This 4-Day Gorilla Trek & Nyiragongo Volcano Hike in Congo starts and ends in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda.
The trip involves driving through Gisenyi, the largest port on Lake Kivu, enjoying a boat cruise on the lake, and then proceeding to Goma in Congo.
These four days in Congo guarantee a visit to one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the world: Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park, for gorilla trekking and a Nyiragongo hiking experience to the largest active lava lake in the world.
Detailed 4-Day Gorilla Trek & Nyiragongo Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Goma
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be picked up by our driver guide, who will briefly take you through the entire itinerary before starting the journey to Goma.
Enjoy the drive through the rolling hills of Rwanda with beautiful views of the thousand hills covered in lush greenery.
This is a 3-4 hour drive to Gisenyi Border.
On arrival, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake, which also marks the border between Congo and Rwanda.
After lunch, clear customs and then cross the border to Congo, spending the night in Goma.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Today, take an early breakfast and depart for the Virunga National Park headquarters for a briefing from the park rangers on the dos and don’ts for trekkers, and then embark on the gorilla trek in the jungles.
Trekking the gorillas in Virunga involves a hike through the thick forest on the gentle slopes of the Virunga volcano, making your way through the jungle with either a walking stick or the help of a guide to meet one of the six habituated gorilla families.
Finally, encounter the gentle giant apes of the forest and spend an hour observing their interactions, including playing and moving from one tree branch to another, and their daily routines.
Nothing is as thrilling as making eye contact with a Silverback, a memory that will not easily fade.
Take as many photos as you want, provided your camera does not have a flash.
Day 3: Ascend Mount Nyiragongo
After an early delicious breakfast, transfer to the starting point of the Nyiragongo volcano trail in Virunga National Park, the beginning of the 6-hour hike to the summit of Nyiragongo Mountain.
Nyiragongo is an active volcano in the Virunga mountain range, and reaching the summit offers spectacular views of the world’s largest lava crater lake.
The hike starts at 8:00 am to give hikers enough time to relax at the crater rim in the evening, enjoying the breathtaking views of the web-like lava.
Spend the night in tents at the rim of the giant crater above the active lava lake.
Day 4: Descend Nyiragongo & Departure
Wake up early in the morning for breakfast and then descend the volcano.
Upon reaching the bottom, travel back to the hotel for lunch and refreshments.
Immediately after lunch, transfer back to Kigali where the trip began, for either relaxation or to catch your flight home.
