Take part in this tour which will take you to the most sought after national park in D.R Congo and Africa as whole. You will take part in gorilla trekking where you will be able to spot one gorilla family and again hike the active volcano Nyiragongo Mountain.
The summit rewards you with great and beautiful scenery of the whole of Virunga national park and the lava lake that emits red smoke all the time. While on gorilla trekking, you will be given an hour in the presence of these gentle giants, learn and experience how they communicate, move, behave as the silverback which is the head of the family practices its leadership skills. The safari will begin and end in Kigali – Rwanda.
Day 1: Transfer to Virunga national park from Kigali, Rwanda
Be picked from the agreed starting point in Kigali that is either hotel or airport and then transfers to Virunga national park in D.R. Congo. As you pass through the rolling hills of Rwanda, cross the Gisenyi border and find your way to Goma.
This is the town near Virunga national park and it’s where you will spend a night. Virunga is the finest national park in DR Congo homing 8 habituated gorilla families and these include Kabirizi, Humba, Rugendo, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Munyaga, Nyakamwe and Bageni.
It is in this park that you can find Nyiragongo active volcano that recently erupted in May 2021. Hiking to the summit is awesome as you spot different animals, lava rocks among others. Arrive and check-in at the booked accommodation site.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking adventure
Head to the park offices where you will be briefed about the dos and don’ts to observe during the trekking, cross-checking of gorilla permits is done, getting all the required information before about the park and its inhabitants among others.
Head into the forest and start the search which will take a short or long time to get close to the endangered species, depending on the location of allocated family.
Some gorilla families tend to live near the park offices as others live far away. Trekking can take 3 to 5 hours and an hour will be granted while in their presence as you enjoy their movements, behaviors among others. Gorillas live in families of 5 to even over 20 members. You will return to the lodge after the trek and rest as you prepare for the next day’s Nyiragongo hike.
Day 3: Nyiragongo mountain hike
You will be briefed about the dos and don’ts while on this hike at Kibati ranger post and then start the hike. At this point, you will hire a porter to help you carry the heavy luggage.
As you start the hike, enjoy different wildlife such as bushbucks, and if you are lucky enough you will spot primates like mangabeys, colobus monkeys and some bird species will be spotted such as Rwenzori turacos, Black bishop, Rwenzori batis, Red-throated athletes, Stripe breasted tits, African goshawk among others.
A hike to the summit takes about 5 hours but the view rewards you with beautiful scenery of Virunga national park and a permanent lava lake. You have an option of camping and spending a night on top of the mountain or descend back to Kibati, a journey that takes about 2-4 hours.
Day 4: Transfer back to Kigali and departure
In case you slept on top of the mountain, you will descend for about 3 hours and immediately transfer to Kigali after breakfast on this last day of your safari where you will take your flight back home. This will be the end of a 4 days safari to Virunga national park in D.R. Congo.
