4 days Itinerary- Gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo Hike- DR Congo
Having a 4 days gorilla safari and hiking the Nyiragongo Mountain is something one cannot miss out on while on an African safari, it gives you a unique an unforgettable experience. The safari will give you an opportunity to encounter these giants that are just like humans and also explore the active Nyiragongo Mountain which is the world’s largest lava lake, this is an adventurous experience. This safari will start and end in Kigali Rwanda’s capital.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport-Rwanda
When you arrive at the airport, you will be picked up by your guide who will take you to Mikeno lodge in DR Congo, which is a 3-4 hour drive that is if there are no stopovers, while on the way you will have beautiful views like the hills, forests, and local people among others. Arrive at the park, check-in at the lodge, have dinner and spend the night at the lodge.
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge (Luxury/Up market), Bukima Tented Camp (Mid-Range) Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelters (Budget travelers)
Meal plan: Full board
Day 2: Gorilla trekking- Virunga National Park.
Have an early morning breakfast, and leave the lodge with packed lunch, as you head to the Bukima park station in the Park, this is where all trekkers here trekkers gather to be briefed about the trekking, this is done at 7:00am, briefing involves telling you how you need to behave while with the gorillas. When briefing is done approach the gorilla trekking starting point.
How long you will take trekking is based on the weather conditions and the location of gorillas since they always move from one place to the other, when you meet the gorillas you are expected to wear surgical masks and you will be with them for one hour before you head back to Bukima, take as many photos as you want. Being in the presence of these giants is a memorable experience.
Return back to the starting point and your driver will drive you back to the lodge. Have dinner and an overnight.
Accommodation: Nyiragongo Volcano summit shelters (Budget travelers), Bukima tented camp (Mid range/standard), Mikeno lodge (Up market/Luxury).
Meal plan: Full Board
Day 3: Hiking the Nyiragongo Mountain
Have a morning breakfast, leave the lodge with packed lunch and your driver will drive you to Nyiragongo Volcano at Kibat Patrol post which is around 30kms from Mikeno lodge. When you arrive the park rangers will take you as you start hiking, this volcano is the world’s most active lava lake and hiking to the top takes you around 4 to 6 hours. The trail to the top of the Volcano is fairly trouble-free though a bit tiring, more often in tough, uncomfortable and hot seasons.
Along the path, there are chances of enjoying great views of the landscape and also seeing some mammals and uncommon bird species. While at the top of the mountain, you will have a great time of enjoying the lake of hot lava, take enough photographs and relax. Spend the night in tents at the top of the volcano.
Day 4: Transfer to Kigali
Have an early morning breakfast; set off from the top of the volcano by 7am. Head to the starting point, transfer to the lodge for lunch and rest. Later check out and head to Kigali in Rwanda. Arrive in Kigali, and you driver guide will still take you to your hotel in Kigali or take you to Kigali International airport for your flight back home.
