The 4 Days Congo Gorilla safari and mount Nyiragongo expedition combines a trek to see mountain gorillas in the wild and ultimate Nyiragongo hiking adventure. The 2 iconic experiences will be enjoyed in the premier Congo Virunga National Park.
Created in 1925, Virunga National Park is stunning park lying within the Virunga region and holds a huge concentration of wildlife. This park is extensive occupying over 7800sq.km and bordering it are protected areas like Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), and Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri.
Over 200 mammal species survive in Virunga together with several other species. A side from gorillas, this park supports diverse wildlife such as okapis, hippos, elephants, lions, and 700 species of birds including variety of Albertine rift endemic species.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up, city tour & drive to Congo
Day 2: Virunga NP Gorilla trekking experience
Day 3: Road transfer to Kibati for briefing, ascend to the top of Nyiragongo
Day 4: Descend to Kibati, drive back to Kigali (Rwanda)
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up, city tour & drive to Congo
Enjoy a hefty breakfast and after, you will be picked up by a profession driver guide who will take you through what this Congo tour is about. After, embark on a city excursion and this allows you visit historic sites like Kigali genocide memorial, artisan shops, and Kigali’s main market (Kimironko).
From Kigali, drive to one of the best restaurants to have a delicious lunch. After lunch, begin your road trip to the Congo border. Ensure you have yellow fever vaccination card, and relevant documents to allow you cross over to Congo including Congo tourist visa. Once you have crossed the borders, proceed up to the lodge to check in early.
Accommodation
- Mikeno Lodge
- Kibumba Tented Camp
- Lulimbi Tented Camp
Day 2: Virunga NP Gorilla trekking experience
Set off from your lodge to briefing point at Virunga National Park where you will have exposure to guidelines or safety measures to follow while on a trek to see gorillas. Virunga is composed of 8 habituated gorilla families and each will be visited by a maximum of 8 guests, and this exercise will be performed by the park official.
The actual trek will be led by an experienced guide and will run for 2-6 hours but includes an hour of up close and personal encounter with a family of Congo gorillas in the wild. Later, you will begin trekking back while spotting several other species like birds and fauna in Virunga NP.
Once you have reached your lodge, have a relaxed stay and in the afternoon, you may opt to visit the Senkwekwe Centre. This is the only world’s mountain gorilla orphanage and you will have a chance to interact with these creatures. This site is best for guests who consider having a night at Mikeno Lodge.
Accommodation
- Mikeno Lodge
- Kibumba Tented Camp
- Lulimbi Tented Camp
Day 3: Road transfer to Kibati for briefing, ascend to the top of Nyiragongo
A delicious breakfast will be enjoyed at the comfort of your lodge and after, leave Bukima area for Kibati for briefing on Nyiragongo hiking guidelines. From Kibati, start your adventure at 10:00am taking you about 4-6 hours although this may vary depending on hikers level of fitness.
Get to the summits and enjoy the remarkable marvel at the breathtaking sceneries and sum it up with night glow of the Crater Lava Lake. After, have a night stay at the comfortable Nyiragongo summit shelters.
Day 4: Descend to Kibati, drive back to Kigali (Rwanda)
After breakfast, retreat from the summits of Nyiragongo to Kibati to meet your driver guide. From Kibati, you will be transferred back to Kigali capital and today marks the end of the 4 days Congo safari inclusive of volcano hiking and gorilla trekking.
End of safari
Safari Inclusions
- Gorilla permits (DRC)
- Nyiragongo volcano hikes
- Guide services (driver and park guide)
- Accommodation and all meals as per the itinerary
- Transportation by road
- Bottled water
Safari Exclusions
- Tips
- Laundry services
- Souvenirs
- Insurance expenses
- Visas
- Passports
- All optional activities
- Shopping of all kinds
- Cigarettes expenses
- Telephone bills