8 Days Gorillas and Nyiragongo Safari: An Unforgettable Adventure in Central Africa

This 8-day Gorillas and Nyiragongo Safari offers an extraordinary adventure that combines the thrill of gorilla trekking with the excitement of hiking up an active volcano. You’ll explore the dense rainforests of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, and conquer the summit of Mount Nyiragongo, famous for its lava lake. This unique journey provides an unforgettable blend of wildlife encounters and volcanic landscapes, perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Goma

Your adventure begins with your arrival in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. After a warm welcome by your guide, you’ll take a scenic drive to Goma, located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The journey offers breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and lush landscapes.

Upon arrival at the border, you’ll complete the necessary immigration formalities and then continue to Goma, where you’ll be transferred to your accommodation. Goma is the gateway to Virunga National Park, and you’ll spend your first evening here, preparing for the exciting days ahead.

Day 2: Transfer to Virunga National Park and Gorilla Trekking

On the second day, you’ll travel to Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Virunga is renowned for its biodiversity and is one of the few places in the world where you can see mountain gorillas in the wild.

After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to the park’s headquarters, where you’ll meet your ranger guides and receive a briefing on the day’s activities. You’ll then embark on a thrilling gorilla trek, hiking through the dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can be challenging, but the reward of encountering these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is unparalleled. You’ll spend up to an hour observing the gorillas as they interact, play, and go about their daily lives.

After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and some well-deserved rest. The rest of the day is free to relax and soak in the serene surroundings of Virunga.

Day 3: Second Gorilla Trekking Experience

On the third day, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a second gorilla trek in Virunga National Park. This gives you another chance to witness the behavior and social dynamics of a different gorilla family, providing a deeper understanding of these incredible primates.

Each gorilla trek is unique, and the experience of tracking and encountering the gorillas is just as thrilling the second time. After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you can explore the surrounding areas or simply relax at the lodge, taking in the beauty of the park.

Day 4: Explore Virunga National Park and Prepare for Nyiragongo Hike

Day four offers a more leisurely pace, allowing you to explore more of Virunga National Park’s stunning landscapes. You might choose to visit the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, the only facility of its kind in the world, where you can learn about the conservation efforts to protect mountain gorillas.

In the afternoon, you’ll meet your guides for a briefing on the upcoming Nyiragongo hike. You’ll learn about the logistics of the trek, what to expect, and how to prepare for the climb. This is also a good time to make sure you have all the necessary gear for the hike, including warm clothing for the summit.

Day 5: Hike to the Summit of Mount Nyiragongo

The fifth day is the start of your two-day hike up Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to the base of the volcano, where your adventure begins. The hike to the summit takes about 4-6 hours, with the trail winding through lush rainforest, volcanic rock formations, and eventually reaching the barren summit crater.

As you ascend, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the surrounding landscape, with Lake Kivu visible in the distance. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with the awe-inspiring sight of Nyiragongo’s lava lake, one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on Earth. The intense glow of the lava against the night sky creates an unforgettable experience.

You’ll spend the night at the summit in basic mountain shelters, where you can watch the lava lake throughout the evening and marvel at the raw power of nature.

Day 6: Descend from Nyiragongo and Return to Goma

After a night at the summit, you’ll wake up early to begin your descent from Mount Nyiragongo. The hike down is faster than the ascent, and you’ll have more opportunities to appreciate the unique volcanic landscape.

Upon reaching the base, you’ll be transferred back to Goma, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible adventure you’ve just experienced. The rest of the day is free to explore Goma or unwind at your accommodation.

Day 7: Relaxation Day in Goma or Optional Activities

Day seven is a relaxation day in Goma, giving you time to rest after the challenging Nyiragongo hike. If you’re feeling up for it, you can explore more of the city, visit local markets, or take a boat trip on Lake Kivu. This day is also an opportunity to engage in optional activities, such as visiting local cultural sites or enjoying a leisurely day at the lakeshore.

Day 8: Return to Kigali and Departure

On the final day of your safari, you’ll travel back to Kigali. The scenic drive offers one last chance to take in the beautiful landscapes of Rwanda and the Congo. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Kigali, visit local craft markets, or enjoy a meal at one of the city’s restaurants before heading to the airport for your departure.

Conclusion

This 8-day Gorillas and Nyiragongo Safari offers an adventure of a lifetime, combining the thrill of gorilla trekking with the unique experience of hiking an active volcano. From the rich biodiversity of Virunga National Park to the dramatic views from the summit of Mount Nyiragongo, this safari provides a perfect blend of wildlife encounters, natural beauty, and adventure. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, this safari promises to leave you with unforgettable memories of Central Africa’s stunning landscapes.