around 1:00 p.m., after which we have time to rest. At 4:30 p.m., we go on a safari with the sunset and we have dinner around 7 p.m.
Day 5 Garamba
At 5:30 am we have breakfast and leave by jeep for Mondo Missa, we visit the chimpanzee monitoring camp in Gbere and explore the hills, followed by lunch in the camp. At half past one we return to the lodge and have a free afternoon. At 7:00 p.m.: dinner.
Day 6 Garamba
Breakfast at 5.30 am, followed by a jeep safari and at noon we have a picnic on the Aka River. We return to the lodge around 1:00 p.m. to rest and at 4:30 p.m. we leave in our jeep in search of animals. At 8:00 p.m. we eat after our night drive.
Day 7 Garamba
Early breakfast around 5:30 am, followed by a morning drive with brunch in the park. Around 11am we return to the lodge. Lunch around 1:00 p.m. with rest time and at 4:30 p.m. we get back in the jeep for several hours. Dinner around 8 p.m.
Day 8 Goma
After our breakfast at 7:00 a.m., we pack our bags and at 9:00 a.m. we leave with a private plane for Bunia, after which we transfer on a flight to Goma. (This must be well planned as there are no daily flights. A direct flight with our plane to Goma is also possible, but will easily cost several thousand extra euros). Tonight you will stay in Goma.
Day 9 and 10: Nyiragongo
We leave in the morning towards the starting point for the ascent of the volcano. You get a backpack with everything you need. The climb takes about eight hours and you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. However, the ascent should not be underestimated and especially the pieces on the broken lava rock are very difficult.
In the evening we stay in a cabin on the edge of the volcano. At night, you will be treated to a beautiful spectacle above the largest lava lake in the world. The next day we start the return and we go to the lodge, beautifully located on top of a hill. As soon as you get in the 4×4 the adventure begins, enjoy the beautiful landscape, green hills and picturesque villages. You stay true glamping style in a sturdy tent with nice furnishings with a great view of the area. You can also treat yourself to delicious meals prepared at the lodge, using fresh local ingredients. Also try the kivu cheese!
Day 11: Gorilla Tracking
In the morning, we go on an expedition in search of the famous mountain gorillas. We are in contact with the trackers who carry a radio to let us know where the gorillas are. Coming face to face with these giants is an unforgivable event. The little ones are fascinating to watch playing or snuggling up with mom. The dominant silverback stands out above all others and is a commanding presence. The gorillas dare to come very close to you, but as long as you remain calm, there is no danger. Night at the lodge. (Remember to wear your mask when visiting the gorilla)
Day 12: Goma
After breakfast, we leave for Goma, where you can enjoy a free afternoon in your lodge near Lake Kivu.
Day 13: Departure
Today it’s time to leave. We bring you to the airport or if you wish we can also organize transport to Kigali. It is best to count two extra days in Kigali.
Included
– Accommodation
– All meals in Garamba and Virunga (not in Uganda and Goma)
– Professional guides
– All transportation
– All park activities and prices as described
Not included:
– PCR testing
– International flights
– Meals in Uganda and Goma
– Drinks
– Visa
– Advice
Traveling to Congo and its neighboring country is very expensive due to poor infrastructure. Many of our trips only become affordable starting from 3 to 4 people. We also offer group visits for several formulas. You can also request a group visit yourself, please contact us. Our prices are based on current circumstances, but these are subject to change and are primarily target prices. All prices are based on a shared room. If you want a single room, there will be an additional charge. Please note that apart from the lodges of Garamba and Virunga (with single beds), it is not allowed to share a room with a person of the same sex in Congo or Uganda. We are of course sorry for this and do not agree with this, but have no influence on this. We are not responsible for the consequences if our customers do not comply.
Accommodation is in mid-range hotels or in park lodges. If you want a more luxurious formula, let us know.
