Congo Gorilla Safaris Starting from Kigali. For many years, Kigali was the favorite starting point for gorilla safaris into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Just a few hours’ drive from the Rwandan capital, the Congolese cities of Goma and Bukavu served as gateways to Virunga National Park, home to mountain gorillas and the famous Nyiragongo volcano, and to Kahuzi-Biega National Park, the stronghold of the eastern lowland gorilla. Travellers could fly into Kigali’s modern airport, cross the border, trek gorillas in Congo and be back in Rwanda within a few days.

Today, the picture is very different. Conflict in eastern Congo has seriously disrupted tourism. The M23 armed group took control of Goma in January 2025 and Bukavu in February 2025, and many governments now advise against all travel to the DRC. Virunga’s gorilla tourism had already been suspended before these events, and tour operators have withdrawn Kahuzi-Biega packages.

So what does that mean for travellers who want a gorilla safari starting from Kigali? The good news is that Kigali remains one of the best places in the world to begin a gorilla safari. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga and Bwindi national parks are all within easy reach, offering safe, world-class gorilla trekking in the same Virunga and Albertine Rift region.

In this guide, we explain how Congo gorilla safaris from Kigali used to work, the current safety situation, and the best gorilla trips you can safely take from Kigali today. At Kenlink Tours, we run gorilla safaris from Kigali every week, and we always put our guests’ safety first.

Why Kigali Is the Gateway to the Gorillas

Kigali sits at the heart of the Great Lakes region, surrounded by the world’s only mountain gorilla habitats:

• Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: about 2 to 3 hours from Kigali
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda: about 3 hours via the Cyanika border
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (southern sectors), Uganda: about 4 to 5 hours
• Virunga National Park, DRC (via Goma): historically about 3 to 4 hours to the Goma border area
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DRC (via Bukavu): historically about 5 to 6 hours via the Rusizi border

Kigali International Airport has good regional and international connections, and Rwanda is known for its safety, clean streets and excellent roads. That is why so many gorilla safaris, to Rwanda, Uganda and, in the past, Congo, begin here. Pick and Transfer Safaris explains more in their guide to gorilla trekking starting from Kigali airport.

How Congo Gorilla Safaris From Kigali Used to Work

Virunga National Park via Goma: Travellers drove from Kigali to the lakeside town of Rubavu (Gisenyi) on Lake Kivu, crossed into Goma at the border posts, and continued to Virunga’s gorilla sectors at Bukima. Many trips also included an overnight hike up Mount Nyiragongo to see its glowing lava lake, and a visit to the Senkwekwe Center for orphaned gorillas. Read our overview of Virunga National Park and our guide to gorilla trekking in Congo from Rwanda.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park via Bukavu: Travellers drove from Kigali southwest to Rusizi (Cyangugu) on the southern tip of Lake Kivu, crossed into Bukavu, and visited the Tshivanga park headquarters to trek eastern lowland gorillas. Many combined this with Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda for chimpanzee tracking. See our guides to Kahuzi-Biega National Park and how far Kahuzi-Biega is from Kigali.

Pick and Transfer Safaris’ Virunga National Park and our comparison of Kahuzi-Biega and Virunga give more background on both parks.

Is It Safe to Take a Congo Gorilla Safari From Kigali Now?

At the time of writing, we do not recommend Congo gorilla safaris from Kigali. Here is why:

• Goma and Bukavu, the gateway cities to Congo’s gorilla parks, came under the control of the M23 armed group in early 2025.
• Virunga’s gorilla tourism has been suspended, with any reopening to be announced by the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) and park authorities.
• Tour operators have withdrawn Kahuzi-Biega packages because of instability and international travel warnings.
• Governments including Australia and Canada advise against all travel to the DRC, with strong warnings for North and South Kivu and for land border crossings in the region.
• Travel insurance is unlikely to cover travel to areas under a “do not travel” warning.

The situation may change, but any Congo trip should only be considered after checking your government’s latest advice and official park announcements. Our articles Is Congo safe to go for gorilla trekking? and Congo safari safety tips for travellers provide more context, and our guides to gorilla trek safaris from Congo cover the wider situation.

