4 Day Nyiragongo Volcano Hike & Gorilla Trek in Dr Congo
4 Days – 3 Nights
4 Day Nyiragongo Volcano Hike & Gorilla Trek in Dr Congo
Overview
This 4 Day Nyiragongo Volcano Hike & Gorilla Trek in Dr Congo is a thrilling combination of mountain gorilla trekking and a Nyiragongo Volcano hike—an unforgettable journey into the heart of Virunga National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse protected areas. From encountering endangered mountain gorillas up close to camping at the fiery crater of Mount Nyiragongo, this tour is perfect for adventurers and nature lovers looking for something truly extraordinary.
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4 Days/ 3 Nights
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Dr. Congo
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Guided, Private Safari
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Airport TransfersCar hireServices of an English-speaking guideRefreshments like waterAll accommodation & MealsAll activitiesAll Taxes /VATA professional driver /guideFuelGorilla permitDrinking water
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Tips and gratuitiesAll items of personal natureInternational flightsAlcoholic drinks
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Bukima – Virunga National Park
Your tour begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. After a short briefing by your guide, you’ll embark on a scenic 4-hour drive through the rolling hills of Rwanda toward the Rwanda–Congo border at Goma.
After clearing border formalities, you’ll proceed to Bukima, the gateway to gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of Lake Kivu and the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley.
Once you arrive at Bukima, check into your lodge and unwind with dinner as you prepare for your incredible gorilla encounter the next day.
Main Destination: Virunga National Park, DR Congo
Accommodation Options:
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Luxury: Mikeno Lodge
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Comfort: Bukima Tented Camp
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Bottled Drinking Water
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park – Transfer to Goma
After an early breakfast, your guide will take you to the Virunga National Park Headquarters for a safety briefing and group allocation. The gorilla trek begins as you hike into the dense forest in search of a habituated family of mountain gorillas.
Depending on the location of the gorillas, the trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 hours, but once you find them, you’ll have a magical one-hour encounter. Watch these gentle giants as they eat, groom, and play—a moment that many travelers describe as life-changing.
After the trek, you’ll return to the headquarters and then transfer to Goma for an overnight stay.
Main Destination: Goma, DR Congo
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 is all about adventure! After breakfast in Goma, you’ll take a short drive to Kibati, the starting point for your hike up Mount Nyiragongo—one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.
After a briefing with Virunga Park rangers, you’ll begin the 5–6 hour ascent, trekking through lush rainforest, volcanic ridges, and rugged lava fields. Upon reaching the summit (3,470 meters / 11,380 feet), you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and the unforgettable sight of the glowing lava lake bubbling in the crater below.
You’ll spend the night in simple summit shelters, enjoying a hot meal and taking in the otherworldly experience of camping on top of an active volcano.
Main Destination: Nyiragongo Volcano Summit
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 up early and enjoy the sunrise over the Virunga Mountains before starting your descent back to Kibati, which typically takes about 3 to 4 hours. At the base, you’ll reunite with your driver and return to Goma.
If time allows, you may take a short Goma city tour, with optional visits to lava fields from past eruptions, local markets, or the Goma caves. Then begin your drive back to Kigali, Rwanda, stopping along the way at the Congo-Rwanda border for some scenic photo opportunities and local souvenir shopping.
You’ll arrive in Kigali in the late afternoon or evening, where you can be dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport if you’re flying out that night.
Main Destination: Kigali, Rwanda
Accommodation: Not Included (can be arranged upon request)
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Drinks: Bottled Drinking Water
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Suggested Congo Safari Ideas
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what’s possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.
