9-Day Wildlife & Gorillas of the Virungas Safari Overview
The 9-Day Wildlife & Gorillas of the Virungas Safari is an extended East African adventure combining mountain gorilla trekking, volcanic landscapes, primate encounters and classic savannah wildlife.
The journey starts in Kigali, Rwanda, before continuing toward the Virunga region. It combines a gorilla trekking experience in Virunga National Park, a Mount Nyiragongo volcano trek and golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
The safari then continues into Uganda for another mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, followed by chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest and wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience the wider Virunga landscape while also exploring some of Uganda's most important primate and wildlife destinations.
Safari Facts
Tour Highlights
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Virunga Gorilla Trekking
Enter Virunga National Park for a mountain gorilla trekking experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. -
Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Trek
Hike into the spectacular volcanic landscape of Mount Nyiragongo and spend a night in the mountain shelter, subject to current park access and conditions. -
Lake Kivu & Gisenyi
Travel through the scenic Lake Kivu region as you move between Rwanda and the Virunga area. -
Golden Monkey Tracking
Explore Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda in search of golden monkeys. -
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
Experience another mountain gorilla trek in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. -
Kalinzu Chimpanzee Tracking
Follow forest trails in search of chimpanzees and other primates in Kalinzu Forest. -
Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari
Enjoy wildlife viewing and game drives in one of Uganda's most diverse savannah parks.
Key Safari Experiences
This itinerary brings together several of the Virunga region's most memorable experiences with Uganda's primate and wildlife destinations. From high-altitude gorilla trekking and volcanic hiking to chimpanzee tracking and savannah game viewing, each stage offers a different environment and activity.
Detailed 9-Day Safari Itinerary
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your Ajokis Tours & Travel representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short orientation around Kigali before settling into your accommodation and preparing for the journey toward the Virunga region.
Overnight in Kigali
After breakfast, begin the journey from Kigali toward Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu. Continue toward Goma and the Virunga region after completing the required border procedures.
The drive provides views of Rwanda's rolling hills, Lake Kivu and the volcanic landscapes surrounding the Virunga Mountains.
Arrive in the Virunga area and check into your accommodation. Your guide will brief you about the following day's gorilla trekking experience.
Overnight in the Virunga Area
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing. You will then enter the forest with trained guides and trackers in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Trekking time varies depending on the location of the gorillas, terrain and weather conditions. Once the family is located, enjoy the permitted viewing time while observing the gorillas in their natural environment.
After the trek, return to the lodge to relax and enjoy dinner.
Gorilla Trekking Experience
Today is dedicated to the Mount Nyiragongo volcano trek. After the necessary briefing, begin the hike through the changing vegetation of the Virunga volcanic landscape.
The trek involves sustained uphill hiking and requires good physical preparation. Reach the crater area and spend the night at the mountain shelter, subject to current park regulations and operational conditions.
The volcanic landscape provides a dramatic setting for this unique hiking experience.
Overnight on Mount Nyiragongo
After breakfast, descend from Mount Nyiragongo and continue toward Goma. After completing the required arrangements, travel back toward Rwanda through the Lake Kivu region.
Continue to Kinigi and Volcanoes National Park, where you will check into your accommodation and prepare for the next day's golden monkey tracking experience.
Overnight in Kinigi
After breakfast, enter Volcanoes National Park for a guided golden monkey tracking experience. Follow the forest trails in search of these distinctive primates.
The Virunga landscape also supports a range of other forest species and birds. After the activity, continue toward Uganda and the Bwindi region.
Arrive at your lodge and relax ahead of the following day's gorilla trekking experience.
Overnight Near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Wake up early and travel to the relevant Bwindi gorilla trekking briefing point. After the ranger briefing, begin your trek through the dense rainforest in search of your assigned gorilla family.
The duration of the trek depends on where the gorillas are located, weather and forest terrain. The hike can involve steep and muddy sections, so sturdy hiking footwear and suitable clothing are recommended.
Once the gorillas are located, spend the permitted viewing time observing their behaviour before returning to the park headquarters.
Overnight Near Bwindi
After breakfast, travel toward Kalinzu Forest for a guided chimpanzee tracking experience.
Follow experienced trackers through the forest while searching for chimpanzees and other forest wildlife. The forest environment also offers opportunities to encounter different primates and bird species.
After the activity, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will check into your lodge.
Depending on the time available, an introductory game drive can be arranged before dinner.
Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start the final day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Search the savannah for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions and other wildlife.
After the game drive and breakfast, begin the journey toward Kigali. The drive passes through changing landscapes as you cross back toward Rwanda.