The Best Gorilla Safaris From Kigali Today

If you were hoping to trek gorillas in Congo from Kigali, you have three excellent, safe alternatives, all in the same region and all easy to reach from the Rwandan capital.

Option 1: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is the Rwandan section of the Virunga volcanoes, directly next to Congo’s Virunga National Park. Its gorillas belong to the same population that roams across the border, so the experience is very similar to trekking in Congo’s Virunga sector.

• Distance from Kigali: about 2 to 3 hours on excellent roads to Musanze and the park headquarters at Kinigi
• Permit: USD 1,500 per person for foreign non-residents
• Highlights: gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, Dian Fossey’s grave hike, Mount Bisoke’s crater lake, and the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo

Volcanoes is ideal for travellers short on time, since it can be done as a day trip or a relaxed two-day safari from Kigali. See our guides to Volcanoes National Park, the distance from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park and golden monkey tracking in Rwanda, plus Pick and Transfer Safaris’ Volcanoes National Park page and 2 Days Volcanoes Gorilla Trek from Kigali.

Option 2: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

Mgahinga is Uganda’s section of the Virunga volcanoes, located where Uganda, Rwanda and Congo meet. For travellers who wanted the Congo Virunga experience, it is the closest match: the same volcanic slopes, bamboo forests and mountain gorillas, but in a safe, peaceful setting.

• Distance from Kigali: about 3 hours via the Cyanika border
• Permit: USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents
• Highlights: the Nyakagezi gorilla family, golden monkey tracking, volcano hikes, and the Batwa Trail cultural experience

See our guide to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Pick and Transfer Safaris’ Kigali to Mgahinga gorilla trek.

Option 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Bwindi is home to close to half of the world’s mountain gorillas and the largest number of habituated families. Its southern Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are just four to five hours from Kigali.

• Distance from Kigali: about 4 to 5 hours to Rushaga or Nkuringo
• Permit: USD 800 per person, or USD 1,500 for the four-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga
• Highlights: many gorilla families, better permit availability, the Habituation Experience, and easy add-ons such as Lake Bunyonyi and Queen Elizabeth National Park

For travellers who liked Congo’s wild, uncrowded feel, the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga is an outstanding alternative. See our guides to gorilla trekking in Rushaga from Kigali and the Gorilla Habituation Experience in the Rushaga sector, plus Pick and Transfer Safaris’ Kigali to Rushaga gorilla trek.

Comparing the Options From Kigali

• Fastest: Volcanoes National Park, 2 to 3 hours, no border crossing.
• Best value: Mgahinga and Bwindi, with USD 800 permits, saving USD 700 per person compared with Rwanda.
• Closest to the Congo Virunga experience: Mgahinga and Volcanoes, both on the Virunga volcanoes.
• Most gorilla families and permit availability: Bwindi.
• Wildest experience: the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi’s Rushaga sector.

Our guide to saving USD 700 on gorilla permits by trekking Uganda from Kigali explains the cost difference, and Pick and Transfer Safaris compares the countries in Uganda gorilla trek vs Rwanda gorilla trek. Our wider comparison of gorilla trekking in Uganda vs Rwanda vs Congo covers all three countries.

Crossing From Rwanda to Uganda for Gorilla Trekking

If you choose Mgahinga or Bwindi, you will cross from Rwanda into Uganda. Two border posts are used:

• Cyanika: via Musanze, the fastest route to Mgahinga, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
• Katuna (Gatuna): the main crossing north of Kigali, connecting to Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi, Rushaga, Ruhija and Buhoma.

Formalities usually take 30 to 60 minutes when your documents are in order, and your driver-guide will assist you. Pick and Transfer Safaris explains crossing from Rwanda to Uganda through the Cyanika border, and our guide covers which border points to cross from Kigali to Bwindi or Mgahinga.

Visas for Gorilla Safaris From Kigali

• East Africa Tourist Visa: USD 100, valid for 90 days with multiple entries across Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. Ideal for trips that cross between Rwanda and Uganda.
• Rwanda-only trips: many nationalities can obtain a Rwanda visa on arrival or online.
• Congo visas: were historically required for Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega trips, but Congo travel is not currently recommended.
• Yellow Fever certificate: required for entry into Uganda and recommended for the region.

