Take a 5-day road trip to Congo’s Virunga National Park on this fantastic itinerary, for two main purposes. To hike the active Mount Nyiragongo and trek the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The trip involves driving through the spectacular landscapes of all kinds while relishing breathtaking views of the rolling hills, clean City of Kigali and verdant vegetation. Besides trekking gorillas and hiking the mountain, expect a City excursion and guided nature walk at Rumangabo in Virunga National Park.

Virunga National Park in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is the most popular safari destination in this large Central African country. It covers about 7800 square kilometers within the Albertine Rift Valley area and was established in April 1925, making it the oldest Park in Africa. For this 5-day itinerary, the trip starts and ends in Kigali City, Rwanda.

Detailed Itinerary.

Day 1: Road Trip from Kigali to Goma City, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

After a delicious breakfast, hit the road for the drive to Goma City (nearest and biggest City to Virunga National Park). Along the way, you will be treated to jaw-dropping views of Rwanda’s rolling hills (from where the country derived its name “land of a thousand hills), experience a beautiful ambiance. Lunch will be in Gisenyi Town before crossing to Goma. Check-in at Virunga Tourism Office in Grande Barriere border crossing before continuing to your booked place of Lodging.

Day 2: Trekking Virunga Mountain Gorillas and guided walk in Rumangabo area.

Breakfast is the perfect way to start this long awaited day and will be served at your place of Lodging. Afterwards, drive to Bukima Ranger Post within Virunga National Park for briefing on the guidelines to be followed when trekking or interacting with the Giant Apes. The actual experience begins at 8:00am and takes between one and 5 hours, with only one hour provided to observe and take photos of the Giant Apes playing, resting, foraging and sometimes copulating. After this remarkable experience, get back to the Ranger Post where you will meet your safari driver to take you back to the Lodge. Spend your evening at Rumangabo on a guided nature walk or bird watching expedition.

Day 3: Embark on the Mount Nyiragongo Hike

Head out in the morning for the Mount Nyiragongo Hike that starts at Kibati Ranger Post with registration and briefing. Get your hiking gear ready, hire a porter to help in carrying your backpack and other any other support during the hike. Start by 10:00am climbing one of the World’s active Volcanoes (its recent explosion being May 2021) with views of varying vegetation (dense forest, open areas, wetlands and savannah).

After about 3 hours of hiking, you will start having a glimpse of the Crater rim and be at the summit after 4-6 hours. The best views of Lava remnants and other neighboring Volcanoes will be enjoyed from the peaks including your picnic Lunch. Camping and Dinner will at the summit shelters.

Day 4: Descend to the base of Mount Nyiragongo and drive back to Gisenyi City

On this day, be up by 6:00am and start descending 30 minutes later. The total time for descent is 4-5 hours, then meet your safari driver at the base of this beautiful Mountain. Get checked in at the Hotel on the shores of Lake Kivu for meals and slumber.

Day 5: Departure day with a tour of Kigali City.

Take a 2-hour drive back to Kigali City where you will embark on a tour of the historical and cultural sites on arrival. Explore the Kigali genocide Site, local craft markets and many places that make Kigali a top tourist site in the country. From this point, it is up to you to decide where you wish to go – either hotel or catch your flight back home.