The Kivu region is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in East Africa with beautiful green hills shrouded in mist, fertile farmland, picturesque villages and a curious population waiting for you. It is the home of the legendary mountain gorillas hidden in the greenery of the cloud forests of Virunga Park, one of the oldest national parks in Africa and under the care of Belgian Prince Emmanuel de Merode.

To the east is the mythical Lake Kivu on the border with Rwanda, where canoe fishermen still use the same centuries-old techniques to bring in their daily catch. In the evening, from one of the volcanic islands, you can see the glow of the volcanoes at the bottom of the lake while tasting the local specialties, all deliciously organic. Due to the fertile soil and the excellent climate, Kivu produces very high quality fruits and vegetables. The food is also among the best on the continent. And then we haven’t even mentioned the delicious coffee or the local cheeses!

In addition to volcanoes, deep lakes and extensive jungle, the region is also home to high mountain peaks with even snow on the highest peaks: the Rwenzori, on the border with Uganda, where the unique giant lobelia.

Itinerary for ten days in Kivu, Congo: 

Day 1: Goma

Our journey begins in Goma, the capital of North Kivu and located on Lake Kivu. After the necessary paperwork at the airport, we head to our lodge, beautifully situated in lush greenery by the lake. Tonight we will enjoy a good meal and a drink accompanied by the sunset over the lake.

Day 2: Bukavu

In the morning we get up early to take the ferry from Goma to Bukavu, an

excellent opportunity to enjoy Lake Kivu. After about three hours we arrive and check into the hotel. In the afternoon we have lunch overlooking the lake, followed by a visit to the cathedral and later in the afternoon we explore Lake Kivu by kayak.

Day 3: The lowland gorillas of Kahuzi Biega

Today we encounter the eastern lowland gorillas of Kahuzi Biega National Park, located just outside of Bukavu. We put on our walking shoes, as there is a lot of hiking today as it can take a few hours to find gorillas. If there is time, we will visit a tea plantation on the way back to Bukavu, where we will spend another night.

Day 4: Panzi Foundation and Goma

In the morning, we visit the studio and shop of the Panzi Foundation, an organization that works for women victims of sexual violence. Around 11 or 2 p.m., we take the ferry back to Goma, where we can relax by the pool.

Day 5: Tchegera Island

After breakfast, we will go to the port of Goma where the boat will be waiting for us to take us to our paradise island where we will spend the night in the middle of Lake Kivu. The green island is shaped like a crescent moon and is the remnant of an extinct volcano that sits in the water. On the island we find various exotic birds and colorful lizards. In the afternoon, we take a tour of the island with beautiful views of the lake. In the evening, we light a campfire and eat on the beach of the island.

Day 6: Mushaki

In the morning after breakfast we return to the port by boat and we are

met by our driver who takes us to a private farm in Mushaki where we will have a late lunch followed by a visit to the local cheese factory.

Day 7: Masisi

After breakfast, you can choose to go horseback riding or a walk. After a late lunch, we are picked up for our next lodge, an hour further and even deeper into the mountains. We have a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the view.

Day 8: Masisi

Today we are shown around the farm and the estate and we can also walk around the area. Enjoy your last day in this beautiful region.

Day 9: Return to Goma

In the morning, we return to Goma, a grueling three-hour drive, and perform our PCR test (if needed). In the afternoon we will explore Goma and visit different places in the city so that you have a good introduction to this fascinating place.

Day 10: Return flight 

Today we say goodbye to Congo and return back home!

It’s not bad to add an extra buffer day in either Goma or Kigali in case there are any delays to avoid missing your flight.

We can also organize transport from Kigali and back for 450 euros. There are regular flights from Brussels with Brussels Airlines or Rwandair. 

Including:
– Professional guides
– Accommodation
– Transportation
– All activities and entrance fees according to the program

Not included:
– Meals and drinks
– Travelling abroad
– PCR test
– Airport taxes.

It is important that you realize that traveling to Congo is a special experience that sometimes requires a little patience. You can still have a lot of experience with safaris and cultural tours in South Africa, Uganda, Ghana or Ethiopia, Congo is something else again. Heavy showers, road collapses, power outages, 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, extra towel, bacteria, medicine, wet wipes, and a flashlight with enough batteries to avoid a lot of frustration. Don’t forget a good dose of humor and patience!

Make sure that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever and that you have your 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 recommend that you travel with Brussels Airlines and are not responsible for delayed or canceled flights. 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 in case the result is late!

Traveling to Congo is very expensive due to poor infrastructure. Many of our trips only become affordable 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 it is not allowed to share a room with a person of the same sex in Congo. 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.

Check out our group trips to Congo to see if this trip (or a similar trip) is also listed as a group trip with a fixed departure.