This 4-Day Virunga Gorilla Trekking & Mount Nyiragongo Hiking Tour will take you to the major highlights of Eastern D.R. Congo. It presents a magical encounter with mountain gorillas in Africa’s oldest and most bio-diverse national park, Virunga National Park, and a climb to the top of one of the world’s most active volcanic mountains, Nyiragongo Volcano.
Hiking to the top of this mountain presents you with a chance to see the world’s largest lava lake and unparalleled views of all the other smoky volcanoes within the Virunga Massif.
4-Day Congo Gorillas & Nyiragongo Climbing Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Virunga National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
- Day 3: Hike Mount Nyiragongo
- Day 4: Descend Mount Nyiragongo & Transfer Back to Kigali
Detailed 4-Day Congo Gorillas & Nyiragongo Climbing Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Virunga National Park
Arrive and meet up with your tour leader who will guide you through the entire tour in D.R. Congo. Rest in Kigali city or take a short city tour before embarking on a long journey to Goma border in the east of Congo. Drive through the picturesque hills of Rwanda to the border town of Goma, passing the distant Virunga volcanoes and Lake Kivu.
Virunga National Park is not only a popular and oldest conservation area in Africa but also the most biologically diverse on the entire continent, home to both endangered mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas. Connect with your D.R. Congo guide who will drive you to your lodge in the park.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Today is a thrilling day and the gorilla tracking day of this tour, where you’ll stand eye-to-eye with the mighty mountain gorillas. Starting from Rumangabo ranger station, embark on the challenging but rewarding gorilla trek, hiking through the steep jungles as you search for these gentle giants.
Once you meet the mountain gorillas, you are allowed only one hour to be with them, photograph them, learn about their lifestyle, and admire them before returning to the starting point and eventually to the lodge.
Spend a free evening gazing at the calm forest and the Virunga volcanoes in the backdrop.
Have dinner and gather around the campfire to share your stories and enjoy the views of the African sky.
Day 3: Hike Mount Nyiragongo
After breakfast at the lodge, with your trekking gear, join your driver and transfer to the base of impressive Nyiragongo volcano. Attend a briefing session and the hike begins at 10:00 am in the morning.
Packed lunch/snacks, warm fleece vest, bottled water, and a sleeping bag are recommended. With your hiking guide, a personal cook, and a porter to carry your luggage (to be hired), the ascent begins.
Nyiragongo volcano is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, with the last eruption occurring in 2016.
Expect to reach the peak in the evening with an unparalleled view of a crater filled with a sea of lava that spreads at night to form a web-like structure.
After a delicious hot meal prepared by the onsite cook, sleep in one of the mountain huts located on the crater rim.
Day 4: Descend Mount Nyiragongo & Transfer Back to Kigali
Early morning after breakfast, the descent begins to the base camp at Kibati ranger station. The descent takes approximately four hours to reach the bottom of Nyiragongo volcano.
Once at the base, meet your guide and transfer back to Goma border, cross, and proceed to Kigali city via Congo – Nile drive.
Arrive in Kigali for lunch, relaxation, a short tour in the city, or shopping. Depending on your flight time, be dropped off at the airport to catch your departure flight.
End of 4-Day Virunga Gorilla Trekking & Mount Nyiragongo Hiking Tour.
