Virunga National Park Expedition – 5 Days
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
|---|---|
| Country | Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Price From | $2,950 USD per person |
| Tour Style | Wildlife Safari, Gorilla & Chimpanzee, Private |
| Data Source | Virunga National Park operators 2026 — Africa’s oldest national park (UNESCO) |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Goma — Welcome to Virunga
Arrive at Goma International Airport. Transfer to Mikeno Lodge, nestled within Virunga National Park itself, set in a forest clearing with views of the volcano chain. Afternoon nature walk around the lodge grounds to spot colobus monkeys, turacos, and forest birds. Evening welcome dinner at the lodge’s restaurant, built from local volcanic stone, with great views of the surrounding forest. Briefing for the days ahead.
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking — Bukima Sector
The day you’ve been waiting for. Early morning transfer to Bukima patrol post for the gorilla trekking briefing. Enter the misty Virunga forest with experienced trackers and armed rangers. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours through dense vegetation, but every step is worth it. The one hour spent with a habituated mountain gorilla family is transformative — observing their complex social behaviors, the sheer presence of a 200kg silverback, and the playful antics of youngsters. Return to Mikeno Lodge to decompress and share stories of your encounter over drinks by the fireplace.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Habituation & Tongo Forest
Early morning departure to Tongo Forest, a unique chimpanzee habituation site on the slopes of Nyamulagira volcano. Unlike brief chimp treks elsewhere, this full-day experience allows you to observe chimpanzees as they go about their daily lives — feeding, grooming, displaying, and communicating. The habituation process means the chimps are accustomed to human presence but retain their wild behaviors. Your ranger-guide explains chimp society, tool use, and the ongoing conservation efforts. Return to Mikeno Lodge in the late afternoon.
Day 4: Nyiragongo Volcano — The Fire Mountain
Morning transfer to Kibati trailhead for the Nyiragongo ascent. The 5-6 hour hike is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Arrive at the summit shelters in the afternoon and prepare for the evening show: the world’s largest lava lake glowing in the crater below. As night falls, the spectacle intensifies. Photograph the ever-changing patterns of molten rock — a sight seen by fewer people than have summited Everest. Sleep in the basic but adequate summit shelters.
Day 5: Summit Sunrise, Descent & Departure
Dawn at 3,470m — watch the sun rise over the Virunga massif with the lava lake still glowing in the crater below. After breakfast, begin the 3-4 hour descent. Return to Goma for lunch and a final perspective on this extraordinary region. Transfer to Goma Airport for departure. Take home the complete Virunga experience: mountain gorillas, wild chimpanzees, and the world’s most spectacular lava lake — all within Africa’s most biodiverse national park.
What’s Included
• 4 nights accommodation (3 nights Mikeno Lodge + 1 night summit cabin)
• All meals
• Expert English-speaking guide throughout
• Mountain gorilla trekking permit ($400)
• Chimpanzee habituation experience ($100)
• Nyiragongo volcano permit ($300)
• Virunga National Park fees
• Armed ranger escorts
• All transfers within the park
• Porters for Nyiragongo hike
• Airport transfers
What’s Excluded
• International flights
• DR Congo visa
• Travel insurance (required)
• Tips for guides, rangers & porters
• Premium drinks at lodge
• Personal trekking gear
