The land of a thousand hills lives up to its name. Rwanda may be one of the smallest countries in Africa, but it is also one of the most beautiful destinations on the African continent. Once known only for the atrocities that took place in the 1990s, the country is now known as one of the most successful nations in Africa and is known for its beauty and tourist structure.

From the moment you land in Kigali and step off the plane, you already feel it is a pleasant country to stay. Kigali is a pleasant city known as one of the cleanest cities in Africa. It is beautifully situated between the green hills and we recommend setting aside an extra day in Kigali at the end to familiarize yourself with this African city.

We begin our adventure with a two night stay in a beautiful lodge on the famous Lake Kivu. We enjoy the serenity and beauty of the lake. We continue our journey with a stunning drive to Nyungwe Forest, known for its walk above the rainforest canopy, one of the highlights of the region. We then also look for chimpanzees and enjoy the greenery and tranquility of the forest.

After the rainforest we cross the border to Bukavu in Congo, this city is located on the shores of Lake Kivu. We stay in a nice hotel and look for lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Then we cross the lake by ferry to Goma. We climb the Nyiragongo volcano and witness the magnificent spectacle of the largest lava lake in the world. We will search for mountain gorillas in the green hills of Virunga Park and then return to Kigali.

It is important that you realize that traveling to Congo is a special experience that sometimes requires a little patience. You can have decades of experience with safaris and cultural tours in South Africa, Uganda, Ghana or Ethiopia, Congo is something else again. Heavy rain showers, road collapses, power cuts, an overbooked hotel, a canceled flight, monstrous traffic jams, .. so many things that can influence the program. It is important to be prepared for this, to be flexible with changes and not to worry. Be sure to bring a power bank, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, cap, a sweater, raincoat, extra towel, bactigel, medicines, wet wipes and a flashlight with enough batteries to avoid a lot of frustration. Don’t forget a good dose of humor and patience!

Keep in mind that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever and that you have your yellow vaccination card with you, that you have also been vaccinated against COVID and that you have the necessary PCR test results with you if necessary if the airline asks you. We try to follow the schedule as closely as possible, but keep in mind that this can always change and some flexibility is needed.

*** If you need a PCR test, be sure to schedule an extra day! We still recommend an extra day in Kigali because it is a pleasant and interesting city.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Arrival at the airport, we will drive you to your hotel.

Day 2 and 3: Cormoran Lodge, Lake Kivu

This lodge is little known to the general public, but is a real destination in itself because it is beautifully located on a small hill with a breathtaking view of Lake Kivu.

Day 4: Nyungwe Forest: walk in the canopy

Today, we discover the Nyungwe forest. We take a beautiful trip above the treetops. We settle into our lodge and enjoy our evening.

Day 5: Nyungwe Forest

We are on the lookout for chimpanzees today. We can find them in less than an hour if we’re lucky, but sometimes it can take up to 7 hours. Be sure to wear good shoes and clothes and bring plenty of water.

Day 6: Bukavu

Our journey continues to Bukavu. We check in at Orchid’s Lodge and enjoy a free evening.

Day 7: Kahuzi Biega

Today it is the turn of the lowland gorillas. We take a nice trip around the park in search of these gentle giants. We return to our lodge where we stay another night.

Day 8: Ferry to Goma

In the morning we take the ferry to Goma, we check in at Kivu Lodge and in the afternoon we take a guided tour of the city.

Day 9 and 10: Nyiragongo

We go up the volcano as a group. The climb takes about eight hours and shouldn’t be underestimated, especially the last hours are difficult. You will receive a backpack with all the amenities for your trip. In the evening we stay in a simple cabin on the edge of the crater. You will be treated to beautiful vistas of the lava lake. The next morning we return and check in at our lodge in the park. This is beautifully situated on a hill with lovely views over the area. You stay there in real glamping in pleasant furnished tents.

Day 10: Mountain Gorillas

We are looking for mountain gorillas. As with chimpanzees, they can be found quickly, but it can also take several hours. We spend 1 hour with the gorillas, a wonderful experience never to be forgotten. Don’t forget your mask, because it’s mandatory. We enjoy a last evening in our lodge.

Day 11: Return to Kigali

After breakfast, you will return to Goma, we will help you cross the border and transfer you to your hotel in Kigali. If you need another PCR test, it’s best to take an extra day.

Day 12: Return flight

Back home!

Traveling to Congo 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 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) and, it is not allowed to share a room with a person of the same sex in Congo and Rwanda. We are of course very sorry and disagree 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.