7 Days DR Congo Gorillas & Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
7 Days DR Congo Gorillas & Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
Virunga National Park is a national park in the Albertine Rift Valley in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was created in 1925 and is among the first protected areas in Africa. In elevation, it ranges from 680 m in the Semliki River valley to 5,109 m in the Rwenzori Mountains home to the Mountain Gorillas.
Mount Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano with an elevation of 3,470 m in the Virunga Mountains associated with the Albertine Rift. It is located inside Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, about 20 km north of the town of Goma and Lake Kivu and just west of the border with Rwanda.
Highlights
- Mikeno Lodge
- Gorillas trek
- Bukima Tented Camp
- Nyiragongo volcano trek
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Upon arrival in Kigali international airport you will be received by our guide in Rwanda and transferred to your hotel for a briefing, relaxation and overnight, depending on the time of arrival you may have a short tour around Kigali for money exchange and shopping.
Day 2: Drive to Virunga National Park via Goma border point
Arrive at Grande Barriere border crossing by 10.00 am and ensure check-in with Virunga Tourism office by 11.00 am. The tourism office is conveniently located in the Grande Barriere border post building, opposite the immigrating office. You will receive Gorillas and Nyiragongo permits at check-in which must be presented at the start of each trek. Once check-in is complete, be transported to Mikeno Lodge. On arrival at Mikeno Lodge, a late lunch will be served and the afternoon can be enjoyed at leisure, including exploring Rumangabo’s several nature trails, bird watching.
Lunch:
Overnight:
Activity:
Day 3: Gorilla trekking Experience
After early morning breakfast, you will set off for a Gorillas trek at Bukima Ranger Post. On arrival to Bukima, meet the Ranger guides and local porters to receive a briefing before starting the Gorillas trek. Treks usually require 1.2.5 hours of hiking each way. After spending the allotted hour with Gorillas, trekkers will return to Bukima camp where late lunch will serve. Have the rest of the afternoon off to explore Bukima including bird watching and visiting the Park’s bamboo project.
Lunch:
Overnight:
Activity:
Day 4: Gorilla trekking Experience
After breakfast, guests will set off for Gorillas trek directly out of their camp. Meet your Ranger guides and local porters to receive a briefing before starting the Gorillas trek. Treks usually require 1.2.5 hours of hiking each way. After spending the allotted hour with Gorillas, return to Bukima camp for lunch then be transported back to Mikeno Lodge where you will have the afternoon at leisure, free to explore the Park HQ or cozy up with a nice book by the fire.
Lunch:
Overnight:
Activity:
Day 5: Day at Leisure at the Lodge
After 2 gorilla treks, you will take the day at leisure at the lodge as you prepare for the Nyiragongo volcano hike any optional activities can be arranged.
Lunch:
Overnight:
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Day 6: Nyiragongo hike day
After early morning breakfast, with your packed lunch, drive into Virunga National Park precisely at Kibati where there is the post rangers patrol, after the registration and briefing, enjoy Nyiragongo volcano hike starting at 1994m and ending at 3470m altitude at the summit, see the impressive lava lake in the largest crater, overnight up the summit in the Virunga National park shelter. Meal included. Note: The climb up to Volcano will take around 4 to 6hours and you will overnight on the summit in the cabin. Meal Included.
Lunch:
Overnight:
Activity:
Day 7: Decent Nyiragongo volcano to Goma
After a very early morning visit to the lava lake again take your breakfast, around 6 am, descend the volcanic mountain with a view of Karisimbi and Mikeno Volcanic Mountains, arrive at the starting point, write comments and drive back to Goma.
Lunch:
Overnight:
Activity:
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
What’s included?
- Virunga National Park tourist visa
- The vehicle, a driver, fuel and road government taxes
- Accommodation
- shelter up Nyiragongo volcano summit
- Gorillas and Nyiragongo permits
- Nyiragongo volcano mountain porters, sleeping bag, a cook and meal up the summit
- Drinking water
- English speaking guide.
What’s excluded?
- Rwanda visa
- Medical and travel insurance
- Tips
- Meal outside Nyiragongo volcano summit, other drinks, and everything not included on the final safari itinerary send to you upon booking.
When to book the safari package?
At least 2 weeks in advance during the low season from March-May –October-November and 3 months in the high season from June to September-December-January-February.
Best Time to Travel
June to September and from December-February.
