Tour Overview
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
|---|---|
| Destination | DR Congo — Virunga National Park, Nyiragongo Volcano |
| Price From | $3,495 per person (twin share, minimum 2 pax) |
| Tour Style | Expedition — Mountain Gorillas + Active Volcano |
| Best Season | June — September, December — February |
| Data Source | Congo Gorilla Safaris / Bwindi Uganda Gorilla Safaris — 2026 |
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Arrive Goma — Gateway to Virunga
Arrive at Goma International Airport on the shores of Lake Kivu. Transfer to your hotel with stunning views across the lake. Afternoon: orientation briefing about Virunga National Park security and gorilla trekking protocols (Virunga is Africa’s oldest national park, established 1925). Visit the Goma Volcano Observatory for an introduction to Nyiragongo’s geology. Evening: dinner at a lakeside restaurant. Overnight in Goma.
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking — Virunga National Park
Dawn departure to Virunga National Park headquarters at Bukima. After registration and briefing by park rangers (Virunga’s rangers are heroes — over 200 have been killed protecting the park’s wildlife), begin your gorilla trek. Hike through dense montane forest, following tracker reports. The trek can last 2-6 hours depending on gorilla movements. The moment you encounter a mountain gorilla family is indescribable — a silverback male can weigh 200kg, yet his gaze is calm and curious, not threatening. You’ll spend exactly one precious hour observing these magnificent creatures — watch juveniles play, mothers groom infants, and the silverback maintain order. After trekking, visit the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, the world’s only facility caring for orphaned mountain gorillas. Overnight in Mikeno Lodge inside the park.
Day 3: Nyiragongo Volcano — Hike to the World’s Largest Lava Lake
Morning transfer to Kibati ranger post (1,870m) at the base of Nyiragongo. Begin the 6-8 hour ascent to the summit at 3,470m — a demanding but non-technical hike through five distinct vegetation zones: lower forest, old lava flow, upper montane forest, tree heather zone, and finally the barren volcanic alpine zone. Porters available (recommended). Arrive at the crater rim by late afternoon. The view stops your breath: below you, the world’s largest permanent lava lake churns and boils — a glowing, primordial cauldron of molten rock. As darkness falls, the show intensifies — the crater glows red against the night sky, and the lava lake’s surface cracks and reforms in an endless hypnotic dance. Overnight in basic summit shelters (sleeping bags provided).
Day 4: Sunrise at the Crater — Descend to Goma
Dawn at 3,470m is unforgettable — watch the sunrise illuminate the lava lake, steam rising from the crater, and the Virunga volcanoes stretch across the horizon. After breakfast, begin the 4-5 hour descent. Return to Goma by early afternoon. Rest and recover at your hotel. Optional afternoon: visit Tchegera Island on Lake Kivu for swimming and relaxation — a volcanic island with stunning views. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Goma.
Day 5: Depart Goma
Morning at leisure. Visit the Goma artisan market. Transfer to airport.
Inclusions
- 4 nights (hotel + Mikeno Lodge + summit shelter)
- All meals throughout
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit ($400 value)
- Nyiragongo volcano hiking permit ($300 value)
- Armed ranger escorts in Virunga National Park
- Porters for Nyiragongo hike
- Sleeping bags & summit gear
- Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage visit
- All transfers in 4×4
- English-speaking guide
Important Notes
- Gorilla trekking minimum age: 15 years
- Nyiragongo hike requires good fitness — 6-8 hours uphill at altitude
- Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is mandatory
- Security situation in eastern DRC can change — trips may be rescheduled
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
