Congo · Wildlife

Virunga Biodiversity Safari & Gorilla Conservation Expedition

7 Days Round trip from Pickup service provided in Bulambo. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 7-day safari and conservation expedition in Virunga National Park
  • 02 Guided mountain gorilla trekking with permit included
  • 03 Volcano trek with certified guide
  • 04 Conservation orientation and ranger-led learning experiences
  • 05 Community homestay and cultural exchange in Bukima
  • 06 Tree planting ceremony and habitat restoration workshop
  • 07 Eco-lodge accommodation, meals, and 4x4 transfers included
  • 08 Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site in eastern Congo

Discover the extraordinary biodiversity of Virunga National Park on a 7-day expedition that combines wildlife encounters, trekking, and meaningful conservation experiences. Set in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, this journey explores one of Africa’s most remarkable protected landscapes, from volcanic terrain and forest habitats to communities connected to the park’s future.

Travel with professional Congolese guides and trackers as you take part in a mountain gorilla trekking experience, a guided volcano trek, conservation workshops, and a tree planting ceremony. Along the way, gain deeper insight into ranger-led protection efforts and the ecological importance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The experience also includes time with a partner community through a cultural visit and homestay, offering a closer look at how tourism and conservation support local livelihoods. With eco-lodge stays, meals, transfers, and key permits included, this expedition is designed for travelers seeking both adventure and impact.

Today’s highlight is a guided trek to observe one of Virunga’s mountain gorilla families.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Goma & Safari Briefing

Arrival in Goma where guests are welcomed by the DRCTourism team and transferred to their eco-lodge.

Activities include:

  • airport pickup
  • welcome briefing
  • introduction to Virunga National Park
  • overview of conservation partnership goals
  • dinner at the lodge
2
Day 02

Transfer to Virunga & Conservation Orientation

Departure toward Virunga National Park with scenic transfer through the surrounding landscapes of North Kivu.

Activities include:

  • 4x4 transfer to the park area
  • introduction to ranger conservation work
  • orientation session with local guides
  • eco-lodge check-in
  • evening conservation talk
3
Day 03

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience

Today’s highlight is a guided trek to observe one of Virunga’s mountain gorilla families.

Activities include:

  • early morning briefing
  • guided gorilla trek with trackers
  • time observing gorillas in their natural habitat
  • interpretation of gorilla behavior and conservation challenges
  • return to lodge for rest and dinner

This experience includes the mountain gorilla trekking permit.

4
Day 04

Volcano Trek with Certified Guide

Guided volcano trekking experience with certified guides.

Activities include:

  • volcano trek briefing
  • guided hike
  • scenic photography
  • landscape and geological interpretation
  • return to lodge

This day combines adventure with insight into Virunga’s volcanic ecosystem.

5
Day 05

Community Homestay & Cultural Exchange

Travelers experience life with a partner community connected to conservation.

Activities include:

  • visit to Bukima community
  • cultural exchange with local families
  • community homestay experience
  • storytelling and traditional cuisine
  • learning how tourism supports ranger families and village livelihoods
6
Day 06

Tree Planting Ceremony & Conservation Workshop

Participate directly in conservation action through a tree planting and learning experience.

Activities include:

  • native tree planting ceremony
  • workshop on habitat restoration
  • discussion of anti-poaching and biodiversity monitoring
  • daily impact journaling
  • photo documentation of activities

Each traveler contributes to reforestation and restoration efforts.

7
Day 07

Reflection, Impact Review & Departure

Final reflections on the conservation journey before returning to Goma.

Activities include:

  • summary of conservation contributions
  • closing session with guides
  • airport transfer
  • departure support

Travelers receive follow-up information for their personalized impact report after the trip.

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 6 nights eco-lodge accommodation near Virunga National Park
  • all meals during the safari
  • airport pickup and drop-off in Goma
  • all local transfers and 4x4 transport
  • professional Congolese guides and wildlife trackers
  • mountain gorilla trekking permit
  • volcano trekking experience with certified guide
  • community cultural visit
  • conservation workshop participation
  • tree planting ceremony
  • personalized conservation impact report
  • 24/7 in-country support

What's Not Included

The following are not included:

  • international flights to Goma
  • visa fees for entry into the Democratic Republic of Congo
  • travel insurance
  • personal expenses
  • alcoholic beverages unless specified
  • tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
  • optional activities not listed in the itinerary

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travelers.

Know before you go

Virunga National Park is located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and travel takes place in remote wilderness areas.

The experience includes hiking, trekking, and outdoor activities in mountainous and forest environments.

Weather conditions may vary depending on altitude and season, and travelers should prepare for tropical conditions and cooler temperatures in higher altitude areas.

Gorilla trekking is regulated by park authorities to protect the animals and their habitat. Visitors must follow strict guidelines provided by park rangers.

The experience is operated in partnership with conservation organizations and local ranger teams dedicated to protecting Virunga’s wildlife.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Bulambo.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Bulambo.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 days finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Bulambo..

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