This expedition offers exceptional photo opportunities for Mountain Gorillas. On day one, we will drive to Gisenyi, where after we will cross the international border into the Democratic Republic of Congo and the lakeside city of Goma (Goma is located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu). Thereafter, we transfer (a drive of around 50km) to our accommodations at Mikeno Lodge, a beautiful thatch roofed lodge situated at Rumangabo which is also the National Park headquarters. This will be our base from where we will trek the critically endangered Mountain Gorilla in Virunga National Park, which is acclaimed as the oldest national park in Africa.
On day two very early in the morning we will embark on our first Mountain Gorilla trek in the “Heart of Darkness”, the Democratic Republic of Congo. After a thorough debriefing by our experienced team of local guides, we will begin our Congo gorilla trek in Virunga National Park, Congo. Mountain Gorillas are highly intelligent, good natured, and fascinating to observe when Gorilla trekking in DRC. The silver back’s powerful presence is awe-inspiring, yet his calm demeanour clearly earns him the title “gentle giant”.
Take time to also appreciate the tenderness and care that the mothers show their young. These special interactions make for great photographic opportunities. And then, of course, there are the juveniles who spend most of every waking hour at play and never cease to make visitors smile. For many who visit the Mountain Gorillas in Congo, it is truly a life changing experience and not at all uncommon to feel emotionally overwhelmed by the experience.
Another early start will have us embarking on our second Mountain Gorilla trek in Congo. This is a great opportunity to correct the “I should have’s” from the day before or to just sit back and fully appreciate the time with these incredible animals. All Gorilla trekking in DRC is led by experienced park rangers and usually depart from Bukima patrol post. Treks normally require 1-2 hours of hiking in each direction, depending on where the mountain gorillas spent the previous night as well as the difficulty of the terrain. The hike is set at our own comfortable pace. We will enjoy the beautiful surrounds and keep our eyes open for signs of other wildlife that also inhabit the forest. Rushing to the gorillas will leave us exhausted and too tired to fully appreciate our time with them! After completion of the trek, we will return to our lodge, where will have the afternoon to either relax and enjoy the view, or work on editing photographs from the photography tour.
