YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE AWAITS WITH ZAHARI
Zahari was founded by a passionate traveler for passionate travelers.
We offer personalized travel itineraries that include unforgettable experiences.
Let us help you plan your next trip!
WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL
LOCAL EXPERT GUIDES
We work closely with our local partners and guides because they are experts in the field and are devoted to customer satisfaction!
HANDPICKED ADVENTURES
Ever thought of hiking up one of Africa's most active volcanoes? Or watch a gorilla family in their natural habitat? We'll handpick only the most memorable experiences for you!
HIDDEN GEM DESTINATIONS
We offer destinations that satisfy every traveler's needs! We will provide you with expert advice and help you plan your next memorable adventure.
WHY BOOKING WITH US?
Providing our customers with the perfect destination for their next vacation is one of our favorite things, and we enjoy reading about their experiences. Find out about a few of the wonderful times our clients have had working with us. See how we have helped them experience the uncommon by reading some of their testimonials.
"Zahari - Where Experiences Count!" was mentioned to me by a friend, so I reached out to them via social media. Their help was essential to me going to DR Congo. Zahari arranged a trip for me that lasted about two weeks. I was greeted with a friendly welcome at the border by their guides Estimic and Aime. My visit to Goma included a city tour, which was very interesting. After that, we visited Kahuzi Biega National Park to see silverback gorillas. I also spent a night on Tschergera Island, which offers delicious cuisine. We also headed to Auberge de Rushengo in Masisi, which has a charming alpine hut where it feels like you are on the edge of the world. There is nothing more adventurous than the road leading there. We returned that same day due to poor weather conditions. However, it would have been wonderful to stay there overnight.
Anna
We fully recommend our trip with Zahari Travel in collaboration with Congo Tourism Gate to North and South Kivu. If you would like to experience a little adventure in the DRC which is often very hard to organize then contact Naomi the manager of the company. She can offer an affordable package that includes good accommodation and reliable transfers. We were also fortunate to have a highly competent, responsible, and likable guide, Estimic. Our 9-day itinerary began with our flight from Kinshasa to Goma, catching the overnight ferry to Bukavu, and hiking to the lowland gorillas. The Kahuzi- Biega National Park provides a great alternative to the highland gorillas of Virunga National Park, it is readily accessible, has fewer visitors and you certainly get the opportunity to get very close to a silverback and his family. To recover from the excitement a short break on tranquil Tschegera Island was a good choice, followed by a road trip, an adventure in itself, especially during the wet season to Masisi, known as ‘Little Switzerland’, due to its green rolling hills dotted with cattle and villages. Auberge de Rushengo is a picturesque place to relax, learn to make cheese, milk cows, and walk around the extensive farm. Finally, the last couple of days were spent in Goma staying at the very pleasant Ihusi Hotel located on the banks of Lake Kivu, a breath away from Rwanda. We left Goma extremely pleased with the service we received and certainly look forward to traveling again with Zahari Travel in collaboration with Congo Tourism Gate in the near future.
Lesley & Kim
FAQ
Helpful Information
Is this your first trip to East Africa? No matter whether you travel solo or as a group, we know how stressful and exciting planning a vacation can be. The following are some of the most common questions we hear from our travelers before they arrive:
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE CONGOLESE VISA?
There are two ways to do it. It's either you visit the closest embassy in your country or you book an excursion to Virunga with us (Nyiragongo, Gorilla Trekking, and/or Tchegera Island). If so, you can obtain a 14-day tourist visa for 105 USD. At the embassy, the entry paper is less expensive, but it can take more time to process it. When you book with Virunga, you can get your entry papers even a week before you arrive.
Ensure you have a Congo visa before entering the country. You will be charged 350 USD if you request the entry paper at the border or airport.
WHICH VACCINES DO I NEED?
You need to get the yellow fever vaccine ten days before arriving in East Africa. This vaccine is mandatory for entry into EA countries (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and DR Congo).
There are, however, additional vaccines recommended by the CDC and WHO: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, rabies, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, and influenza. We recommend that you consult with your doctor before getting any of these treatments.
DO I NEED MALARIA PREVENTION TABLETS?
Yes and no. In short-term trips, such as 14 days, we recommend purchasing local malaria medications. Whenever you stay a month or more, it's a good idea to take malaria prevention tablets every week. Many travelers, however, have experienced side effects. We are not physicians, so please seek medical advice from one.
IS IT SAFE TO VISIT GOMA?
Yes, Goma is safe for tourists, but it is always wise to use common sense when traveling. Nonetheless, there are still parts of the region that are controlled by rebel groups. To receive the latest security information, please contact us.
Disclaimer:
These answers were provided by experienced travelers living in East Africa.
There is no right or wrong answer, only advice from the heart based on years of experience.
If you have any other questions or concerns, click below for our contact details.