5 Days Congo Gorilla Tour and Nyiragongo Hike

Day 1: Transfer to Goma (Virunga National Park) from Kigali city

After breakfast at your hotel in Kigali city, meet and greet with the driver guide, who will drive you to your next destination, Gisenyi town along Lake Kivu, which is only 28 Km from Virunga national park. Gisenyi has a variety of sand beaches presenting opportunities for relaxation and recreational boat cruises.

The boat cruise offers magnificent sights of endless water views, series of Islands and the overlooking Nyiragongo Volcano. Have lunch after which you cross the Congo border to Goma in the North Kivu province.

Accommodation options:

Luxury: Mikeno Lodge

Midrange: Bukima Tented Camp

Budget: Cap Kivu Hotel

Day 2: Hike the Nyiragongo volcano

Undertake the Nyiragongo adventure challenge after an early morning breakfast at the lodge. This hike is one of the most challenging as well as interesting as it presents a modern history of volcanic activity. Nyiragongo Mountain has a recent history of volcanic eruption as late as 1997 and 2002 and has the largest lava lake in Africa.

This is a rewarding hike that lasts 4 – 6 hours and begins at an altitude of 1,989m ASL ascending to 3,470m ASL in the shortest period. The overnight is spent at the crater rim and the best views of the lava lake occur at night.

Hire porters from the lodge who will carry the heavy luggage and food to the mountains.

Accommodation: Nyiragongo Mountain Camps

Day 3: Descend from Nyiragongo Volcano and relax at the lodge

After breakfast at the camps, admire the views of the Lava Lake and remains of the volcanic eruption as you descend to the base of the mountain. The panoramic views of dense Congo jungle and the scenic waters of Lake Kivu will occupy your journey back to the lodge.

Accommodation

Luxury: Mikeno Lodge

Midrange: Bukima Tented Camp

Budget: Cap Kivu Hotel

Day 4: Congo Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is not only a home to the mountain gorillas but also a haven to two other great ape species namely; Chimpanzees and the Eastern lowland Gorillas. The Park is also home to other wild game including the unique Okapi, forest elephants among others. The gorilla trekking experience begins in the morning at Bukima patrol post, the briefing point. The trek involves traversing the forested jungle of the park in the company of the ranger guides and porters.

As other gorilla destinations in Africa, Virunga provides a memorable opportunity to encounter the critically endangered apes right in their natural habitat. The moment with congo gorillas is limited to one hour with opportunities for amazing photo shoots and extensive learning about their behaviors, watching them play, feed and mothers caring for the babies is truly an epic encounter. Retreat from the activity and retire to the lodge for relaxation and overnight

Accommodation

Luxury: Mikeno Lodge

Midrange: Bukima Tented Camp

Budget / Basic: Cap Kivu Hotel

Day 5: Drive back to Kigali

After breakfast, embark on the drive to Kigali, taking about 3 – 4 hours of traversing country side sceneries of the Kivu Province until Kigali to catch up with your flight or retire at the lodge.

End of Safari with Love Uganda Safaris

What is included in this safari

• congo Gorilla permits
• Chimpanzee permit
• 4 WD Vehicle – with a pop – up roof for game viewing
• A professional English speaking Driver guide
• Entrance fees to all parks and protected areas
• Free Wi-Fi internet in the vehicle
• All ground transportation and fuel
• Accommodation and Meals
• All activities / services as per itinerary
• Drinking water in the vehicle

Exclusions of the safari:

• Visa fees
• International air fares
• Activities / services not included in the itinerary
• Alcoholic drinks / wines
• Laundry and any service of personal nature