What is the fitness level required for the Nyiragongo Volcano hike?

The Nyiragongo hike is considered challenging due to its steep and rocky terrain, taking 5-6 hours to ascend. A good level of physical fitness is essential.

Are the summit cabins on Nyiragongo Volcano basic or luxurious?

The Crater Rim Cabins at the summit of Nyiragongo are basic shelters provided by the park, offering a rustic but unique overnight experience, focusing on the volcanic spectacle rather than luxury amenities.

Can I observe other wildlife during the gorilla trek in Virunga National Park?

While the primary focus is mountain gorillas, you may encounter other wildlife such as various monkey species, forest birds, and unique flora during your trek through Virunga National Park's diverse ecosystem.

Is it safe to visit DR Congo for this tour?

Virunga National Park works closely with local authorities to ensure visitor safety. While the region has had past instabilities, the park consistently assesses conditions and opens only when safe. Your guided tour adheres to strict safety protocols.

4 Days Nyiragongo Volcano Hike & Gorilla Trek

Journey into the heart of Africa’s most remarkable landscapes on this thrilling 4-day adventure, combining an intimate encounter with mountain gorillas and an awe-inspiring trek to the fiery summit of Nyiragongo Volcano.

Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Map

FAQs

Overview

Prepare for an extraordinary expedition into the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity and dramatic volcanic scenery.

This unique 4-day safari offers a perfect blend of wildlife immersion and exhilarating adventure, ideal for luxury-leaning travelers seeking an authentic and unique African experience.

From tracking endangered mountain gorillas through dense forests to spending a night overlooking a mesmerizing lava lake, this journey promises profound connection with nature and unforgettable thrills.

Your adventure begins in Rwanda, setting the stage for a seamless transition into the captivating wilderness of Virunga.

Highlights

Day 1: Scenic Transfer from Kigali to Bukima, Virunga National Park
Day 2: Unforgettable Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Day 3: Challenging Nyiragongo Volcano Hike & Overnight at the Summit
Day 4: Descend Nyiragongo & Return to Kigali, Rwanda

Day 1 :

Transfer from Kigali to Bukima – Virunga National Park

Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. After a brief introduction by your knowledgeable guide, you embark on a picturesque 4-hour drive through Rwanda's iconic "land of a thousand hills," making your way towards the Rwanda–Congo border at Goma.

Upon completing border formalities, you continue your journey to Bukima, the serene gateway to gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park.

Along the route, soak in the captivating views of Lake Kivu and the striking volcanic landscapes characteristic of the Great Rift Valley. Once settled at Bukima, you check into your chosen lodge, enjoying a delightful dinner as you anticipate your incredible gorilla encounter the following day.

Accommodation Options:

Platinum: Mikeno Lodge
Gold/Silver: Bukima Tented Camp

Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Drinks: Bottled Drinking Water

Day 2 :

Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park – Transfer to Goma

An early breakfast prepares you for an exhilarating day. Your guide escorts you to the Virunga National Park Headquarters for a comprehensive safety briefing and group allocation.

The highlight of the day, your gorilla trek, commences as you delve into the dense forest, searching for a habituated family of mountain gorillas. The duration of the trek can range from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the gorillas' location and movements.

However, once you find them, you are granted a magical one-hour encounter, observing these gentle giants as they forage, groom, and interact. This intimate experience is often described as life-changing.

After this profound wildlife encounter, you return to the headquarters before transferring to Goma for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel in Goma (can be customized)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drinks: Bottled Drinking Water

Day 3 :

Nyiragongo Volcano Hike – Overnight at the Summit

Today promises an unparalleled adventure! After breakfast in Goma, a short drive brings you to Kibati, the starting point for your ascent of Mount Nyiragongo—one of the world's most active and spectacular volcanoes.

Following a briefing with the Virunga Park rangers, you begin the challenging yet rewarding 5–6 hour hike, traversing lush rainforest, dramatic volcanic ridges, and rugged lava fields.

Reaching the summit (3,470 meters / 11,380 feet) is an accomplishment, rewarded by breathtaking panoramic views and the unforgettable sight of the glowing lava lake, a fiery spectacle bubbling within the crater below.

You'll spend the night in basic, yet comfortable, summit shelters, enjoying a hot meal and soaking in the otherworldly experience of camping atop an active volcano.

Accommodation: Crater Rim Cabins (basic shelter provided by the park)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drinks: Bottled Drinking Water

Day 4 :

Descend from Nyiragongo – Return to Kigali

Wake early to witness a magnificent sunrise over the Virunga Mountains before commencing your descent back to Kibati, which typically takes about 3 to 4 hours.

At the base, you reunite with your driver and return to Goma. If time permits, you may enjoy a brief Goma city tour, with optional visits to recent lava fields, bustling local markets, or the mysterious Goma caves.

Afterward, you begin your scenic drive back to Kigali, Rwanda, making a stop at the Congo-Rwanda border for memorable photo opportunities and a chance to purchase local souvenirs.

You arrive in Kigali in the late afternoon or evening, with drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport for your departing flight.