A 3 Days Kahuzi-Biega Safari from Kigali is designed for travelers who want to experience the remarkable Eastern lowland gorillas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo while beginning and ending their journey in Rwanda.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park lies in South Kivu, on the eastern side of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and protects a remarkable range of habitats stretching from lowland tropical forest to Afro-montane and bamboo forests. It is particularly significant for the conservation of the Eastern lowland gorilla, also known as Grauer’s gorilla.

Detailed Itinerary for 3 Days Kahuzi Biega Safari from Kigali

Day 1: Kigali to Bukavu via the Ruzizi Border

Your Kahuzi-Biega adventure begins in Kigali with an early morning collection from your hotel or airport.

After a briefing with your safari driver-guide, you will leave Kigali and travel south-westwards through the Rwandan countryside towards the Rusizi area. The journey provides an opportunity to see a different side of Rwanda, with green hills, cultivated landscapes and rural communities gradually replacing the urban surroundings of Kigali.

Depending on the agreed route and prevailing road conditions, a lunch stop can be arranged along the way. The day is primarily a transfer day, so comfortable clothing, drinking water and a small bag with essential travel documents should be kept close at hand.

From the Rusizi area, the journey continues towards the Ruzizi border crossing into the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Immigration and border procedures will be completed before the journey continues towards Bukavu.

Important: border formalities, entry requirements, operating hours and crossing availability must be reconfirmed before departure. The Ruzizi–Bukavu crossing has been subject to possible short-notice closure, while current FCDO advice advises against travel to South Kivu.

Once in Bukavu, transfer to your pre-arranged accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay, subject to the route and accommodation being operational.

Approximate programme: Kigali → Rusizi/Ruzizi border → Bukavu
Accommodation: Bukavu-area hotel or lodge, subject to operational availability
Meals: Lunch and dinner, according to the selected package

Why the journey is part of the experience?

The first day is not simply a long road transfer. It introduces you to the geographical transition between Rwanda and eastern DRC and prepares you for the forest experience ahead.

Kahuzi-Biega itself is exceptionally diverse. UNESCO describes the park as extending across approximately 600,000 hectares, incorporating lowland rainforest as well as mountain, bamboo and sub-alpine habitats. The park is named after Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, two extinct volcanoes that dominate its highland landscape.

Day 2: Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega

Day two is the highlight of your 3-day Kahuzi-Biega safari.

Rise early, enjoy breakfast and prepare for the journey to the park. An early start is recommended because gorilla trekking is a forest activity and the day’s programme depends on park procedures, ranger guidance and the location of the gorilla group.

At the park, you will receive a briefing covering the trekking procedure, responsible behavior around the gorillas and practical safety considerations. Your ranger and tracking team will then lead you into the forest.

The trek itself can vary considerably. Forest conditions, weather and the movements of the gorillas determine how long you remain on the trail. Previous tourism information has described Eastern lowland gorilla treks as lasting several hours, with approximately one hour traditionally allowed with the gorillas once they have been located. These timings should be confirmed with the park or authorized operator for your particular visit rather than treated as a guarantee.

As you move through the forest, take time to appreciate more than the gorillas. The vegetation changes with altitude and the park supports exceptional biological diversity. Bird calls, insects, climbing plants and the dense forest canopy all contribute to the atmosphere of the trek.

When the gorillas are located, follow the instructions of your ranger carefully. Keep the required distance, avoid sudden movements and never attempt to touch or feed the animals. Photography should be undertaken responsibly and in accordance with the current park rules.

After the allotted viewing period, you will leave the gorilla group and begin the trek back towards the park headquarters.

Once back at the meeting point, transfer to your accommodation in the Bukavu area. The remainder of the afternoon can be kept deliberately relaxed after the physical demands of the trek.

Dinner will be served at the accommodation, followed by an overnight stay.

What to carry for the gorilla trek

Pack lightly for the gorilla trek but make sure the essentials are covered:

1. • Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots
   • Long trousers and a long-sleeved top
   • Lightweight waterproof jacket
   • Gardening gloves for gripping vegetation
   • Hat and sunscreen
   • Insect repellent
   • Small daypack
   • Reusable drinking-water bottle
   • Camera with spare batteries
   • Binoculars, if desired
   • Personal medication
   • Valid travel and identification documents

Wet conditions should be expected even outside the main rainy periods because Kahuzi-Biega is a tropical forest environment. Appropriate hiking clothing is therefore important.

 Day 3: Bukavu to Kigali

After breakfast, prepare for your return journey to Kigali.

Your driver-guide will collect you from the accommodation and begin the journey towards the Ruzizi border area. The return journey follows the agreed route and is subject to road, border and security conditions.

After completing the relevant DRC and Rwanda border procedures, continue towards Kigali. A lunch stop can be arranged during the journey, depending on the timing of the border crossing and road conditions.

As you approach Kigali, the landscape gradually changes from the countryside back to Rwanda’s more developed urban environment.

On arrival in Kigali, you can be dropped at your hotel or another agreed location. An airport transfer can also be arranged where the timing of your international flight allows sufficient contingency for the cross-border journey.

Approximate programme: Bukavu → Ruzizi border → Kigali
Meals: Breakfast and lunch, according to the selected package
End of safari: Kigali

For flights on the same day, substantial contingency time should be allowed. A border crossing and international flight should not be planned around a tightly calculated schedule because crossing procedures or route conditions can change.

What is included?

A final package will depend on the operator and the prevailing park and border arrangements, but a quotation can typically be structured to include:

1. • Kigali hotel pick-up and drop-off
   • Private 4×4 transport
   • English-speaking driver-guide
   • Accommodation as specified in the quotation
   • Meals as stated in the itinerary
   • Kahuzi-Biega gorilla trekking permit, where officially available
   • Park entry fees applicable to the itinerary
   • Border-transfer assistance
   • Drinking water during road transfers

What is not included?

Unless specifically stated in your quotation, travelers should budget separately for:

1. • International flights
   • Visas and immigration charges
   • Travel insurance
   • Medical and vaccination expenses
   • Personal purchases
   • Alcoholic and premium drinks
   • Laundry
   • Tips and gratuities
   • Porter services, where applicable
   • Additional accommodation caused by border or route disruption
   • Any activity not expressly listed in the confirmed programme