5 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Nyiragongo Volcano Adventure
per person
The 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Nyiragongo Volcano Adventure is for those wanting to hike Mount Nyiragongo and track primates in Rwanda. This safari involves visits to the stunning Lake Kivu and the famous Iby’iwacu cultural village, exhibiting the breathtaking countryside. It combines mountain gorilla trekking with hiking, cultural experiences, and game drives, visiting Virunga National Park and Volcanoes National Park.
Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s oldest parks, established in 1925. It started as an extensive wildlife conservation area, combining parts of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Its rich biodiversity, which includes the endangered mountain gorillas and other wildlife species, makes it part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Several activities to carry out in Virunga National Park include hiking and the famous gorilla trekking. The Nyiragongo Volcano is unique, making it stand out as the world’s largest lava lake open to tourism. After a deadly eruption in 2002, the volcano has been stable and safe for tourists for over twenty years, attracting thousands of visitors.
The Volcanoes National Park is the most popular tourist destination in Rwanda, featuring five volcanoes and situated at a high altitude. It became well-known due to primatologist Dian Fossey, who set up a gorilla research center there, among others.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: City tour of Kigali – Transfer to Congo
- Day 2: Mount Nyiragongo Hiking – Viewing the Lava Lake
- Day 3: Descend the Volcano – Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park
- Day 4: Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda – Gorilla Guardians village tour
- Day 5: Transfer back to Kigali – Departure
Day 1: City tour of Kigali – Transfer to Congo
Wake up for breakfast, and after our company safari driver will pick you up early morning from your hotel or at the Airport to embark on your adventurous journey. The first stop is Kigali city, where you will visit the Gisozi genocide memorial site to learn about the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. You will also see other key locations, including the central market, artisan shops, and the former presidential palace. After that, you’ll travel to the Congo border via Lake Kivu and beautiful countryside, arriving in Gisenyi before 2:00 pm for lunch. Be sure to have your yellow fever vaccination card and passport ready for immigration clearance to cross into Congo, where the Virunga team will meet you.
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge (Luxury) and Kibumba Tented Camp (Mid-range)
Meal plan: Lunch and DinnerDay 2: Mount Nyiragongo Hiking – Viewing the Lava Lake
On day 2, you will have an early breakfast and wait for the park staff to pick you up from your hotel. You will be driven to Goma and then to Kibati village, the starting point for hiking Mount Nyiragongo. Park officials will explain the hike and introduce you to the porters, including your chef. The climb will be basic, without the comforts of the lodge. It takes 4 to 6 hours to reach the top, with no one left behind until the 4th section out of 5. Your cabins will be ready at the summit, where the best views of the boiling magma are at night.
Accommodation: At the Camp /cabins
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDay 3: Descend the Volcano – Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park
Wake up from your cabin at 7:00 am and have breakfast while waiting for the group to begin descending the volcano at 8:00 am. Climbing Mount Nyiragongo offers more than just views of the lava lake; you can also see other Virunga volcanoes, Lake Kivu, and parks in Rwanda and Uganda. The best views are in the morning and while descending. After reaching the starting point, park officials will drive you to Goma and then to the border office to clear with Rwandan immigration, which costs $30 for the visa. A driver will be waiting to take you to Volcanoes National Park, a 2 to 3-hour journey.
Accommodation: 5 Volcanoes Lodge (Luxury), Davinci Lodge (Mid-range), and Hotel Muhabura (Budget).
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda – Gorilla Guardians village tour
Wake up early and prepare since briefing for gorilla trekking starts before 8:00 am at the park headquarters in Kinigi. All visitors assigned to track mountain gorillas must arrive on time for the briefing led by a park guide. You can choose from 10 habituated gorilla groups, and you will be assigned to one based on your fitness level. The tracking may take 2 to 6 hours, depending on the group. However, the trekking experience may be a little challenging, due to the steep terrain, especially for people not in good physical shape or mentally prepared. However, the time spent with these endangered mountain gorillas is worth it. It is very important to pay attention and follow the instructions from your ranger guide, keep calm, and avoid sudden movements while observing the gorillas, especially the playful young ones.
Accommodation: 5 Volcanoes Lodge (Luxury), Davinci Lodge (Mid-range) and Hotel Muhabura (Budget).
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Transfer back to Kigali – Departure
Wake at leisure, have breakfast and after load your luggage in your safari vehicle and head back to Kigali. The journey from the Volcanoes National Park to Kigali takes about 3 hours. If for some reason you missed the Kigali city tour on your first day, if time allows, you may probably have it on this final day to mark the end of your 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Nyiragongo Volcano Adventure.
End of Tour
5 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Nyiragongo Volcano Adventure includes & Excludes
Inclusions:
- All Aiport transfers, including pick-ups and drop-offs
- All ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- 1 Gorilla trekking permit per person
- A private English-speaking guide
- Mount Nyiragongo Hiking fee and camp fees
- Porters
- Park entrance fees
- Ranger fees
- Accommodation as per the Itinerary
- All meals as per the Itinerary
- All activities included in the Itinerary
- Bottled drinking water
- Hiking sticks
Exclusions:
- Optional activities
- Life insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Tips
- Other drinks apart from water
- Other expenses of a personal nature, such as Email services, airtime, and laundry.
- Hiking gears such as shoes, a raincoat, long-sleeved attire, insect repellent, sunglasses, a cap, etc.