DRC Tourism
    Gorilla Trekking

    Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Detailed Itinerary

    Virunga National Park, North Kivu3-4 days

    Trip Overview

    Track endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat at Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest and most biodiverse protected area. This is one of only three places on Earth where you can observe mountain gorillas in the wild. Virunga's gorilla families have been habituated over decades by expert rangers, allowing intimate yet respectful encounters that fund critical conservation work.

    Duration

    3-4 days

    Location

    Virunga National Park

    Best Time

    Year-round

    Day-by-Day Itinerary

    Day 1

    Arrival & Briefing in Goma

    Arrive at Goma International Airport. Transfer to eco-lodge near Virunga. Evening briefing on gorilla trekking protocols.

    Today's Highlights:

    Airport pickup
    Eco-lodge check-in
    Orientation session
    Day 2

    Mountain Gorilla Trek

    Early morning departure to Bukima ranger station. Trek through montane forest (1-4 hours). Spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family.

    Today's Highlights:

    Expert-guided trek
    1-hour gorilla encounter
    Forest immersion
    Day 3

    Optional: Nyiragongo or Community Visit

    Choose between hiking Nyiragongo Volcano or visiting Bukima community.

    Today's Highlights:

    Volcano option
    Community connection
    Day 4

    Departure

    Transfer to Goma Airport. Receive personalized impact certificate.

    Today's Highlights:

    Impact certificate
    Airport transfer

    Itinerary Variations

    This itinerary can be customized based on your interests, fitness level, and available time. Our team works with you to create the perfect experience.

    • Extended options available (+1-3 days for deeper exploration)
    • Private departures for families or groups
    • Combined itineraries with nearby experiences

    What's Included

    Included

    • Expert local guides with years of experience
    • All park entrance and permit fees
    • Accommodation as specified in itinerary
    • All meals during the experience
    • Airport/hotel transfers
    • Emergency evacuation coverage
    • Pre-departure briefing materials
    • Comfortable walking shoes (available if needed)
    • Weather-appropriate clothing (available if needed)

    Not Included

    • International flights to DRC
    • Visa fees and travel insurance
    • Personal expenses and tips
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Laundry services
    • Items of a personal nature

    Ready to Start Planning?

    Secure your dates early—we recommend booking 2-3 months in advance.

    Request Availability