Family Safaris
8-Day Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife family tour
Our 8 day Uganda family safari packs the very best of the Pearl of Africa into one easy, well-paced trip.
3 Days Congo Gorilla Trek in Virunga
Our 3 day Virunga gorilla trek is a short, thrilling journey from Kigali to see mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. First, you visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Then, you travel on to Virunga National Park, the oldest national park in Africa. There, you track a habituated gorilla family in the Bukima sector and spend an hour in its company.
Trip overview
This trip starts and ends at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. On day one, you drive for about six hours to Bukima, with a stop at the memorial on the way. On day two, you trek the gorillas. Finally, on day three, you return to Kigali for your flight. As a result, it is a quick yet rewarding way to add mountain gorillas to a trip in the region.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up and transfer to the Bukima sector, DR Congo
When you land at Kigali International Airport, our qualified guide gives you a warm welcome to the land of a thousand hills. Then, your guide briefs you on the places you will visit over the next three days.
Next, you begin the journey of about six hours. On the way, you visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which honours the innocent people who lost their lives in 1994. After lunch, you continue to the Bukima gorilla sector of Virunga National Park. You arrive in the evening, refresh, have dinner and stay overnight.
Day 2: Tracking mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park
After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters. Bring your gorilla permit, a packed lunch, good hiking shoes, a long-sleeved top and a good camera. First, a briefing starts at 8:00am and lasts about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, park officials check your documents and explain the rules for the forest.
Then, the search begins. The trackers follow broken branches and start from the place where the gorillas were last seen. How long you walk depends on your pace, your fitness and how far the gorillas have moved. Once you find them, you have one hour to watch them closely, study their behaviour and take photos.
Day 3: Return to Kigali
After a hearty breakfast in Virunga National Park, you check out of the lodge. Then, you drive back to Kigali International Airport for your return flight.
End of tour.
Highlights of this 3 day Virunga gorilla trek
Although the trip is short, it offers some powerful experiences. Here are the main highlights:
- Mountain gorillas. Spend one hour with a habituated family in the wild.
- Africa’s oldest park. Virunga was founded in 1925 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Volcanic scenery. The Virunga massif forms a dramatic chain of volcanoes on the horizon.
- Kigali Genocide Memorial. Learn about Rwanda’s recent history and its remarkable recovery.
- A quieter trek. Congo sees fewer visitors than neighbouring gorilla parks.
Who this trip suits
This trek suits travellers who want mountain gorillas on a short schedule. In addition, it suits adventurous visitors who like quieter, less-visited parks. It also works well as an add-on to a Rwanda holiday. However, the trek can be steep and muddy. Therefore, you should be fit enough to hike for several hours. If you are unsure, our team will gladly help you decide.
Travel conditions in eastern DR Congo
Conditions in eastern DR Congo can change, sometimes at short notice. For this reason, Roots Tours & Travel checks the current situation and the status of the park before we confirm your trip. We also keep you informed while you plan. You can follow updates from Virunga National Park too. In addition, please check your own government’s travel advice and make sure your insurance covers the region.
Best time to go and tips
You can track gorillas in Virunga all year. However, the drier months usually make the trails easier to walk. On the other hand, the wet months bring lush forest and fewer people. Whenever you travel, these tips will help:
- Wear sturdy hiking boots. Slopes can be steep and slippery.
- Pack a rain jacket. Showers are common at altitude.
- Use gloves and long sleeves. They protect you from nettles.
- Turn off your flash. Flash photography is not allowed near the gorillas.
- Plan your visas early. You will need entry papers for Rwanda and DR Congo.
Gorilla permits are set by the park authority and change from time to time. Therefore, we will confirm the current rate when you enquire.
Extend or combine your trip
You can easily add more to this journey. For example, our Congo gorilla and Nyiragongo hike adds a climb to the lava lake on Mount Nyiragongo. Alternatively, you can meet eastern lowland gorillas on our Kahuzi-Biega lowland gorilla safari. If you prefer to stay in Rwanda, see our Rwanda gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park. You can also explore all the national parks in DR Congo.
Every trip with Roots Tours & Travel is tailor-made. So, tell us your dates, group size and interests. Then, we will send you a clear plan for your 3 day Virunga gorilla trek for free. Get in touch today.
Book Now
Not sure where to start? Chat with our safari specialists. We’ll help you find the perfect adventure.Every great journey begins with a conversation. Let’s plan yours.
Contact Us
- info@tourwithroots.com
- +256 776 83 1722
- +256 200 905 219
- Universal Apartments, Spine Road - Naalya - Kampala(U)
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