The Virunga Gorillas of Congo & the Nyiragongo Hike Tour (4 Days / 3 Nights)
Spend one unforgettable night on the rim of a massive active volcano, and enjoy standing face to face with a magnificent mountain gorilla silverback in Congo!
Day 1: Arrival
You will be met upon arrival at Kigali Airport by your driver and guide, and driven to the Rwanda – Congo (DRC) border at Grande Barriére, La Corniche. We will then assist you to clear the customs formalities and cross the border, entering the Democratic Republic of Congo. Proceed onto Goma or Virunga National Park. You will then spend the night at your chosen hotel or lodge.
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking in Virunga National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for Parc National des Virunga, and head over to the starting point of your gorilla tracking experience. After handling park formalities, we set off on the once-in-a-lifetime experience that is tracking mountain gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, with less than 700 alive today. You will get within meters of the family, and you’ll have the opportunity to spend an hour with them. Then return to your hotel or lodge for the night.
Day 3: Mount Nyiragongo Hike
The day starts with an early breakfast. This is when the real adventure begins. You’ll spend a day hiking Nyiragongo, a live volcano. The trek includes a walk through lush forest and lava fields with a steep ascent near the top. It also involves an overnight stay at the Nyiragongo Crater Cabanas on the volcano rim. Stunning views in both sunlight and moonlight will make this an unforgettable experience. Later, make ready to spend the night in tents at the rim of the giant crater, high above the active lava lake.
CRATER BANDAS – Ready-made food and water are included in the rates below.
Things to bring on the Nyiragongo hike – sleeping bag, dry change of clothes, rain gear, good walking shoes, warm clothes (sweater, jacket) to wear on the rim, where it’s cold, sun cream, warm hat, torch, camera, and personal toiletries.
Day 4: Mount Nyiragongo Descent and Departure
After breakfast, descend by 0700 hours, arriving back at the start of the trail before lunch. Continue back to the city of Goma for lunch. Thereafter, you will be transferred back to Rwanda, and then to Kigali Airport for departure.