Virunga National Park is the only National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo that is inhabited by mountain gorillas. This sets the National Park apart and has over the years been a favorite spot for travelers looking to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The gorillas in this National Park inhabit the bamboo and thick rainforests on the lower slopes of the Virunga extinct volcanoes.
It is in these thick rainforests that the tracking activity takes place and visitors get to have unforgettable adventures therein. This safari will ensure that visitor gets to experience all these and there will be the addition of a hike up to the top of Mount Nyiragongo. This will help the visitor take in the breathtaking views of other mountains and view Virunga National Park from above. Such views are really worth the effort.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Pick up from Kigali and travel to Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Pick up from the hotel in Kigali by a professional tourist guide. Interact with the guide as you embark on the journey to Virunga National Park which is approximately two hours and 38 drive. Marvel at the beauty of Virunga National Park on arrival and later you will be served lunch at the restaurant of the lodge.
Check-in at the lodge and the go recline in your respective units as you view the beauty of Virunga National Park. Enjoy the ambiance of the lodge and the amenities the entire evening. Dinner will be served later at sunset and you will stay for a comfortable overnight.
Day 2: Gorilla tracking in Virunga National Park.
Kickstart the day with a mouthwatering breakfast at the lodge very early in the morning. After breakfast, join the guides and game Rangers of the park in a short briefing about gorilla tracking activity in this National Park. After the briefing enter the jungle for the exciting mountain gorilla tracking activity. The activity will allow you to spend time with the gentle giants in the forests and take photographs and videos that will remind you of this wonderful adventure.
The activity will go on for about 6 hours and after you will head back to the lodge where you will be served the flavor of some lunch. Relax at the lodge and enjoy the amenities such as the swimming pool and also participate in team building activities and games the entire evening. Dinner will be served later at dusk and you will stay for an overnight.
Day 3: Begin Mount. Nyiragongo hike, Stay at the mountain huts.
Have a mouth-watering breakfast in the early morning hours after lodge. Head to Mount Nyiragongo for the sensational hike. Start the 6.5-kilometer hike to the top of the mountain. a packed lunch will be served on the way in the afternoon hours. Continue with the hike up to the top of the mountain which will provide spectacular views of the surrounding areas.
Enjoy the photography and videography moments at the top, sightseeing of the nearby Virunga mountains and the forests. Visitors will see the wildlife species in the park and the sights of far areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Enjoy the moments at the top the entire evening. At sunset head to the mountain huts where you’ll rest, be served a mouth-watering dinner, and stay for an overnight.
Day 4: Descend back to the bottom of Nyiragongo mountain.
Have an early morning meal at the mountain huts. After the meal, embark on the descending journey to the base of the mountain. The journey will take you through the various vegetation types at the mountain and also provide views of the nearby Mikeno and Nyamuragira volcanoes.
A mouthwatering packed lunch will be served on the way. After lunch, continue with the descending journey. When you reach the base of the mountain, head back to the lodge for relaxation in the evening. Enjoy the amenities of the lodge as you admire the views of the National Park from the lodges’ balconies. Dinner will be served later at dusk and you will stay for an overnight.
Day 5: Drive back to Kigali
Have a delicious breakfast at the lodge and after breakfast, check out and embark on the transfer back to Kigali which is approximately two hours and 40 minutes journey.