Pick and Transfer Safaris answers whether you need a visa to cross from Rwanda to Uganda, and our guide Do I need a visa to travel to Congo? explains Congo’s requirements for future reference.

Gorilla Permits for Trips From Kigali

• Rwanda (Volcanoes): USD 1,500 per person for foreign non-residents
• Uganda (Bwindi and Mgahinga): USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents; USD 700 for foreign residents of East Africa
• Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience: USD 1,500 per person

Permits sell out months ahead for peak season (June to September and December to February), so book early. Our guide on how to book a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda explains the process, and Pick and Transfer Safaris covers Rwanda gorilla trekking permits.

Sample Itinerary: 2-Day Volcanoes Gorilla Trek From Kigali

Day 1: Kigali to Musanze. Pickup in Kigali, optional visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, then drive to Musanze near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking and return. Early briefing at Kinigi, trek to your gorilla family, spend one hour with them, then drive back to Kigali.

Sample Itinerary: 3-Day Mgahinga or Bwindi Gorilla Trek From Kigali

Day 1: Kigali to Uganda. Drive north, cross at Cyanika or Katuna, and continue to your lodge near Mgahinga, Rushaga or Nkuringo.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking. Trek to meet a mountain gorilla family, or join the Habituation Experience in Rushaga.

Day 3: Lake Bunyonyi and Kigali. Stop for a canoe ride at Lake Bunyonyi, then return to Kigali.

Sample Itinerary: 5-Day Rwanda and Uganda Double Gorilla Safari

• Day 1: Kigali to Musanze.
• Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
• Day 3: Golden monkey tracking, then cross to Mgahinga or Rushaga in Uganda.
• Day 4: Second gorilla trek in Uganda.
• Day 5: Return to Kigali via Lake Bunyonyi.

Trekking in two countries lets you compare different forests and gorilla families, a wonderful experience for keen wildlife lovers.

Sample Itinerary: 7-Day Rwanda Primates and Lakes

• Day 1: Kigali city tour and drive to Nyungwe Forest.
• Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and the Nyungwe canopy walk.
• Day 3: Drive along Lake Kivu to Karongi or Rubavu.
• Day 4: Relax on Lake Kivu, then continue to Musanze.
• Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
• Day 6: Golden monkeys or Dian Fossey hike, and the Twin Lakes.
• Day 7: Return to Kigali.

This itinerary follows parts of the old Congo gorilla routes along Lake Kivu, but stays entirely within Rwanda. See our guide to chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Pick and Transfer Safaris’ 2 Days Nyungwe chimps tracking trip.

What About Lake Kivu?

Lake Kivu, which forms the border between Rwanda and Congo, was part of many classic Congo gorilla routes from Kigali. The Rwandan side of the lake, including the towns of Rubavu (Gisenyi), Karongi (Kibuye) and Rusizi, offers beaches, boat trips, coffee tours and beautiful scenery.

Rubavu and Rusizi sit directly on the border with Goma and Bukavu. Before planning a stay near the border, check the latest security advice, and follow the guidance of your operator. Karongi, in the middle of the lake, is a popular relaxing stop further from the border.

Eastern Lowland Gorillas: Only in Congo

One experience you cannot replace in Rwanda or Uganda is seeing eastern lowland gorillas, the largest gorillas on Earth, which live only in eastern Congo. Kahuzi-Biega was the main place to see them. Until the security situation improves, there is no safe way to see these gorillas in the wild. You can learn more in our guide to Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

What to Expect on Gorilla Trekking Day

Whichever park you choose, gorilla trekking day follows a similar pattern. You leave your lodge early after breakfast and drive to the park headquarters for a briefing at around 7:00 to 7:30 a.m. Rangers explain the rules, introduce the gorilla families and divide visitors into groups of up to eight people.

