These 5 Days Congo Gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo hike safari will allow you to experience the different sceneries and beauty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  

This safari will take you to Virunga National Park that is one the largest parks in Africa located in the Eastern part of Congo. This park is known to have a diversity of trekking the world’s famous endangered mountain gorillas and several volcanoes with the most compelling being Nyiragongo. You will have an opportunity to trek the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats and hike nyiragongo which is an active volcano.                   

Safari Highlights 

• Mountain Gorilla trekking
• Hike up to Nyiragongo Volcano 

Day 1: Arrival to Kigali and Transfer to Gisenyi
You start your 4-day tour with arrival at Kigali International Airport where you will be welcomed by a Kagera safari representative. You will set off from Kigali to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu for overnight.  

 Journey time – 3 hours 

Meal plan – Dinner 

Upmarket – Lake Kivu Serena
Mid-range – Inzozi Lodge
Budget – Paradise Malahide  

 Day 2: Transfer from the Grande Barriere to Kibumba tented Camp
On this day you will be at the border Grande Barriere crossing by 12:15 pm to check in with Virunga offices by 1:00 pm. During this process in the tourism office, you will be given your Gorilla and Volcano trek permits which must be presented at the start of each trek. After completing the check you will be transferred to Kibumba. On arrival, you will check-in and take a rest in preparation for the next day’s activity. 

Journey time – 1 hour 

Meal plan –B, L & D
Kibumba Tented Camp 

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Today morning after breakfast you will transfer down the hill to the Bukima ranger post for the briefing. While here you will meet with your ranger guides before starting the gorilla trek. After briefing you will hike through unfavorable terrain for about 1-2.5 hours in search of the allocated mountain gorilla family. You will spend up to one hour with the gorillas which after you go back to your camp for late lunch. Later you can choose to do a nature walk and bird watching or relax at the camp.  

 B, L & D 

Day 4: Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
You will have your morning breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters-Kibati Ranger Post at 8:15 am. You will be briefed and a have chance to hire porters in preparation for starting up the Nyiragongo volcano hike. This will take about 6 hours depending on your speed and fitness, where some people may hike in fewer hours and others take more time. The trail is through lava rocks, forested areas, and open space for you to enjoy the views. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the boiling lava emitting a red glow from the crusted lava and can have pictorial moments.  

You will spend the night at the crater rim. 

 Meal plan – B, L & D
Camping at Nyiragongo Volcano 

Day 5: Descending from Nyiragongo Volcano and Transfer to Kigali
Today morning you start to descend back to the park headquarters. It will take you about four hours. On reaching the bottom you will transfer back to the border at Grande Barriere.  

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

Gorilla trekking tips 

• Mountain gorillas sometimes nest far from the start of your gorilla trek, you should pace yourself and drink plenty of water. 
• Eating, drinking, and smoking near gorillas is forbidden; a designated place and time will be communicated.