4 Days congo gorillas and nyiragongo hiking safari

4 Days congo gorillas and nyiragongo hiking safari

This 4 Days congo gorillas and nyiragongo hiking safari  is a combination of exception tour activities which includes; tracking mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and a hike on Mount Nyiragongo, which is regarded as Africa’s most active volcano. This 4 Days Congo Gorillas and Nyiragongo hike starts and ends in Kigali City, Rwanda.

Detailed Tour Itinerary.

Day 1: Pickup from Kigali and Transfer to Virunga National Park.

You will be picked by your guide at your hotel in Kigali. You will the drive 163km to Gisenyi Town, which is about a 3½ hour drive. You will then drive to Goma town, passing through Le Grande barrier into the Democratic Republic of Congo. From Goma town, you will proceed to drive to Virunga National Park; enjoy the scenic beauty of the Virunga Massif and amazing Lake Kivu, on your way to the national park. Check into your lodge for dinner and accommodation at Kibumba Tented Camp/Bukima Tented Camp/Mikeno Lodge.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park.

Have an early morning breakfast and drive to Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While on your voyage, you will get to explore the remarkable views of the Virunga massif, vegetation and Lake Kivu. You will cross into Congo via the Goma border at le Grande barrier and drive to Goma town. Here you will be escorted in a convoy provided by Virunga National Park. There are 8 habituated mountain gorilla groups in Virunga national park, and are available for tourists to track.  Gorilla trekking activities in Virunga start from two major points, which are Mikeno and Bukima visitor centers.

Gorilla trekking activities in Virunga starts at 7:30am and usually take between 2-4 hours; inclusive of an hour spent with the gorillas once they have been located. Gorilla trekking activities in Virunga national park don’t a lot of vigorous hiking activities and hence can be done by any adult. Remember to bring your camera along with you on this day; plus a good pair of hiking shoes and a raincoat, just in case it rains. After this awesome experience, you can enjoy your packed lunch or drive back to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Later in the evening, you can opt to go on a guided nature walk and enjoy the sights and sounds of the jungle; or you can decide to embark on a cultural tour to the nearby villages. Get to mingle with the locals there, see their daily lifestyles and watch great dance performances from the local dance groups.

Later return back to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Ascend Mount Nyiragongo.

Have an early morning breakfast and head out to Kibati ranger station where the hiking activities to mount Nyiragongo start. While at the ranger station, you will be briefed by your guides on hiking rules, rest points and generally what to expect from the hike. In case have a lot of luggage, you can hire porters who will carry your luggage at an extra fee.

The hiking trail leading to Nyiragongo Mountain, passes through a lush alpine forest on the slopes of the mountain and continue through the molten lava lake on the mountain summit. Hiking Mount Nyiragongo takes about 6-7 hours, depending on the weather and physical fitness of the hikers. The hiking expedition can take whole day. On this day, you will spend a night on the mountain, in the lodge shelters built on the edges of the mountain with views overlooking the lava lake. Get to see the beautiful scenery of the red skyline at night, created by the molten lava lake.

Day 4: Descend Mount Nyiragongo and Transfer Back to Kigali.

Wake up to a beautiful morning on the mountain. Take delicious breakfast and later start to descend Nyiragongo Mountain. The hiking expedition down the mountain will take about 4 hours or less depending on your pace. You will meet with your guide once you have descended the mountain, and then proceed to drive back to Kigali. Upon your arrival in Kigali later in the evening, your guide will drop you off at Kigali airport so that you can catch your return flight in time. In case your departure flight is scheduled for the following day, you can have a short tour of Kigali City and later have your guide drop you off at your hotel in Kigali. It has been a pleasure accompanying you on this adventurous trip with you and we hope you had the best experience of your lifetime. End of Tour.