You then set off into the forest with your guides and armed rangers, while advance trackers locate the gorillas. In Volcanoes and Mgahinga, treks often begin through farmland and bamboo before climbing onto the volcanic slopes. In Bwindi, the terrain is steep, dense rainforest. Treks can last from under an hour to most of the day, so moderate fitness helps, and hiring a local porter is highly recommended.

Once you reach the gorillas, you spend one magical hour watching them feed, groom, play and rest, often just a few metres away. Afterwards, you return to the headquarters to receive your gorilla trekking certificate before heading to your lodge or back towards Kigali.

Golden Monkeys and Volcano Hikes

Trips from Kigali to the Virunga volcanoes offer more than gorillas. Golden monkeys, a rare and colourful primate with a bright orange-gold back, live only in the bamboo forests of the Virungas. They can be tracked in both Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga, and the experience is relaxed, fun and great for photography.

The volcanoes themselves offer rewarding hikes:

• Mount Bisoke (Rwanda): a day hike to a beautiful crater lake at the summit.
• Mount Muhavura (Uganda and Rwanda): the highest of the Ugandan Virungas, with views across three countries on clear days.
• Mount Sabyinyo (Uganda): a challenging climb to a summit where Uganda, Rwanda and Congo meet.
• Dian Fossey’s grave (Rwanda): a hike to the former Karisoke Research Centre and the resting place of the famous primatologist.

These activities make excellent additions to a gorilla safari from Kigali, especially for travellers who had hoped to hike Congo’s Nyiragongo volcano. See our guide to the Burera and Ruhondo Twin Lakes for another relaxing add-on near Volcanoes.

Things to Do in Kigali Before or After Your Safari

Kigali is one of Africa’s cleanest, safest and most welcoming capitals, and it is worth spending a day exploring before or after your gorilla trek:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial: a moving and essential visit to understand Rwanda’s history and remarkable recovery.
• Kimironko Market: a lively local market for fabrics, crafts, fruit and everyday life.
• Art galleries and craft centres: Kigali has a vibrant art scene, with galleries showcasing contemporary Rwandan artists.
• Coffee tasting: Rwanda is known for its high-quality coffee, and Kigali has many excellent cafés.
• Nyamirambo walking tours: community-led walks through one of Kigali’s most colourful neighbourhoods.

Pick and Transfer Safaris explains why Kigali is often a better starting point than Entebbe in their guide to Kigali vs Entebbe for gorilla trekking.

Best Time for a Gorilla Safari From Kigali

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda runs all year round:

• Dry seasons (June to September and December to February): firmer trails, easier trekking and clearer views of the volcanoes. This is peak season, so book permits several months ahead.
• Wet seasons (March to May and October to November): lush green landscapes, fewer visitors and often better permit availability, though trails can be muddy and slippery.

Because the volcanoes are at high altitude, mornings and evenings can be cool year-round, so pack warm layers.

Who Are These Safaris Best For?

• Travellers who had planned a Congo gorilla trip and need a safe alternative
• Visitors with limited time, thanks to short drives from Kigali
• Expatriates and residents in Rwanda looking for a weekend gorilla trip
• Budget-conscious travellers who can save by trekking in Uganda
• Wildlife enthusiasts who want to trek gorillas in two countries on one trip

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Booking Congo travel without checking current advice. Always check government travel advisories and official park announcements before planning any trip to eastern DRC.

2. Leaving permits too late. Rwanda and Uganda permits sell out quickly in peak season.

3. Carrying the wrong visa. If you are crossing into Uganda and back to Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa makes life much easier.

4. Underestimating the altitude and terrain. Treks on the volcanoes can be steep and chilly. Good boots, rain gear and warm layers are essential.

5. Rushing the trip. A one-day trek is possible, but two or three days allow a relaxed experience with time to enjoy the landscape.

How Much Does a Gorilla Safari From Kigali Cost?

Typical costs include:

• Gorilla permit: USD 1,500 in Rwanda, or USD 800 in Uganda
• Private 4×4 transport from Kigali with a driver-guide
• Accommodation and meals near the park
• Visas, if needed
• Porters and tips

Travelling as a couple or small group lowers the per-person cost of transport. For a tailored quote, see how our Uganda safari bookings work.

