Merge an exceptional encounter of trekking mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park with an adventurous hike to explore Africa’s most active volcano, Nyiragongo. This 5-Day Congo Gorilla Trekking & Mount Nyiragongo Hiking Tour begins and ends in Kigali city.
5-Day Gorillas & Nyiragongo Climbing Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Virunga National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga
- Day 3: Ascend Mount Nyiragongo
- Day 4: Descend Mount Nyiragongo & Boat Cruise
- Day 5: Transfer to Kigali
Detailed 5-Day Gorillas & Nyiragongo Climbing Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Virunga National Park
Welcome to magical Rwanda for your 5-Day Congo Gorilla Trekking & Mount Nyiragongo Hiking Tour! Meet and greet upon arrival by your experienced safari guide who will introduce you to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, brief you about the itinerary, and then transfer you to Virunga National Park.
The journey takes about 3 hours, with an option for an Enroute tour along Lake Kivu for a speed boat cruise and other recreational activities.
Continue via the Goma border, check in, and proceed to your lodge at the edge of Virunga forest. At the lodge, admire fantastic views of the towering Rwenzori Mountains and Virunga ranges, contemplating the amazing adventure ahead.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga
Have breakfast at 6:30 am and embark on a fantastic gorilla trekking adventure within the jungles of Virunga National Park. The park is home not only to mountain gorillas but also to rare eastern lowland gorillas; however, this safari focuses on mountain gorillas.
The experience begins at 7:30 am as you penetrate into the misty jungles in search of these rare apes. Along the way, enjoy views of other resident species, including an array of birds, butterflies, verdant flora, and other mammals like forest elephants, forest hogs, bush pigs, duikers, and sitatungas.
Enjoy the walk beneath the tree canopies and through boggy slopes until you encounter a group of mountain gorillas. During this valuable one-hour encounter, observe the gorillas as they feed, nurse their young, and see the mighty silverback providing protection.
After this experience, enjoy your packed lunch, trek back to the starting point, join your safari driver, and transfer back to the lodge. Relax in the evening amidst the sights and sounds of the jungles.
Day 3: Ascend Mount Nyiragongo
Enjoy an early breakfast at 7:00 am and join your driver for a transfer to Kibati ranger station, where the hike begins. Receive a briefing from the hiking guides about the rules, rest points, and expectations of the hike. You can hire porters here, prepare your gear, and begin the adventure!
The trail winds through lush alpine forest on the lower slopes of the mountain, ascending through lava eruption fissures until you reach the summit. The Nyiragongo hike takes between 6 to 7 hours, and depending on weather and hikers’ physical fitness, the expedition can last up to a full day.
Accommodation is in mountain huts nestled on the ridge overlooking the lava lake, forming a web-like structure at night.
Day 4: Descend Mount Nyiragongo & Boat Cruise
Enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by your onsite cook and begin your descent. The descent to the base of the mountain is quicker, taking less than 4 hours to reach the base camp.
Begin your drive to the Goma border, complete immigration formalities, and proceed to the stunning Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake and a hub for many small rivers.
Arrive for relaxation; spend your evening on the shores of this scenic lake, take a walk to nearby tea plantations for amazing photos, or embark on a speed boat cruise to explore inland islands and the life of fishermen.
Retreat to your lakeside resort for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast on your resort balcony overlooking the misty lake, enjoy the magnificent sunrise attracting an array of bird-life along the lake shores, and observe the local life of Gisenyi residents in their daily routines.
Finally, return to Kigali city and be dropped off at your preferred hotel or the airport depending on your flight time. This marks the end of your 5-Day Congo Gorilla Trekking & Mount Nyiragongo Hiking Tour.
