From Congo to Rwanda Wilds

Through fire-lit summits, misty forests, and savannah hush — where nature holds nothing back.

Awe moves at its own pace. It begins in Kigali — a city shaped by memory and renewal — then shifts west, where the land gathers itself into forest. In Nyungwe, chimps move like whispers through the canopy. Across the border, Congo deepens the wild.

In Virunga, gorillas wait in shadow. The forest thickens. Light filters down. And then — breath, eye, stillness. One hour, held in silence and pulse. From there, the path climbs. Mount Nyiragongo glows at the rim, lava alive in the dark. The summit is not conquest — it’s witness.

Descend to Lake Kivu and sail to Tchegera Island, where volcanoes frame the sky and time loses edge. Kayak, drift, pause. Then return east, to Rwanda’s northern hills, where the Virungas rise again in bamboo and mist.

Another gorilla trek. Another presence. Different, deeper. Golden monkeys flicker in the trees. In Akagera, the hush spreads wide — savannah, lake, lion, wind.

This is a journey not just through landscapes, but through intensity — of life, of silence, of flame.

This is where the wild offers everything — and holds nothing back.

Panoramic view of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, surrounded by lush green hills.

Day 1

Arrive in Kigali, where hills rise green and gentle around a city shaped by memory and movement. Let the pace soften as you settle in. This is not a beginning of noise, but of space — a quiet welcome before the wild begins.

Day 2

Leave the city and head south, where the land unfolds in terraces and stories. Visit the royal sites of Nyanza and the national museum in Butare, where Rwanda’s past lingers in clay and cloth. From here, wind west through the edge of Nyungwe’s ancient forest — then cross the border into Congo, where Virunga waits in the distance.

Traveller crossing a canopy walkway high above the lush Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda.

Motorbike rider navigates busy street near Congo-Rwanda border crossing.

Day 3

Continue toward the edge of Virunga, where paths narrow and forest deepens. You’ve arrived in a place where jungle meets volcano — a sanctuary of mist, mountain, and quiet presence. In this part of the world, the days take on their own rhythm.

Day 4

Step into the forest before the light settles fully. Track the mountain gorillas of Virunga with rangers who read the land like a book. The climb is steady, the forest thick. And then, stillness — a family at rest, breath visible, eyes meeting yours. One hour, held gently between worlds.

Mountain gorilla with infant nestled in dense greenery of Congo’s Virunga National Park.

Dramatic view of Mount Nyiragongo’s lava lake, the largest of its kind on Earth.

Day 5

Begin the climb to Mount Nyiragongo, where lava burns in the earth’s open mouth. The trail rises through forest and ash, past birdsong and silence. At the summit, stand above a lake of fire, where the wind carries heat and stars press close. This is not a view — it’s a witness.

Day 6

Descend from the volcano and cross Lake Kivu by boat. Reach Tchegera Island — a crescent of quiet formed by ancient eruption. Spend the afternoon in stillness or afloat, with paddle or snorkel, as the water holds light and the sky reflects flame from distant peaks.

Tchegera Island shoreline with palm trees and a boat on calm Lake Kivu waters.

Traveller stands by safari jeep as the sun sets over the Rwandan highlands.

Day 7

A day to pause. Watch the wind shape the lake’s surface. Drift by kayak, walk the shoreline, or do nothing at all. From the island, the world feels both near and far — with volcanoes flickering on the horizon and time moving like mist across the water.

Day 8

Return to Rwanda and continue north to Musanze, where villages line the road and Volcanoes National Park rises beyond the fields. Beneath the green slopes of the Virungas, settle into a place where the earth seems to hold its breath.

Misty volcano rises behind vibrant green meadows and wildflowers in Volcanoes National Park.

Endangered golden monkey gazing alertly in Rwanda’s dense mountain forest.

Day 9

Enter the forest once more — this time in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Another gorilla trek, deeper now, quieter. The bamboo parts, the shadows lift, and the mountain gorillas appear again — not as spectacle, but as presence. The moment is different, but just as deep.