What to Pack

• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
• Rain jacket and rain trousers
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirt
• Gardening gloves
• A warm fleece for cool mornings in the volcanoes
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Small daypack, water and snacks
• Camera with spare batteries (no flash)
• Passport, visa, Yellow Fever certificate and permit confirmation

See our guide on what to pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.

Mountain Gorillas of the Virunga Massif

The Virunga massif is a chain of eight volcanoes stretching across the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC. It is one of only two places on Earth where mountain gorillas live, the other being Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. The gorillas of the Virungas do not recognise national borders, and some families have moved between the three countries over the years.

Thanks to decades of conservation work, strict tourism rules and cross-border cooperation between Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC, mountain gorilla numbers have grown from a few hundred in the 1980s to just over 1,000 today. It is one of the world’s great conservation success stories. When you trek in Volcanoes or Mgahinga, you are visiting the same gorilla population that lives on the Congolese side of the volcanoes, and your permit fee helps protect the entire ecosystem.

This shared landscape is why the experience in Rwanda and Uganda is so close to what travellers once enjoyed in Congo’s Virunga sector: the same misty bamboo forests, the same volcanic slopes and the same remarkable gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking Rules

• Do not trek if you have a cold, flu or any contagious illness.
• Keep the distance your ranger instructs, usually at least seven metres.
• Wear a face mask if rangers ask you to.
• Keep your voice low and avoid sudden movements.
• No flash photography.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke near the gorillas.
• Your visit is limited to one hour on standard treks.
• The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.

Supporting Congo’s Gorillas

Although you cannot visit Congo’s gorilla parks right now, you can still help. Rangers in Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega continue to protect gorillas under extremely difficult conditions. Reputable conservation organisations accept donations for ranger support, gorilla monitoring, orphan care and community projects. Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda also supports the wider Virunga ecosystem, as gorilla populations move across borders and tourism revenue funds regional conservation.

When Might Congo Gorilla Safaris From Kigali Resume?

Only a lasting improvement in security around Goma and Bukavu, and official decisions by the ICCN and park authorities, can allow tourism to resume. When it does, operators in Kigali will likely be among the first to restart cross-border trips, with strict safety measures.

If you hope to trek in Congo in the future, follow official park announcements and your government’s travel advice, and speak with experienced operators. For now, the gorillas of Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Bwindi offer an equally unforgettable encounter, safely and just a short drive from Kigali.

Why Book Your Gorilla Safari From Kigali With Kenlink Tours?

• Safety first: we only operate in areas considered safe for tourism
• Pickup from Kigali airport or your hotel
• Gorilla permits secured in Rwanda and Uganda
• Experienced driver-guides who handle border crossings
• Tailor-made itineraries from one day to two weeks
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• 24/7 support throughout your trip

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do a Congo gorilla safari from Kigali right now?

At the time of writing, we do not recommend it. Goma and Bukavu have been under M23 control since early 2025, Virunga’s tourism is suspended and many governments advise against travel to eastern DRC.

What is the closest safe gorilla park to Kigali?

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, about 2 to 3 hours from Kigali.

Which park is most similar to Congo’s Virunga?

Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda, both on the Virunga volcanoes and home to gorillas from the same population.

Is Uganda cheaper than Rwanda for gorilla trekking from Kigali?

Yes. Uganda’s permits cost USD 800 compared with USD 1,500 in Rwanda, saving USD 700 per person.

How long is the drive from Kigali to Bwindi?

About 4 to 5 hours to the southern Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors.

Can I see eastern lowland gorillas from Kigali?

Eastern lowland gorillas live only in eastern Congo, mainly in Kahuzi-Biega. Visits are not currently advisable because of the security situation.

Plan Your Gorilla Safari From Kigali Today

Congo’s gorilla parks remain among the most remarkable wild places in Africa, and we hope they will safely welcome visitors again. Until then, Kigali is still the perfect starting point for an unforgettable gorilla safari, with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga and Bwindi all within a few hours’ drive.

Ready to meet the gorillas? Contact Kenlink Tours with your travel dates and preferences, and we will secure your permit and plan a safe, seamless gorilla safari from Kigali.