7 reviews for DRC, Rwanda & Burundi III
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Expedition
DRC, Rwanda & Burundi III
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
DRC, Rwanda & Burundi III
DRC is back! We repacked this Wander Expedition classic with it’s two smaller neighbours to offer the most value in this East African Expedition. One week where we will track gorillas in Congo’s rainforests, explore the deadly Lake Kivu, and the lively streets of Bukavu, a border town that packs a punch. We will kick it off in Kigali, Africa’s most organized and cleanest capital, and enjoy the stunning Rwandan sceneries. Finally, we will end in Burundi, the biggest hidden gem in this part of the World with a series of underrated experiences that you can’t miss!
- Trip dates: January 20th - 27th 2024
- 8 days
- 7 nights
itinerary
Day 1: Kigali and Rwandan Hills.
- In the morning we will explore Kigali, including the Gisozi Genocide Memorial and other main highlights of the cleanest city in Africa.
- In the afternoon, we’ll drive out to Lake Kivu, and the border with DRC, enjoying the lush sceneries and villages along the way.
- Overnight near the border.
Day 2: Bukavu and Primate Center
- After breakfast, we take a boat to Bukavu, in South Kivu province, a 3h cruise where we will enjoy the beauty of Lake Kivu, often dubbed the deadliest lake in the World.
- After lunch, we will visit a primate rehabilitation center in Bukavu, and explore this lively town.
- Overnight in Bukavu.
Day 3: Gorillas
- Today will be a day you’ll forever remember! We will get to track mountain gorillas in Congo’s rainforest of Kahuzi Biega.
- Overnight in Bukavu.
Day 4: Transfer to Bujumbura
- In the morning, we’ll leave DRC and drive out to Bujumbura in a journey that will take about 3-4h plus the border crossing.
- The afternoon, we’ll explore Burundi’s biggest city including the Livingstone monument, the cathedral, markets and mingling with locals.
- Overnight Bujumbura.
Day 5: Karera Waterfalls & Gishora Drummers
- After breakfast we shall visit the source of the Nile. Shortly after, we’ll head East towards Karera waterfalls.
- Afterwards, we will drive to Gitega, the country’s second biggest town and political capital. We will then explore Gishora, a drum sanctuary on the Royal Hill, where we will witness an impressive musical performance from the World famous Burundian Drummers.
- Overnight in Gitega.
Day 6: Teza Tea Plantations & Kibira Nature Walk
- Today, we drive to Teza to see the tea plantations, one of the main exports in Burundi.
- Later, we will take a nature walk around Kibira National Park.
- In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy sunset by Lake Tanganyika in our hotel in Bujumbura.
Day 7: Bujumbura & Rusizi National Park
- After breakfast we will visit Rusizi National Park, where we will explore the river on a boat trip safari to take a closer look at hippos, numerous species of birds and the meeting point between Rusizi River and Lake Tanganyika.
- In the afternoon, we will drive back to Bujumbura to wander around the city and enjoy our last dinner together.
- Overnight in Bujumbura.
Day 8: Fly out
- It’s the saddest moment on any Expedition: we say goodbye until the next time we see each other!
Included
Not included
Gorilla Permit
Virunga NP charges around $500 for a gorilla tracking permit.Hotels
Shared twin room in 4-star hotels (when available) on a bed and breakfast basis.Guides
Expert local guide and fixer.Transport
Private transport with driver.Visa Support
We will take care of your visas so you can pay and pick it up on arrival.Entrance Fees
All entrance fees to sites on your itinerary.
January 20th – 27th 2024
Our Selection Process takes only 10 minutes and it helps us create the best travel family!
FAQ
HOW DO I GET A VISA FOR DRC, RWANDA AND BURUNDI?
We will take care of the visa for you so you can just pick it up on arrival at Goma International Airport. We just need a scanned copy of your passport for this and it will take a few weeks to process. The cost of the visa is around $100 and is not included (you will need to pay with cash on arrival).
Rwanda is visa free for most destinations and Burundi is on arrival.
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET THERE?
Wander Expedition doesn’t book flights for you and is ultimately not responsible for your flight connection, but we can offer guidance and support when you research the best options for you.
We will start from Kigali, and finish in Bujumbura. You will need to land a day earlier in Kigali to make sure we make the most of Day 1 and can start in the early morning.
ARE DRC, RWANDA AND BURUNDI SAFE?
DRC can be challenging to navigate, but will be accompanied by a local crew at all times, which will help us interact with locals and have the best possible experience.
Rwanda and Burundi are very safe.
WHO IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR?
This Expedition is perfect for those seeking an adventure in the heart of Africa. The itinerary is one of our favorites, very balanced, with thrills to fill our days but enough comfort to enjoy our nights with our newfound travel family.
[email protected] –
Had the best week in the DRC, climbing a volcano, eating chocolate for the first time on a remote island, going to a wedding and delivering a lamb/goat. The best part was seeing gorillas up close and personal- (almost too personal). Would highly recommend this trip
Ada Iriso –
It was such a special trip! I had always dreamt of climbing a volcano, and Alvaro made it happen! Tchegera Island was one of the highlights of the trip, it was such a dreamy island, with amazing views of the volcano, and needless to say, the gorilla trek was very special, to see them up close, and spend a full hour with them! This trip had it all!
Atm1424 –
The expedition to DRC organized by Alvaro and Wanderexpeditions was hands down a trip of the life time. This expeditions added value to my life far beyond the 7 days spent on the trip. The true family found amongst the fellow people from around the globe on the trip are now people I cherish in my life. We don’t go long without talking to each other, planning future trips and just living life in a community of like minded people. DRC is definitely a destination worth investing in!
Ursi –
This trip was amazing! DRC offers many different activities. The volcano hike and the gorillas were definitely the highlights for me. But Tchegera Island and Masisi were beautiful and fun too. Alvaro created a great trip and i can 100 % recommend it.
And the group was amazing too 🤗!
Tregg Garner –
The DRC expedition is amazing! From exploring the Masisi hills, spending the night on Tchegera island, and trekking the gorillas, this trip had so many highlights. It’s truly the perfect itinerary for a trip to Africa, I would highly recommend it!
JoseLuis –
Amazing and great travel experience. Itinerary full of highlights and best travel group ever. Apart from the gorilla trekking, everyday has unique places to visit: masasi hills, tcheguera island, markets in Goma and Bukavu… a unique travel experience!
StefHeijnen –
This expedition is the best of the best, a raw adventure to say the least. In the heart of Africa there lie the most beautiful landscapes I’ve seen. From the island of Idjwi, where no tourist comes, to the beautiful Masisi Hills. Everyday is a highlight. The group was truly amazing, and couldn’t have wished for a better DRC Fam!