4 Days Virunga & Nyiragongo Hiking Congo
4 Days Virunga & Nyiragongo Hiking safari include three unforgettable nights in the popular Virunga National Park (two at the Tented Camp and one on Nyiragongo Volcano summit).
This safari allows visitors to hike Mount Nyiragongo-one of the most active Volcanoes on Earth as well as trek the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This Trip departs and concludes from Kigali City, Rwanda.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Virunga National Park via Gisenyi-Goma Border
Pick-up point is the Hotel or any other agreed place in Kigali City. Enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling hills, lush vegetation and roadside markets while heading towards Gisenyi. A quick stop for lunch and continue to Goma (at Grande Barriere Border crossing) for check-in with the Tourism Office. This office is adjacent to the passport control office and is where the gorilla trekking and Mount. Nyiragongo hiking permits are purchased. Leave Rwanda behind and head to the Democratic Republic of Congo and check-in at the Lodge in Virunga National Park.
Day 2: Virunga gorilla trekking adventure and guided nature walks
After a hearty breakfast at the tented camp, guests will be required to head down the Hill to meet expert Ranger guides and have an orientation at Bukima ranger post prior to starting the gorilla trek in Virunga National Park. Guided treks begin at exactly 8:00am and usually comprises of 30 minutes to four hours of ascending and descending each day, depending on the actual location of the allocated gorilla group as well as difficulty of the Park terrain.
Spend the allocated one hour with the gorilla group before making way into the Safari Camp for late lunch. The remainder of the day will be spent at leisure-guided nature walks at Rumangabo or a birding tour.
Day 3: Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
Have breakfast at the Safari Camp and by 8:00am be transported to Kibati Ranger Post, the starting point for Nyiragongo Volcano Hike. On getting to the ranger post, visitors receive an orientation and it is also at this point that participants can hire porters.
The ascent to the summit of this active Volcano lasts for about 4-6 hours with visitors spending overnight at the summit shelters.
Day 4: Descent back to Kibati Ranger Post and drive back to Kigali City
Before sunrise, leave the magnificent crater rim and embark on the descent back to Kibale Ranger Post. This takes about 4-5 hours and once at the base, visitors meet the Safari driver for the return trip to Kigali City. Border crossing at Grande Barriere (Gisenyi-Goma) and this will mark the end of your 4 Days Virunga & Nyiragongo Hiking Congo Safari.
