Democratic Republic Of Congo 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Traveling in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa

  • Arrive at N’djili International Airport - Ensure you have a valid passport and a visa for entry. Visas are required for most nationalities, so plan accordingly.

  • Explore Kinshasa - Visit the Monument de la Liberté (Monument of Liberty), Palais de la Nation (National Palace), and the bustling Marche Centrale (Central Market).

  • Accommodation - Stay at a hotel in Kinshasa, such as the Pullman Grand Kabila or Hotel Ibis Kinshasa.

Day 2: Gombe Stream National Park

  • Travel to Goma (by flight) - The fastest way is by taking a domestic flight from N’djili Airport to Goma, which takes around 1 hour.

  • Transfer to Gombe Stream National Park - This park is famous for its chimpanzee habitats and was made famous by Jane Goodall’s research.

  • Chimpanzee Trekking - Spend the day tracking these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.

  • Accommodation - Stay at Kibale Primates Lodge or Gishwati-Mukura National Park Ecolodge.

Day 3: Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

  • Transfer to Virunga National Park - Take a car from Goma (~1h drive) and then a 4x4 vehicle into the park for the Nyiragongo hike.

  • Nyiragongo Volcano Hike - This challenging but rewarding hike will take you to the rim of an active volcano, offering breathtaking views of its lava lake at night.

  • Accommodation - Spend the night at the Virunga Summit Lodge on the rim of Nyiragongo.

Day 4: Transfer and Rest

  • Transfer to Kibali National Park - Drive back to Goma (~1h) and then take a flight or drive to Kibali National Park (~3-5 hours).

  • Rest and Relaxation - Spend the day acclimatizing and resting for the next day’s activities.

  • Accommodation - Stay at Camp Kibali or Bukama Tented Camp.

Day 5: Explore Kibali National Park

  • Elephant Tracking - Embark on a guided tour to track elephants in their natural habitat.

  • Visit the Tongo Chimpanzee Sanctuary - This sanctuary is home to orphaned chimps, offering a unique opportunity to learn about these animals and the conservation efforts taking place.

Day 6: Transfer and Departure

  • Transfer to Bunia - Travel by car (~5 hours) to Bunia, where you can catch a flight back to Kinshasa or continue your journey in eastern DRC.

  • Visit the Yumbi Musambula Rainforest - If time allows, visit this rainforest known for its rich biodiversity and unique plant species.

Day 7: Departure

  • Departure from Kinshasa - Catch a flight back home from N’djili International Airport, taking with you unforgettable memories of your adventure in the Democratic Republic of Congo.