Lowland Gorillas treks, Tshibati waterfalls in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Lwiro Sanctuary, pygmies’ village, Idjwi Island and visit to Goma

Arrival at Cyangungu-Rusizi border. Welcoming with our staff at the border. Assisted to clear with formalities. Crossing the border and check in at your hotel. If you arrive early, you can take an optional tour of Bukavu city. Places to visit include the cathedral, the big brewery (Bralima), the markets, the famous Panzi hospital, amongst other places of interest. Overnight in Bukavu.

Accommodation: Exodus Hotel (Budget), Nediva B&B hotel/Bergonias (Mid-range), Orchids Safari Lodge (Luxury).

After breakfast at your hotel, it is time to head to the Tshivanga Station where starts the gorillas’ trekking in Kahuzi Biega National park. You’ll receive a short briefing about the lowland gorilla tracking. Following the briefing, you begin your journey along narrow jungle paths to meet the gorillas. The length of this hike depends on the location of the gorillas. Some days they can be 20-40 minute walk from the road into the Forest, other days it can take over an hour of walking to reach the Lowland gorillas as they are always on the move for the search of food.​ After this life time experience, we go to Lwiro. Dinner and overnight in Lwiro.

Accommodation: Lwiro Guesthouse

After breakfast, we go to visit Lwiro Sanctuary which is unique and rich in biodiversity. It is one of the unique sanctuaries for its rich biodiversity. It has more animals and different species than other sanctuaries in Africa. Photography activities in Lwiro. After visiting the sanctuary, we go for a nature walk and visit Tshibati waterfalls in Kahuzi- Biega National Park. After visiting the waterfalls, we come back to Lwiro for Lunch at the Guesthouse. On our way to Lwiro, we’ll stop over a pygmy village for a visit. Overnight in Bukavu.

Accommodation: Exodus Hotel (Budget), Nediva B&B hotel/Bergonias (Mid-range), Orchids Safari Lodge (Luxury).

Early morning, departure to Bukavu harbor at 6:30 am for departure by speedboat to Idjwi Islands in the middle of Kivu lake. Idjwi Island receives few visitors, but is a unique and unexplored travel destination. The Island is 340 sq km in size and 70 km in length, the second largest inland island in Africa. Located within Lake Kivu it can be seen clearly from both the Rwandan and Congolese mainlands. Check in at Hope Land Guest House. Activities on the Island include visit to pineapple plantations and villages, nature walks, bird-watching, swimming in the lake and interacting with the local people. Boat rides can also be organized, taking you around the small islets surrounding the island, where you can visit nearby fishing villages. In the afternoon, visit to pygmies. Overnight at Idwji.

Accommodation: Paillotes solidaires d’Idjwi

After breakfast at your hotel, take the speedboat to Goma. Goma is the capital city of the North Kivu province. It is located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, next to the Rwandan city of Gisenyi. On the one hand, the recent history of Goma has been dominated by the eruption of Nyiragongo volcano in 2002 and the lava that buried most of the town’s streets, houses and covered over the northern 1 km of the 3-kilometre (10,000 ft) runway of Goma International Airport. On the other hand Goma has suffered the tragic consequences of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994: the First and Second Congo Wars, which the aftermaths are still felt today in the city and its surroundings. Overnight in Goma.

Accommodation: Centre d’accueil Caritas (Budget), Linda Hotel (Mid-range), Lake Kivu Lodge/Goma Serena Hotel (Luxury).

After breakfast at your hotel, guests will be transported to the border Grande Barrière and cross to Rwanda.

End of the tour