Fly-In Safari to Virunga National Park

Fly-In Safari to Virunga National Park

For travelers who want to experience Congo’s wild beauty without long drives, a Fly-In Safari to Virunga National Park offers the ideal mix of comfort and adventure. It is the easiest way to explore Africa’s oldest and most diverse park, where volcanoes, forests, and gorillas form an unforgettable landscape.

Flying into Virunga adds both ease and perspective. From above, the forest stretches endlessly, rivers shine like silver threads, and volcanic peaks rise through the clouds — the perfect start to a journey into Congo’s wild heart.

The Beauty of Virunga from the Sky

Virunga National Park, located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, lies along the Albertine Rift Valley, a region of immense natural beauty. A flight over this region reveals a world of contrasts — from the blue expanse of Lake Kivu to the dramatic cone of Mount Nyiragongo and the dark green forests that shelter the last remaining mountain gorillas.

Flying in not only saves time but enhances the sense of adventure, allowing you to transition quickly from city life to pristine wilderness. Within a few hours, you can leave the hustle of Kigali or Kinshasa and arrive at one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural sanctuaries.

Access Routes to Virunga National Park

From Kigali, Rwanda (Most Popular Route)

Most international visitors arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. From there, you can take a short charter flight or helicopter transfer directly to Goma, the gateway to Virunga National Park.

The aerial journey offers breathtaking views of Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Lake Kivu, and the Virunga volcano chain before descending into Congo.

Upon landing at Goma International Airport, a GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS representative assists with immigration and park permits, followed by a private road transfer to Mikeno Lodge or Bukima Camp inside Virunga.

From Kinshasa or Entebbe

Travelers from Kinshasa (the capital) or Entebbe, Uganda, can also take internal flights to Goma or Bukavu, depending on itinerary and park access points. Charter flights offer flexibility for tailor-made itineraries and photography groups.

Activities on a Fly-In Virunga Safari

Once in the park, travelers can choose from an impressive range of adventure and wildlife experiences.

1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking

A Virunga fly-in safari is incomplete without the park’s signature experience — Mountain Gorilla Trekking. Departing from Bukima Patrol Post, visitors hike through lush bamboo forests to meet one of the park’s habituated gorilla families. Spending an hour in their company offers some of the most intimate wildlife photography moments in Africa.

2. Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

For thrill-seekers, Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, offers an unforgettable climb. The view of its glowing lava lake at night is among the planet’s most dramatic natural spectacles. A fly-in safari allows you to fit both gorilla trekking and volcano hiking into a single, seamless itinerary.

3. Chimpanzee Tracking in the Mikeno Sector

Early mornings at Rumangabo Headquarters provide a chance to join researchers in tracking chimpanzees through dense forest — a rare opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.

4. Tchegera Island Extension

After days of trekking and hiking, unwind on Tchegera Island, a crescent-shaped volcanic island on Lake Kivu. Fly-in safaris often include this serene extension — the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Suggested 4-Day Fly-In Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Kigali to Goma – Transfer to Virunga National Park. Overnight at Mikeno Lodge.
2 day: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bukima Sector – Return to lodge.
3 day : Nyiragongo Volcano Hike – Overnight in summit cabins.
Day 4: Descend and transfer to Goma for your return flight or Tchegera Island extension.

This itinerary can be extended to include additional gorilla treks, chimpanzee tracking, or community visits within Virunga.

Benefits of a Fly-In Safari

1. Time Efficiency – Cut long road transfers and maximize your adventure time.
2. Comfort and Convenience – Avoid rough terrain and border delays.
3. Exclusive Access – Enjoy private airstrips and personalized logistics for seamless travel.
4. Scenic Aerial Views – Experience Congo’s landscapes from a rare perspective.
5. Safety and Reliability – Modern aircraft and coordinated park transfers ensure a smooth journey

Best Time to Visit

The best time for a Fly-In Safari to Virunga is during the dry seasons — June to September and December to February. These months provide ideal conditions for gorilla trekking and volcano hiking, with clear skies for scenic flights and photography.

During the wet seasons (March–May and October–November), the rainforest is lush and atmospheric, perfect for dramatic landscape and wildlife shots.

Conservation Impact

Every fly-in safari contributes directly to Virunga’s conservation efforts. Park entrance fees and trekking permits fund ranger patrols, wildlife protection, and community projects that provide sustainable livelihoods for locals.

By flying in and staying within the park’s lodges, you actively support eco-tourism and wildlife preservation in one of the world’s most threatened yet vital ecosystems.

Travel Tips for a Fly-In Safari

• Carry all permits and travel documents in advance (GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS can secure them).
• Pack lightweight gear — most charters have a strict baggage limit of 15 kg.
• Bring binoculars, camera equipment, and comfortable hiking boots.
• Ensure travel insurance covers adventure activities like trekking and hiking.
• Check visa and vaccination requirements before departure.

Why Choose a Fly-In Safari to Virunga

A fly-in safari is the most efficient, scenic, and luxurious way to experience the DRC’s natural treasures. It eliminates long, bumpy drives and offers travelers more time to focus on what truly matters — connecting with nature, photographing rare wildlife, and witnessing one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Africa.

It’s perfect for travelers short on time but rich in curiosity, ideal for photographers, couples, and explorers seeking a unique and exclusive African experience.

Plan Your Fly-In Safari with GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS

At GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS, we organize safe, seamless, and fully guided Fly-In Safaris to Virunga National Park. Our expert team coordinates your flights, permits, accommodation, and transfers, ensuring every moment runs smoothly from takeoff to touchdown.

Inquire and book your Fly-In Gorilla Safari today with GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS, and experience Congo’s most breathtaking wilderness — from the air to the forest floor.