The 5 Days Virunga gorillas and Nyiragongo Safari in the Democratic Republic of Congo specifically takes you to Virunga National Park; Africa’s oldest park located in the north east of the country. The trip exposes you to the most thrilling activities one will ever engage in while in D.R. Congo.
The trip starts and ends in Kigali, where you will cross the borders through Gisenyi to Goma in DR Congo. Then trek the endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga as well as hiking to the top of Nyiragongo Mountain, the biggest volcano and most active within the Virunga massif.

Itinerary Breakdown
– Day 1: Arrival at Kigali airport and Transfer to Goma.
– Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Virunga National park.
– Day 3: Hiking Nyiragongo Mountain.
– Day 4: Descending from Nyiragongo Mountain.
– Day 5: Departure.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali airport and Transfer to Goma.
On arrival at Kigali airport, you will be picked by one of our experienced and professional driver guide and set off to Gisenyi, the border town between Rwanda and D.R. Congo located on the shores of Lake Kivu. Here you will have lunch and also have some interactions with the local people living in the area after which you will cross the border to DR Congo. Drive directly to the lodge for checkin and relaxation in preparation for the next day.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Virunga National park.
Having had an early breakfast, depart to Virunga national park head station for a simple briefing from the park rangers on the dos and don’ts before heading out to the Virunga jungle. Be divided into groups of eight members, a group allowed to trek each gorilla family per day and then embark on the gorilla hunt in the Virunga jungle.
Trekking the gorillas in Virunga involves a simple hike through the thick lush on the low gentle slopes of the Virunga volcano, having to make your way through to meet one of the six habituated gorilla families that proudly call this park a comfortable home. Gorilla trekking takes 1-8 hours depending on the luck of the trekkers.

Finally, encounter the gentle giant apes of the forest and spend an hour watching how they play with each other, jumping from one tree branch to another and how they conduct their daily lives. Nothing is as thrilling as looking directly into the eyes of a silverback, a memory that won’t simply leave your mind. Take as many photos as possible provided the camera doesn’t have a flash as it might scare away the gorillas. After an hour elapsing, you will descend back to the headquarters and drive back to the lodge.

Day 3: Hiking Nyiragongo Mountain.
Have an early breakfast and the drive to the starting point of the Nyiragongo hiking trail in Virunga national park. The hike takes about six hours depending on the speed of the hikers.
Hiking mountain Nyiragongo starts at 8am in order to offer hikers enough time to relax at the crater rim in the evening. Hiking to the top of this volcano involves walking through the steep slopes of the mountain, sometimes even slippery, with the only support you can get is from your walking hand stick.
On the top, enjoy the stunning scenic views of the world’s largest lave Crater Lake as well as the entire range of Virunga volcanoes. Watch over the whole Gisenyi town from just one spot of the world, the Nyiragongo Mountain top.
You will spend the night here to enable you have more beautiful sights of the lave lake at night as it forms a cobweb like structure.

Day 4: Descending from Nyiragongo Mountain.
In the morning, have breakfast and then descend down the mountain. Drive back to Goma town for lunch and refreshments.
In the afternoon after your lunch, cool off with a launch cruise on Lake Kivu plus other beach activities to spend the evening. Then go back to the lodge for dinner and relaxation in preparation for the next day.

Day 5: Departure
Early morning, have breakfast, check out of the hotel and then transfer to Kigali airport, either straight to the airport or to the hotel of your choice.

End of Tour

Inclusive

Gorilla permits.
Entrance fees
Nyiragongo hiking permits.
A professional English speaking guide.
4WD Vehicle and all ground transfers.
Drinking water
Accommodation and meals
Wi-Fi internet in the vehicle
All activities as per your itinerary

Exclusions:

Visas and all international flights
Any activity mentioned as optional
Tips
Alcoholic drinks and other drinks.
Accommodation and meals in Kigali
Souvenirs
Any other activity not mentioned in the itinerary
Flight tickets