5-Day Virunga and Nyiragongo Adventure
For those who dream of standing face-to-face with mountain gorillas and gazing into the fiery heart of an active volcano, the 5-Day Virunga and Nyiragongo Adventure is your ultimate Congo safari. This journey combines two of Africa’s most thrilling experiences — gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park and the Nyiragongo Volcano hike, home to the world’s largest lava lake.
Set in the dramatic landscapes of eastern Congo, this adventure offers a rare balance of adrenaline, discovery, and natural beauty — all under the guidance of professional rangers and conservation experts.
Safari Overview
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Destinations: Virunga National Park, Mount Nyiragongo, Goma
Activities: Gorilla trekking, volcano hiking, nature exploration
Start/End: Kigali (Rwanda) – Goma (DRC) – Kigali
Best For: Adventure seekers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts
Safari Highlights
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking in the ancient forests of Virunga National Park
- Nyiragongo Volcano Hike to witness the glowing lava lake
- Guided ranger experiences for safety and conservation learning
- Scenic Lake Kivu views and cross-border journey from Rwanda to Congo
- Optional relaxation at Tchegera Island after the adventure
Detailed 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Goma, DRC
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS representative welcomes you. Enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills” toward the Gisenyi–Goma border crossing at the Grande Barrière Post.
Complete immigration formalities with assistance from your guide and enter the Democratic Republic of Congo. Continue to Mikeno Lodge inside Virunga National Park, located within lush rainforest near Rumangabo.
Dinner and overnight stay at Mikeno Lodge.
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Wake up early for a hearty breakfast before heading to Bukima Patrol Post for a safety briefing from Virunga rangers. Your mountain gorilla trek takes you through thick forests, guided by expert trackers to a habituated gorilla family. Once found, you spend one hour watching and photographing them — a moment both intimate and unforgettable.
Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Spend the evening enjoying the sounds of the forest.
Overnight at Mikeno Lodge or Bukima Tented Camp.
Day 3: Nyiragongo Volcano Hike – The Climb Begins
After breakfast, drive to Kibati Ranger Post, the starting point for your Mount Nyiragongo ascent. Following a ranger briefing, begin the 4–6-hour hike through diverse terrain — from forested slopes alive with birds and colobus monkeys to rugged volcanic rock near the summit.
Upon reaching the rim, gaze down into the massive lava lake, its glowing magma swirling and bubbling beneath you. As night falls, the sky turns crimson, and the glow from the crater illuminates the clouds — an awe-inspiring spectacle found nowhere else on Earth.
Spend the night in summit cabins, warmed by the volcano’s fiery heart.
Day 4: Descent and Transfer to Goma – Optional Tchegera Island Stay
After a sunrise breakfast at the summit, take your final photos of the volcano before descending back to Kibati Ranger Post. The descent takes about 3–4 hours.
Upon arrival, transfer to Goma for relaxation or continue by boat to Tchegera Island, a crescent-shaped volcanic island on Lake Kivu, perfect for unwinding after your trek.
Overnight at Tchegera Island Camp or Goma Serena Hotel.
Day 5: Return to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, cross back into Rwanda via the Grande Barrière border and drive to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a short Kigali city tour, visiting local craft markets or the Kigali Genocide Memorial, before your airport drop-off.
End of the 5-Day Virunga and Nyiragongo Adventure.
Best Time to Visit Virunga and Nyiragongo
The best time for this adventure is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. Trails are more manageable, visibility is clear, and hiking conditions are excellent.
The wet seasons (March–May and October–November) bring lush green landscapes and dramatic skies for photographers, though trekking can be slippery.
Health and Safety Tips
- Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into the DRC.
- Carry malaria prophylaxis and insect repellent.
- Use porters for Nyiragongo to ease your climb and support the local community.
- Always follow ranger and guide instructions during treks.
- Book with a licensed operator like GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS for reliable logistics and safety coordination.
Accommodation Options
- Mikeno Lodge – Luxury forest lodge inside Virunga National Park
- Bukima Tented Camp – Mid-range option near the gorilla trekking base
- Nyiragongo Summit Huts – Basic accommodation at the volcano rim
- Tchegera Island Camp – Lakefront eco-camp for post-trek relaxation
Why Choose the 5-Day Virunga and Nyiragongo Adventure
This tour captures Congo’s most iconic experiences in just five days — perfect for travelers short on time but hungry for adventure. It blends wildlife, hiking, and scenic beauty in a compact, unforgettable journey that connects you deeply with nature’s most primal forces.
Every step — from the quiet moments among gorillas to the thunderous power of Nyiragongo’s lava lake — reminds you why Virunga is one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring destinations.
Plan Your Adventure with GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS
At GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS, we craft seamless and safe Virunga and Nyiragongo adventures that combine comfort, conservation, and exploration. From securing your permits to managing border formalities and lodge bookings, we handle every detail professionally.
Inquire and book your 5-Day Virunga and Nyiragongo Adventure today with GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS, and experience the power and beauty of Congo’s wild heart — where fire meets forest.