4-Days Virunga Gorillas & Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Safari.
4 DaysOverview
Explore the untamed beauty of the Virunga National Park in eastern Congo on this thrilling 4-day
adventure combining mountain gorilla trekking and a once-in-a-lifetime overnight climb to Mount
Nyiragongo, the world’s largest active lava lake. Beginning with a border crossing from Rwanda into
Goma, this itinerary dives deep into the wild heart of Congo, offering intimate wildlife encounters and
awe-inspiring volcanic views — all under the protection of Virunga’s experienced rangers. The trip starts
and ends in Kigali Rwanda.
Your journey begins in Kigali, Rwanda, where you’ll be picked up by your driver for a 3–4-hour scenic
drive north toward the Goma–Grande Barrière border crossing. You will have an optional stopover at
the Local markets or historical genocide memorials (time permitting). Cross into DRC & Check-In with
Virunga Authorities at the Goma border. Meet Virunga staff and Present your Gorilla & Nyiragongo
permits (pre-arranged). You will Receive park clearance and check into Virunga tourism office at the
Grande Barrière border post and transfer to your lodge inside the park. Relax at the lodge and wait for
dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, you’ll drive to the Bukima Ranger Post, the starting point for gorilla treks. Here, you'll
meet your rangers, porters (optional), and receive a full briefing on gorilla behavior and trekking
etiquette. You’ll then begin your trek into the montane rainforest in search of one of Virunga’s
habituated mountain gorilla families. Trek duration lasts for approximately 1–4 hours depending on
gorilla location, through the Forest trails, often muddy and steep. When you find the Gorillas, You’ll
spend 1 magical hour with the gorillas, observing their natural behavior from a close (but safe) distance.
Watch Silverbacks leading the group, Mothers caring for babies, Juveniles playing, climbing trees, and
Intimate forest moments few ever experience. Afterword, return to Bukima post and drive back to your
lodge. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure to relax, enjoy nature, or take part In optional activities
(forest walk, birdwatching, or community visit). End the day with dinner and a nap.
After breakfast, drive to Kibati Patrol Post, the trailhead for the Nyiragongo volcano trek. Here, you’ll
meet: Virunga rangers and guides, Porters (optional, but recommended), Briefing on safety, pacing, and
altitude. The hike to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo takes 5–6 hours and is divided into 5 segments
with rest stops between. The Trail Starts in forest, becomes lava rock and alpine as you ascend Steep in
parts but not technical. Enjoy lunch along the trail (packed) and Arrive at the rim of the active crater in
the late afternoon. Your reward? A surreal view of the glowing lava lake, bubbling and glowing inside the
massive crater below.
As night falls, the experience intensifies — the orange-red glow illuminates the volcanic smoke and your
surroundings in a truly otherworldly display. You’ll settle into simple wooden shelters at the summit, eat
dinner, and stay warm (temperatures can drop below 0°C). Dinner and overnight mark end of day.
After a light breakfast, begin your descent back to Kibati, retracing your route down the volcano. Expect
3–4 hours of steep downhill hiking over lava rock — trekking poles and good boots essential. Once at the
base, receive your summit certificate, say goodbye to the rangers, and transfer back to Goma. Cross
back into Rwanda and drive back to Kigali (arrival by late afternoon or evening)
Inclusion
Cost Inclusion
- Gorilla trekking permit (one per person)
- Nyiragongo volcano hiking permit (including overnight at the summit)
- All park entrance fees and ranger fees
- Full-board accommodation (meals & lodging as per itinerary)
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- All ground transfers (including border transfers where applicable)
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Fuel for the entire safari
- Drinking water during the trip
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees (Uganda / Rwanda / DR Congo)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and lodge staff
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks (unless stated)
- Porter fees for Nyiragongo hike (optional but recommended)
- Rental hiking gear (e.g., backpack, walking sticks)
- Extra accommodation before or after the safari
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Yes, hiking Mount Nyiragongo in Virunga National Park is generally safe when the park is open to tourists. All hikes are conducted with armed rangers and experienced guides to ensure visitor safety. However, travel advisories should always be checked before booking.
The hike is considered moderately to challenging. It takes about 5–7 hours to reach the summit, depending on your pace. The terrain is steep and volcanic, so a good level of fitness is required.
Gorilla trekking is conducted in either Virunga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park depending on your itinerary. Both locations offer incredible close-up encounters with mountain gorillas.
Yes, this safari may involve travel between countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of the Congo. You will need the appropriate visas, and your tour operator will guide you through the process.
You should pack:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Warm clothing (it gets cold at the summit)
- Rain jacket
- Headlamp/flashlight
- Gloves and hiking stick
- Backpack and water bottle
- Camera (no flash for gorillas)