Day 10

Track golden monkeys in the lower reaches of the forest — quick flashes of movement, fur and bark and air. Then travel east via Kigali, crossing Rwanda’s shifting heartland toward Akagera. The savannah opens, and the wild changes shape.

Lions resting in grass with safari vehicle and tourists observing in Akagera National Park.

Early morning wildlife photography expedition in Rwanda's Akagera savannah.

Day 11

Rise early for a full-day safari in Akagera National Park. Giraffes move slow across golden grass. Lions rest in reeds. Hippos gather in shadowed water. Birdsong flickers overhead. This is the east of Rwanda — drier, wider, pulsing with life.

Day 12

Return to Kigali for a final day of stories and remembrance. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where silence holds sorrow and resilience in equal measure. Walk streets lined with colour, cafés, and conversation. In this city, history does not fade — it teaches.

Cyclists ride along a quiet rural road near Kigali in the soft morning light.

Dense urban hillside in Rwanda with colorful rooftops and serene natural surroundings.

Day 13

Let the day unfold without rush. A last coffee. A quiet view. The memory of gorillas in green light and lava under stars. You leave Rwanda slowly, carrying not just places — but the rhythm of this land: layered, resilient, wild.

From Congo to Rwanda Wilds: A private guided luxury safari

Embark on an exclusive private guided luxury tour through the captivating landscapes of Congo and Rwanda, two of Africa’s most wildlife-rich and culturally vibrant destinations. This bespoke journey is expertly crafted by luxury travel advisors, ensuring that you experience these remarkable countries in the utmost comfort and style. Whether trekking for mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park or exploring Rwanda’s lush landscapes and vibrant culture, this luxury safari tour offers an unforgettable experience designed for the discerning traveller.

A journey through Virunga National Park – Home of mountain gorillas

Your journey begins in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where you’ll visit Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. Staying at Mikeno Lodge, located just outside the park, you’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations with breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains. This lodge provides an intimate experience in the heart of the wilderness, combining the comfort of a luxury lodge with the opportunity for exceptional wildlife encounters. Your private guided safari will take you deep into the park, where you’ll embark on a thrilling gorilla trekking adventure, guided by expert rangers, to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Virunga is not only home to mountain gorillas, but also other endangered species such as Okapi and Eastern Lowland Gorillas, making it a truly unique wildlife destination. In addition to gorilla trekking, the park offers birdwatching, volcano trekking, and the chance to explore lava lakes and mountainous terrain. With expert guides leading the way, your time in Virunga will be an unforgettable adventure.

Exploring Rwanda – A world of beauty and culture

Next, travel to Rwanda, known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and extraordinary wildlife. You’ll experience the best of Kigali, the vibrant capital city, where you can explore significant sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial and gain insight into Rwanda’s profound history. After your time in the city, head to Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll embark on another thrilling gorilla trekking adventure. The park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and offers beautiful scenery, including dense rainforests and lush bamboo forests. Throughout your time in Rwanda, you will enjoy luxury accommodations, including Mantis Akagera Game Lodge in Akagera National Park, a stunning property that offers spectacular views of Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani. This lodge provides a perfect base for exploring the park, known for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes. A private guided safari in Akagera ensures personalized game drives, where you’ll have the chance to encounter Africa’s Big Five and explore diverse ecosystems, from savannahs to wetlands.

Private guided safari – A tailored luxury experience

Your private guided safari is fully tailored to your preferences, ensuring that every day is filled with enriching experiences. Whether you’re trekking through the jungles of Congo to encounter mountain gorillas, enjoying personalized game drives in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Akagera, or immersing yourself in the local culture of Kigali, every aspect of your journey is designed to provide a seamless, luxurious experience. With expert guides, world-class accommodations, and personalized itineraries, this luxury safari tour promises the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and exclusive access to some of Africa’s most iconic destinations. Your luxury travel advisors will ensure that all the details are taken care of, so you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Congo and Rwanda.

This extraordinary adventure through the heart of Africa offers not only incredible wildlife encounters but also cultural insights, stunning landscapes, and luxurious accommodations, making it the ultimate African safari experience.