A one-week tour of Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC) and Burundi offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage of these two often-overlooked countries in Central Africa. This itinerary combines the adventure of trekking active volcanoes and gorilla habitats in Congo with the serene landscapes and cultural experiences of Burundi. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a 7-day tour:

Day 1: Arrival in Bujumbura, Burundi

• Arrival in Bujumbura: Upon arrival in Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Bujumbura is a vibrant city located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second deepest lake.
• City Tour of Bujumbura:
  • Visit the Livingstone-Stanley Monument, commemorating the famous meeting between the explorers David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley.
  • Stroll along Lake Tanganyika’s beaches and visit local markets such as Central Market for a glimpse into everyday life in Burundi.
  • Optionally, visit Rusizi National Park, where you can see hippos, birds, and the river that flows into Lake Tanganyika.

Overnight: Hotel in Bujumbura

Day 2: Karera Waterfalls and Gitega (Burundi)

• Drive to Gitega: After breakfast, depart for Gitega, Burundi’s second-largest city (around 2.5-3 hours by car). En route, stop at several natural and cultural sites.
• Visit Karera Waterfalls:
  • Explore the stunning Karera Waterfalls, a beautiful cascade located in a lush setting. The falls are one of Burundi’s natural treasures and a great spot for photography and nature walks.
• Gitega National Museum:
  • In Gitega, visit the Gitega National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of traditional Burundian artifacts, including royal drums, weapons, and clothing.
• Royal Drummers of Burundi (Optional):
  • If time allows, experience a performance by the Royal Drummers of Burundi, one of the country’s most famous cultural traditions. The drummers perform energetic and rhythmic performances that have been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Overnight: Hotel in Gitega

Day 3: Drive to Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

• Drive to Bukavu: After breakfast, embark on a journey to Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (approximately 5-6 hours depending on border crossing). Bukavu is located on the southern shores of Lake Kivu and serves as the gateway to Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
• Explore Bukavu:
  • Upon arrival, explore Bukavu’s charming lakeside setting and colonial architecture. You can visit local markets or relax at your hotel with views of Lake Kivu.

Overnight: Lodge or hotel in Bukavu

Day 4: Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park (DRC)

• Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega:
  • After an early breakfast, head to Kahuzi-Biega National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking. Unlike the mountain gorillas of Virunga, the eastern lowland gorillas are larger and found in the lowland tropical forests.
  • The trek can take between 2 and 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla families, but the effort is rewarded with an incredible close encounter with these gentle giants. You’ll spend one hour observing and photographing the gorillas.
• Explore Kahuzi-Biega:
  • After your trek, you can explore other parts of the park, which is also home to elephants, chimpanzees, and numerous bird species.

Overnight: Lodge in Bukavu

Day 5: Transfer to Goma and Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Hike (DRC)

• Boat Transfer to Goma:
  • After breakfast, take a scenic boat transfer across Lake Kivu to Goma, a city located near the border of Rwanda and DRC. The journey by boat takes about 3-4 hours and offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
• Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Hike:
  • Upon arrival in Goma, prepare for an exhilarating hike to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The hike usually takes about 4-6 hours, passing through lush forests and volcanic terrain.
  • At the top, you’ll camp overnight and have a chance to witness the lava lake inside the crater, a breathtaking natural wonder that glows brightly at night.

Overnight: Camping on Mount Nyiragongo

Day 6: Descend Nyiragongo and Transfer to Kigali, Rwanda

• Descend Mount Nyiragongo:
  • After an early breakfast at the summit, begin your descent from Mount Nyiragongo, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes on your way down. The descent takes about 3-4 hours.
• Transfer to Kigali, Rwanda:
  • After the descent, transfer to the border and cross into Rwanda for the 2-3 hour drive to Kigali. Once in Kigali, enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner at one of the city’s restaurants.

Overnight: Hotel in Kigali

Day 7: Kigali City Tour and Departure

• Kigali City Tour:
  • After breakfast, explore Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most vibrant cities. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a moving experience that highlights Rwanda’s tragic history and its recovery from the 1994 genocide.
  • Explore Inema Art Center, showcasing local artists, or visit the Kimironko Market for last-minute shopping and souvenirs.
• Transfer to Kigali International Airport:
  • Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely lunch before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure.

Tour Highlights:

• Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking: Trekking to see the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a rare and unforgettable wildlife encounter.
• Mount Nyiragongo Hike: The hike to the summit of one of the world’s most active volcanoes, with its glowing lava lake, is a thrilling adventure.
• Cultural and Natural Wonders of Burundi: From the historic cities of Bujumbura and Gitega to the stunning Karera Waterfalls and the cultural performances of the Royal Drummers, Burundi offers a rich blend of history, culture, and nature.
• Lake Kivu: The scenic boat ride across Lake Kivu provides a peaceful and scenic interlude during the journey between Congo’s Bukavu and Goma.
• Kigali City: Discover Rwanda’s capital, with its fascinating history, modern attractions, and vibrant art scene.

Practical Information:

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Congo and Burundi is during the dry season from June to September and December to February. These months offer the best trekking conditions and less rain.
• Permits:
  • Gorilla trekking permits in Congo (Kahuzi-Biega) cost around USD $400.
  • The Nyiragongo Volcano hiking permit costs around USD $300.
• Fitness Level: Both gorilla trekking and the Nyiragongo hike require a moderate to high level of fitness. The Nyiragongo hike is steep and can be challenging, while the gorilla trek can involve several hours of walking through dense forests.

This one-week tour offers an adventurous and immersive experience, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Congo and Burundi, from rare wildlife encounters to awe-inspiring natural landscapes. If you’d like more details or adjustments, feel free to ask! One week tour Congo and Burundi