Kivu is one of the most beautiful regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and even in all of East-Africa. Sadly, it is also one of the most unstable regions and therefore Virunga is often closed to visitors. Virunga and Nyiragongo are the most known and popular tourist destinations in Congo and people often don’t realize that there are plenty of other amazing things to see and do in Congo.
On the other side of the Kivu lake we find Kahuzi Biega National Park, an excellent destination for gorilla tracking and splendid views. There is also a brand new lodge at the park where you can stay in style. On the lake you can also camp at Tchegera Island, part of Virunga Park. The island has great views over the Kivu Lake and is the perfect place to relax for a day or two. Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center is a great addition when visiting Kahuzi Biega National Park, not only to visit the primate initiative but also to admire the beautiful buildings with its laboratories and library. On this tour with Congo Voyages you get to see it all.
Beware of Ugandan and Rwandan tourist offices offering trips here, as they often haven’t even been here. We have a great professional team and make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.
Program:
Day 1: Arrival in Goma
Arrival in Goma: overland or at the airport. We will pick you up and bring you to your lodge.
Day 2 and 3: Private Island on Lake Kivu
Two full days at this idyllic island in the middle of Lake Kivu. The island is the remnant of an extinct volcano and is shaped like a crescent moon. This is the perfect place to relax and take short walks as well as some kayaking around the island, while you enjoy the views and watching all the different kinds of birds. The accommodation is full board and you’ll be staying in true glamping style. Whenever the weather permits, you’ll be eating outside on the beach, accompanied by a campfire.
Day 4: Kivu Lake Cruise to Bukavu
In the morning we’ll get you on the boat to cross the Kivue Lake from Goma to Bukavu. In Bukavu you will be taken to your lodge.
Day 5: Lwiro Primate Research Center
Full day visit to the Lwiro Primate Research Center where you’ll get to see the primate initiative, but also the labs and library, all located in a truly beautiful building in a green relaxing environment. Overnight at Kahuzi Biega.
Day 6: Kahuzi Biega: Gorilla Tracking
Gorilla tracking at Kahuzi Biega National Park. If we are lucky we can find the gorillas within the hour, but it can sometimes take longer. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and bring plenty of water for the hike. Don’t forget to bring a mouth mask to protect the gorillas from possible contamination. Overnight at the lodge in Kahuzi Biega.
Day 7: Kahuzi Biega: Mount Kahuzi
Mount Kahuzi is one of two dormant volcanoes in Kahuzi Biega National Park. It takes about 4 hours to reach the top and another three hours to come back. This is a full day activity. Overnight at the lodge in Kahuzi Biega.
Day 8: Back to Goma
Today we take the ferry back to Goma and you’ll be staying at the same lodge near the lake.
Day 9: Departure
Transfer to the border or the airport.
Please let us know if you need a transfer to Kigali. We can arrange this from 499 usd.
Price:
1 person: 4,749 usd
2 people sharing: 2,949 usd pp
Including:
– Accommodation with breakfast (full board only at Tchegera) for 8 nights
– 1 gorilla permit per person
– All transport: 4×4 and ferry
– Airport transfers
– Professional guides
Excluding:
– Meals outside Tchegera
– Drinks
– Tips and gratuities
– Visa
– International flights
Kahuzi-Biéga National Park is located in the Kivu region of Congo, some 50 km west of Bukavu and was established in 1970. The 6,000 km² park is managed by the ICCN and located in the foothills of the African tropical rainforest. It is known for its gorilla populations, but there is also a total of 14 primate species found in Kahuzi Biega, including the eastern colobus monkey and the red colobus monkey. There are several other mammals such as buffles, giant hog, elephants and more. The name Kahuzi Biega comes from the two extinct volcanoes in the area, the 2,790 m high Biéga and the 3,308 m high Kahuzi. Dian Fossey started her gorilla in this park in 1963 before fleeing to Rwanda. Kahuzi Biega is one of the few remaining habitats of the lowland gorilla and there currently are more than 170. The park was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980.
The Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center was founded in 2002 by the ICCN and CRSN after increasing poaching in recent years. The place is a sanctuary for orphaned primates, monkeys and other animals. The aim is both rehabilitation and nature education. Several NGOs such as Coopera, ICWCA and MCGP are also active in the center. Lwiro is only four kilometers away from Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Be sure that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever and have your vaccination proof with you, have also been vaccinated against COVID and if necessary have the necessary PCR test results with you if requested by the airline. We recommend flying with Brussels Airlines and are not responsible for delayed or canceled flights. We try to follow the program as closely as possible, but keep in mind that this can always change and some flexibility is needed.
All prices are based on a shared room. If you want a single room, there will be an extra charge. Please note that apart from the lodges in Garamba and Virunga (with single beds) and Zongo it is not allowed to share a room with someone of the same sex in Congo. We are of course very sorry 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 with this.
Why choose Congo Voyages for this tour?
We are the only local agency with people who are actually on site, and apart from a “lost Belgian expat”, our team consists entirely of Congolese with years of experience in the field. We work closely with the authorities such as the Ministry of Tourism, ICCN, but also the military who help us to secure sensitive areas. Our tours will only take place if all safety conditions have been met and the necessary permissions have been granted and if we have been given the green light from the local authorities/chiefs if necessary.
Beware of (fake) travel agents who copy our itineraries and offer our tours for a lower price. Most of them are Ugandan, Rwandan and Spanish operators who have never been to Congo and recruit locals without knowledge of the field or a license on the internet to do their travels, often with disastrous results, with people being arrested or defrauded and put in jail. worst case no one even shows up.
