This 5 Day Congo Gorilla Trekking and Nyiragongo Hike Safari will allow you to explore the diverse scenery and beauty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This safari will take you to Virunga National Park, one of Africa’s largest parks, which is located in eastern Congo. This park is well-known for its array of hiking opportunities, including the world’s famed endangered mountain gorillas and multiple volcanoes, the most compelling of which is Nyiragongo. You will get the opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their native habitats and hike Nyiragongo, an active volcano.

Day 1: Arrival and Gisenyi.(Gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo Hike)

You begin your 4-day journey by arriving at Kigali International Airport, where you will be greeted by safari guide. You will travel from Kigali to Gisenyi, on the banks of Lake Kivu, for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation options:
Meal pan: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer from the Grande Barriere to Kibumba tented Camp

On this day, you will arrive at the Grande Barriere border crossing by 12:15 pm and check in at the Virunga headquarters by 13:00 pm. During this procedure, you will receive your Gorilla and Volcano trek permits, which must be submitted at the beginning of each journey. After checking in, you will be taken to Kibumba. Upon arrival, you will check in and rest in preparation for the next day’s activities.

Day 3: Gorilla trekking.

After breakfast, you will go down the hill to the Bukima ranger post for the briefing. You will meet with your ranger guides before beginning your gorilla expedition. Following the briefing, you will travel across difficult terrain for around 1-2.5 hours in pursuit of the designated mountain gorilla family. You will spend up to an hour with the gorillas before returning to your tent for a late lunch. Later, you may go on a nature walk and view birds, or you can rest at the campsite.

Day 4: Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

At 8:15 a.m., you will eat breakfast and be transferred to the park headquarters, the Kibati Ranger Post. You will be informed and given the opportunity to hire porters in preparation for the Nyiragongo volcano trek.

This will take around 6 hours, depending on your speed and fitness; some individuals may hike in less time, while others require more. The walk winds past lava rocks, wooded regions, and open space, providing opportunities to appreciate the vistas. You will have the opportunity to photograph the breathtaking images of the boiling lava releasing a crimson light from the crusted lava.

Day 5: Descending and Departure.

Today morning, you begin your descent back to the park headquarters. It will take you around four hours. Once you reach the bottom, you will be sent back to the border at Grande Barriere.

Your driver guide will transport you back to Kigali for your flight or to a hotel.