On arrival, we’ll meet you at Kigali International Airport and transfer you to the Gorilla City Hotel. Relax, settle in and meet your fellow travellers as you prepare for the adventure that awaits. We’ll get together for dinner to discuss what the next week will hold in store for us.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

After an early breakfast we will travel across the mountainous country of Rwanda to the city of Bukavu on the southern shore of Lake Kivu in DRC. After lunch in this lakeside city, we will travel through beautiful local villages to Kahuzi Biega National Park. Set up in the hills, with a magnificent view over Lake Kivu, Kahuzi Biega was the first national park in the world for gorilla treks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kahuzi Biega National Park

Established in 1970, the Kahuzi Biega National Park became a World Heritage Site in 1980 to help protect the eastern lowland gorillas that call the park their home. Today’s once-in-a-lifetime trek starts with a short briefing on the park and what to expect before we begin our journey along the narrow jungle paths to meet the gorillas. The length of the hike is dependant upon the location of the gorillas. As they are always on the move in search of food, it can take anything from a 20-minute walk to over an hour. But however long it takes, it will be worth it, not least for the opportunity to spot a variety of other mammals along the way. Keep your eyes out for chimpanzees, elephants and antelope among other wildlife. Once you spot the gorillas you’ll have ample time to watch them feeding and playing with their young ones. It’s a truly mesmerising and unforgettable experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kahuzi Biega National Park

Lwiro Primate Sanctuary was established in 2002 to provide the best possible care to orphaned primates in DRC. The sanctuary is a long-term captive care facility for rescued chimpanzees and other primate species endemic to DRC. We will spend a few hours on a guided tour of the sanctuary, learning about the skill and commitment it takes to care for so many unique species. We will return to Bukavu for lunch and a relaxing afternoon by the lake or maybe some last-minute shopping for local and fascinating Congolese masks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

This morning we will catch the ferry across lake Kivu to the lively town of Goma on the north shore of Lake Kivu. After a local lunch we will say ‘Hey Goma’ and spend the afternoon taking a look around this fascinating town including a tour of Lowa Chocolate and Coffee, and a few of the city highlights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

If you have elected to join the Spirit of Congo tour, then you will remain in Goma and travel to Virunga National Park. For those finishing their Congolese journey, cross back to Rwanda with unforgettable memories of DRC. We will return to Kigali in time for any flights after 3pm, alternatively stay an extra night in Kigali and explore the history and culture of Rwanda’s capital.

Meals: Breakfast