The Kivu region is without a doubt one of the most beautiful parts of East Africa with its green hills shrouded in mist, fertile farmland, picturesque villages all waiting for you to explore. It is the base of the legendary mountain gorillas hidden deep in the green leaves of the cloud forests in Virunga Park, one of the oldest national parks in Africa guarded by the Belgian Prince Emmanuel de Merode.
Shared with Rwanda spanning the border we find the mythical Lake Kivu on the border with Rwanda where fishermen in canoes bring in their daily catch. In the evening,you can see the glow of the volcanoes in the back of the lake while enjoying the local specialties, all deliciously organic. Due to the fertile soil and perfect climate, Kivu produces high quality fruit and vegetables. Kivu beef is also among the best in the continent and can easily compete with South African steak. Besides the volcano, lakes and vast forests, the region is also home to snow-capped mountain peaks: the Rwenzori, on the border with Uganda, where the unique giant lobelia can be found.
Program:
Day 1: Goma
Our adventure starts from Goma, located near Lake Kivu where we will pick you up at the airport to go to our lodge, beautifully situated on the edge of the lake. Tonight we enjoy a nice meal and a drink accompanied by the sun setting over the lake.
Day 2: Bukavu
In the morning we’ll take the ferry from Goma to Bukavu, an excellent opportunity to enjoy the vistas of Lake Kivu. After about three hours on the boat we arrive at Bukavu and we settle in the hotel. At noon you can have lunch overlooking the lake, followed by a visit to the cathedral and later in the afternoon explore Lake Kivu by kayak.
Day 3: The Lowland Gorillas of Kahuzi Biega
Today we get to see the eastern lowland gorillas of Kahuzi Biega National Park, located just outside Bukavu. We put on our walking shoes, as there is a lot of walking today as it can take several hours until we find gorillas.
Day 4: Panzi Foundation and Goma
In the morning we visit the shop of the Panzi Foundation, an organization for women who are victims of sexual violence. Around 11 or 2 pm 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 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 many exotic birds and colorful lizards. In the afternoon you can hike or kayak around the island with beautiful views over the lake. In the evening you’ll enjoy a campfire and eat on the beach of the island.
Day 6: Mushaki
After breakfast you’ll go back to the harbor by boat and will be met by our drivers who will take us to a private farm in Mushaki where you will have a late lunch followed by a visit to the local cheese factory not too far from the farm.
Day 7: Masisi
Today you can choose horseback riding or to go for a walk. After a late lunch we are picked up to go to our next lodge, deeper into the mountains.
Day 8: Masisi
Today we are shown around the estate and we can also walk in the area. Enjoy your last day in this beautiful area.
Day 9: Back to Goma
In the morning we drive back to Goma, a three-hour drive. In the afternoon we will explore Goma and visit different places all over the city so that you have a good introduction to this fascinating place.
Day 10: Flight back
Today we say goodbye to Congo and head back home!
We can also arrange transport from Kigali and back for 490 euros. There are regular flights from Brussels with Brussels Airlines or Rwandair.
Including:
– Professional French/English speaking guides
– Accommodation
– Transportation
– All activities and entrance fees according to the program
Not included:
– Meals and drinks
– International travel
– PCR testing
– Airport taxes.
It is important that you realize that traveling in Congo is not your usual experience and sometimes it requires some patience. You may have decades of experience with safaris and cultural tours in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda or Ethiopia, Congo is truly something else. Heavy rain showers, sinkholes, electricity blackouts, overbooked hotels, canceled flights, monster traffic jams, .. there are plenty of factors which can alter our programme. It is vital to be prepared for this, to be flexible for changes and not to worry. Be sure to bring a power bank, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap, extra towels, 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!
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.