Arrive in Kigali for your onward flight or next travel arrangement. The safari ends in Kigali.
Safari End
Wildlife & Primate Encounters
The safari combines forest and savannah ecosystems across Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions, animal movements and park regulations.
Accommodation
Accommodation is selected according to availability, travel dates and your preferred safari category. The source itinerary includes accommodation in Kigali, the Virunga region, Kinigi, Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Rwanda & DRC
- Kigali hotel
- Virunga-area accommodation
- Approved Mount Nyiragongo mountain shelter
- Kinigi / Volcanoes National Park accommodation
Uganda
- Gorilla-region lodge near Bwindi
- Queen Elizabeth National Park lodge
- Accommodation selected according to availability
- Room category confirmed during booking
9-Day Virungas Safari Price
Sample Price
The source tour page displays a sample price of $4,125 per person for 2 people. The source page also lists the safari as leaving any day. Final Ajokis Tours & Travel pricing should be confirmed according to travel dates, number of travellers, accommodation category, gorilla and chimpanzee permits, park fees, border arrangements and availability.
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Gorilla trekking permits as specified in the confirmed itinerary
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Golden monkey tracking activity according to the confirmed itinerary
- Applicable national park entrance fees
- Mount Nyiragongo trekking arrangements, subject to availability
- Accommodation according to the itinerary
- Meals as indicated
- 4×4 safari transportation
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- English-speaking safari driver-guide
- Game drives and planned safari activities
Not Included
- International flights
- Visa and immigration fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic and premium drinks
- Personal hiking equipment
- Optional activities not listed in the confirmed itinerary
What to Pack for the Virungas Safari
Because this safari includes gorilla trekking, forest hiking and the Mount Nyiragongo climb, practical trekking equipment is important. Prepare for cool temperatures, rain, muddy trails and changing mountain conditions.
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- Long hiking trousers
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Warm fleece or sweater
- Gardening or trekking gloves
- Gaiters
- Small daypack
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Camera and spare batteries
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication and toiletries
Best Time for the Virungas Safari
The Virunga and Bwindi regions can be visited throughout the year. The generally drier periods can make trekking and wildlife activities more comfortable, although these mountainous rainforest environments can receive rain at any time.
Your ideal travel period can also depend on your preferred wildlife experiences, trekking conditions, accommodation availability and permit availability. Ajokis Tours & Travel can check the arrangements for your preferred dates.
Why Travel with Ajokis Tours & Travel?
A multi-country gorilla and wildlife safari requires careful coordination of permits, accommodation, transportation and border arrangements. Ajokis Tours & Travel can organize the itinerary around your preferred dates and travel style.
- Customized Rwanda, Uganda and DRC safari planning
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permit coordination
- Experienced safari driver-guide support
- Private 4×4 safari transportation
- Flexible accommodation options
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Cross-border itinerary coordination
- Personalized safari assistance before and during your journey
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Wildlife & Gorillas of the Virungas Safari?
The itinerary takes nine days and eight nights, beginning in Kigali and ending in Kigali.
Does the safari include gorilla trekking in both DRC and Uganda?
Yes. The itinerary includes gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and another gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, subject to permit and park availability.
Is Mount Nyiragongo included?
Yes. The itinerary includes a Mount Nyiragongo volcano trek on Day 4, with an overnight mountain shelter arrangement subject to current park operations, safety conditions and availability.
Does the safari include golden monkey tracking?
Yes. Golden monkey tracking is planned in Volcanoes National Park before the journey continues toward Bwindi in Uganda.
Is chimpanzee tracking included?
Yes. Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest is included in the itinerary on Day 8.
Will I see wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
The itinerary includes a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Possible wildlife includes elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and predators such as lions and leopards, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
What is the sample price for this safari?
The source tour page displays a sample price of $4,125 per person for 2 people. The final Ajokis quotation should be confirmed based on travel dates, permits, accommodation, border arrangements and availability.
Can the safari start on any day?
The source page lists the safari as leaving any day. Final travel dates remain subject to permit availability, accommodation, park activities and cross-border arrangements.
Is this safari suitable for travellers who do not hike regularly?
The itinerary includes two gorilla treks and a Mount Nyiragongo climb, so several activities can be physically demanding. Travellers should discuss their preferred activity level with Ajokis Tours & Travel before booking so the itinerary and support arrangements can be reviewed.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is recommended for an itinerary involving multiple countries, trekking, hiking and outdoor activities. Check that your policy covers the activities and destinations included in your trip.