6-Day Combined Adventure Bonobos & Lowland Gorillas DRC
6-Day Combined Adventure Bonobos & Lowland Gorillas DRC, Wild bonobos can only be found in forests south of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Sometimes known as the pygmy chimpanzee, bonobos weren’t recognized as a separate species until 1929. The western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) is one of two critically endangered subspecies of the western gorilla that lives in montane, primary, and secondary forest and lowland swampland in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa.
Trip highlights
Adventure involving bonobos and lowland gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) offers a unique opportunity to connect with two of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Here’s an overview of what such an adventure might entail:
Bonobos:
- Habitat: Bonobos, also known as pygmy chimpanzees, are found exclusively in the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They inhabit the dense rainforests of the Congo Basin.
- Behavior: Bonobos are known for their peaceful and egalitarian social structure. They share over 98% of their genetic makeup with humans and exhibit fascinating behaviors, making them a subject of scientific interest.
- Observation: Adventure with bonobos could involve trekking into the forest to observe these intelligent and social primates in their natural habitat. Guided treks with experienced trackers offer insights into their behaviors and interactions.
Lowland Gorillas:
- Habitat: Lowland gorillas, specifically the Western lowland gorillas, inhabit the forests and swamps of Central and West Africa, including parts of the DRC.
- Behavior: Lowland gorillas are the larger subspecies of gorillas, characterized by their impressive size and strength. They are herbivores, primarily feeding on plant matter.
- Trekking Experience: Adventure with lowland gorillas might involve trekking through their habitat with the assistance of local guides and rangers. These treks offer a chance to observe these majestic creatures in their natural environment.
Highlights;
Day 1; Pick–up at Bukavu
Day 2;’ Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Day 3; Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Day 4; Bukavu to Goma and fly to Kinshasa
Day 5; Kinshasa to Lola Ya Bonobos
Day 6; Trip back to Goma or fly home from Kinshasa
Detailed itinerary
Day 1:Pick–up at Bukavu
We will pick you up at Bukavu, then drive to the Orchids Safari Club. The western lowland gorilla is one of two critically endangered subspecies of the western gorilla that lives in montane, primary and secondary forest, and lowland swampland in Central Africa in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After check-in, spend your evening relaxing at the hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Bukavu (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Orchids Safari Club
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2:Kahuzi-Biega National Park
After breakfast, you will enter the Kahuzi-Biega National Park for a nature experience. Visit the Lwiro Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre, located 40 km from Bukavu. Spend time here exploring what the center has to offer. Thereafter, return to the hotel for dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Kahuzi Biega National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- .Orchids Safari Club
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3:Kahuzi-Biega National Park
After breakfast, you will drive towards Kahuzi-Biega National Park for lowland gorilla trekking and to enjoy the nature of the park. We then return to the hotel for lunch. Spend your afternoon relaxing at the hotel or visit the city of Bukavu, depending on when your gorilla experience will end. Your driver-guide will take you back to the lodge for dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Kahuzi Biega National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Orchids Safari Club
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4:Bukavu to Goma and fly to Kinshasa
Today, we fly from Bukavu to Kinshasa and transfer to the hotel. We go on a city tour of Kinshasa. You will then check in at the Kempisky Fleuve Congo Hotel with river views. Have dinner and overnight in the heart of the city. Prepare for your morning bonobos experience.
- Main Destination:
- Goma International Airport (Goma)
- Accommodation:
- Fleuve Congo Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5:Kinshasa to Lola Ya Bonobos
Wild bonobos can only be found in forests south of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Sometimes known as the pygmy chimpanzee, bonobos weren’t recognized as a separate species until 1929. Bonobos have longer legs, shorter arms, and a narrower trunk. They are also generally smaller, with a rounder skull and a flatter face. Other distinguishing features are a black face with red lips, and a prominent tail tuft which is retained by adults (chimpanzees only have the tuft in the juvenile stage). After these activities, you drive back to the hotel for dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Kinshasa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Fleuve Congo Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6:Trip back to Goma or fly home from Kinshasa
You can either fly to Goma, or you can fly home from Kinshasa. Otherwise you can cross the border to Rwanda or Uganda. This is the end of your once-in-a-lifetime experience with us.
- Main Destination:
- Kinshasa Airport (Kinshasa)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
End of tour
Price Includes
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Price Excludes
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp. per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Thanks for specifically choosing bonobos African safari holidays…. we hope to meet again!!!
