The Perfect 5 Days in Congo Itinerary You Should Steal

The Perfect 5 Days in Congo Itinerary You Should Steal best for gorilla trek and Nyiragongo hike

Itinerary Overview: 5 Days in Congo

Book The Perfect 5 Days in Congo Itinerary You Should Steal best for gorilla trek and Nyiragongo hike for an experience of climbing the Nyiragongo Volcano as well as trekking Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park.

Any intrepid travelers wishing to have one of the most amazing experiences climbing up an active volcano and spending the night at the summit should book this Long Congo tour. Congo sells the cheapest Gorilla trekking permits in Africa and this gives an advantage to travelers who would want to have budget tours.

Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the world’s active Strato volcanoes 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 and returns to the same airport for departure.

But wait, let me tell you something:

Tour Summary

Activities include Gorilla trekking & hike to Nyiragongo summit
Safari starts and ends in Kigali-Rwanda
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 hiking and Gorilla trekking
Tour can be undertaken any time of the year
Cost includes activity fees

Itinerary Gallery:

Itinerary highlights: 5 Days in Congo

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport, pick up and transfer to Congo
Day 2: Hike to Nyiragongo summit and spend the night at summit cabins
Day 3: Descend from Nyiragongo summit and relax at the hotel
Day 4: Mountain Gorilla trekking at Virunga National Park
Day 5: Transfer back to Kigali International Airport for a departure flight.

What’s the real story?:

Detailed itinerary: 5 Days in Congo

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

Upon arrival at Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport, your Congo safari driver guide will be there to pick you up for the start of your tour. Your guide will be easily identified as he will have a placard with your name.

After the meeting, then the drive will start for the transfer to Goma in Congo 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

Budget: Ihusi Hotel

Day 2: Hike to Nyiragongo summit and spend the night at summit cabins

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 3: Descend from Nyiragongo summit and relax at the hotel

After breakfast at the summit of Nyiragongo, you will descend to the bottom of the volcano where the hike started from. On arriving at the bottom of Nyiragongo summit, you meet your driver guide for a transfer to a hotel where you relax. You spend this time regaining strength after the hike and descend from the Nyiragongo Volcano.

You will stay at your preferred hotel on day one.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla trekking at Virunga National Park

Wake up early morning 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 5: Transfer back to Kigali International Airport for a departure flight.

Have breakfast at leisure depending on the departure flight then embark on a return drive to Kigali. You again cross the border from Goma and then continue to Kigali. Your guide will ensure drop-off at Kigali International Airport for a departure flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

End of the 5 Days in Congo Itinerary

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