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)