Gorillas And Nyiragongo Hike: The Essential Congo Itinerary

A Guided 4 Days 4 Days Virunga Gorillas and Nyiragongo Hike in Congo from Kigali for Intrepid Travelers

Itinerary Overview: Gorillas and Nyiragongo Hike

4 Days 4 Days Virunga Gorillas And Nyiragongo Hike in Congo from Kigali is the best adventurous tour to Congo for intrepid travelers. If you want to have one of the most amazing experiences like climbing up an active volcano and spending the night at the summit then this is the trip for you.

Congo sells the cheapest Gorilla trekking permits in Africa and this gives an advantage to travelers who would want to have budget tours. Mountain Gorilla trekking in Congo is at Virunga National Park with each permit at USD 450.

Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the world’s active stratovolcanoes which has erupted 34 times since 1882 with the last eruption in 2002. With a few international flights directly going to the country, most trips to the park start from Kigali International Airport of Rwanda which has daily flights.

From Kigali-Rwanda, a driver-guide takes you on a road drive across the Goma border of Congo into the country. This 4 Days 4 Days Virunga Gorillas And Nyiragongo Hike is a great budget trip for adventurous travelers who want to Gorilla trekking with a Gorilla permit that costs just USD 450 unlike USD 700 in Uganda and USD 1500 in Rwanda.

But wait, let me tell you something:

Tour Summary

Gorilla trekking in Congo’s Virunga National Park
Hike to Nyiragongo summit
Safari starts and ends in Kigali-Rwanda
Only activity is Gorilla trekking
Tour includes crossing the border with a Congo visa
Minimum age for trip is 15

What you need to know

You must have a Congo tourist visa (we help you with the process)
Pack the right clothing for Gorilla trekking
Tour can be undertaken any time of the year
Cost includes activity fees

Itinerary Gallery:

3 Days Congo Lowland Gorilla Trekking Safari

Itinerary highlights: Gorillas and Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

Day #1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport, pick up and transfer to Goma in Congo
Day #2: Gorilla trekking experience in Virunga National Park
Day #3: Hike to Nyiragongo summit and spend the night at summit cabins
Day #4: Return from Nyiragongo summit then transfer to Kigali/Kigali International Airport for a departure flight.

What’s the real story?:

Detailed itinerary: 4 Days Gorillas & Nyiragongo Hike

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport, pick up and transfer to Goma in Congo

On arrival at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, an allocated safari guide will be there to pick you up for the start of your trip. Your guide will be easily identified as he will have a placard with your name. If the trip is from Kigali the guide will pick you up from the then-current location.

After introducing himself to you, then the drive will start for the transfer to Goma via the Gisenyi border. The drive to the border lasts about four hours. At the border, you go through clearance and then continue to Goma where you then continue to a lodge where you spend the night.

Meal Plan: Dinner

Accommodation options

Luxury: Mikeno Lodge

Mid-range: Lake Kivu Lodge

Day 2: Gorilla trekking experience in Virunga National Park

On day 2 be ready to wake up early to have your breakfast and then go Gorilla trekking in the Virunga National Park. The trek start point is at a place named Bukima. As you go for the trek, carry some packed food, water, and your camera equipment.

You meet the park rangers who will guide you through the forest in a Gorilla trekking activity that takes about 2-8 hours. The trek is dependent on where the Gorilla family you are searching for spent its previous night. If it was further then you will trek longer and vice versa.

When you finally get to see the mountain gorilla family, then you are allowed to spend a maximum of 1 hour watching their lifestyle and taking all the memorable photos and videos. After then, you trek back to the start point for a drive back to your hotel. You refresh, relax and have dinner at the lodge where you spend the night as of the previous day.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner

Day 3: Hike to Nyiragongo summit and spend the night at summit cabins

on your 4 Days Gorillas & Nyiragongo Hike – You have breakfast at the hotel, then be transferred to the Kibati patrol post which is the start point for the hike to Nyiragongo summit. Before the start of the hike, it is advisable to wear the right clothing and hiking shoes for the hike.

The Nyiragongo hike lasts several hours and the group hikes depending on the speed of the slowest hiker. There is a chance to rest several times during the hike. When you arrive at the summit, you will have dinner prepared by the chef at the summit cabins where you will spend the night.

The night, you will take time to go see the boiling lava on the lava lake at the summit. While there be very careful and observe the set guidelines.

Accommodation: Summit cabins

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Return from Nyiragongo summit then transfer to Kigali/Kigali International Airport for a departure flight.

After breakfast at the summit of Nyiragongo, you will descend to the bottom of the volcano. On arriving at the bottom of Nyiragongo summit, you meet your driver-guide for a return drive to Kigali.

You will embark on a return drive to Kigali. You again cross the border from Goma then continue to Kigali. Your guide will ensure drop off at the place of residence in Kigali or at Kigali International Airport for a departure flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

End of the 4 Days Gorillas And Nyiragongo Hike

Cost Inclusions

All activities as included
Accommodation & meals as indicated
4×4 safari vehicle
A professional English speaking knowledgeable driver guide.
Bottled drinking water on board

Cost Exclusions

International flights & Visas
Tips
Drinks
Any changes to the itinerary
Laundry

Transport

4×4 Safari land cruiser for Luxury travelers
4×4 Safari van for Budget travelers