8 DAY CONGO GORILLA TREK AND OKAPI SAFARI
The Tour Overview
Visit the National Parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo like the Okapi Wildlife Reserve and the Virunga National Park so that you can take part in a number of activities that include nature walks, gorilla trekking, game drives and a lot more. Travel to the Nyiragongo Mountain too to take part in the hiking adventure which will leave you more than just excited.
Day 1: Travel to Goma from the city of Kigali
On arrival at the International Airport of Kigali-Rwanda, you are received by your guide who is responsible for transferring you to the city of Goma. While here, relax for about an hour as you process and complete all the necessary border crossing requirements before proceeding to your place of accommodation to check in, have a meal and rest.
Accommodation: The Mikeno Lodge and or the Bukima Tented Camp.
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking Congo
After having yourself some breakfast, travel to the park headquarters in the Virunga National Park where the briefing will take place. Enter into the rainforest in search of these endangered Mountain Gorilla species while in the company of the park rangers. Spend some time taking photographs of these primates feeding and playing for an hour. Descend and have late lunch before proceeding to the city of Goma at your lodging facility.
Day 3: Hike the Nyiragongo in the Virunga National Park
On arrival at the park headquarters after having breakfast, you are taken through what is expected while hiking. Hike for close to 5 hours through the striking rainforest until you get to the lava explosion fissure and then to the summit. Have an entire evening enjoying the view and watching the lava on the inside while at the crater. Enjoy dinner and an overnight inside the shelters at the crater.
Day 4: Descend the Nyiragongo Volcano
Have an early morning breakfast and after come down from the Nyiragongo volcano to meet your guide who will be waiting to transfer you to Kibati. Here at your lodge, you will take time off to relax and or take a walk around the community to watch the music and dance of the Congolese people.
Day 5-6: Travel to Epulu
Drive via the Beni Road to a place called Epulu; which is home to Okapis that are only found the Democratic Republic of Congo. These are very shy and isolated creatures that are also the giraffe’s only living relatives. Its colorations and distinct markings comprise of striped linings that look like that of a zebra and it is these that help it camouflage from predators in the dense tropical rainforest.
Day 7: Visit the Okapi
Okapi watching is common and can take place only in Congo which is the sole destination where such an activity takes place. Have your breakfast and proceed to the Okapi Station where you will have lunch before proceeding to the jungle to begin your trek. Carry tents since you will be setting camp not so far away from their bands; you will also be invited to spend your night around the campfires, listening to the never-ending stories about hunting while under the cover of the African stars.
Day 8: Travel to Goma
Make a return journey back to Goma passing through the Beni and Butembo road and later make a stopover at the River Semuliki that is home to a number of crocodiles, hippos and profuse birdlife.
Inclusions
- Mountain Gorilla Permit
- Meals and Drinks
- Accommodation
- Hiking Permit
- Transportation
- Park entry fees
- Nature walks & Cultural Visits
- Fluent English Speaking Guide
Exclusions
- Tips
- Air Tickets
- Visa and Visa Fees
- Personal Requirements
- Flights
- Optional Activities
The Tour Highlights
Day 1: Travel to Goma
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Day 3: Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
Day 4: Nyiragongo Volcano Descend
Day 5-6: Travel to Epulu
Day 7: Visit the Okapi
Day 8: Travel to Goma