- 7 Days
- Mar-Jul
- Availability: 35
- Minimum Group: 5
Meet the Unique Wildlife of Virunga National Park
Descriptions
Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife including gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, and hundreds of bird species. The park is also home to the Virunga Mountains, a range of volcanoes that are home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
A tour of the park will take you on a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in Africa, including lush rainforests, savannah grasslands, and alpine meadows. Visitors can participate in a variety of activities such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, and hiking to see the spectacular views from the volcano peaks. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the local culture and the conservation efforts being made to protect the park’s unique wildlife and habitats.
Included
- Meet & greet and all transfers
- Land transportation in 4WD all inclusive
- Domestic flight Mbandaka – Kinshasa
- All entries and visits as mentioned in the program
- All entries and visits as per detailed program
- Meals on in the Ituri Forest and all through the way on the Congo River
- An English speaking guide
Excluded
- International flight, visa and airport taxes, travel insurance
- Laundry
- Tips and gratuities
- All needs of personal nature not mentioned in the program
- Unforeseen circumstances/force majeure
- Others meals
From
€ 3,750
/ pp
*Indicative price
Send us an enquiry
Popular Spots
- Discover the History and Culture of Kigali
- Explore the Volcanic Town of Goma
- Embark on a Gorilla Safari in Mikeno
- Climb to the Top of Mount Nyiragongo
- Take a Scenic Hike Along the Congo-Nile Trails
- Visit the Stunning Views of Lake Kivu
- Experience the Charm of Rural Rwanda
Memorable Moments.
Gorilla trekking in the Virunga Mountains
One of the most memorable moments of a Virunga National Park tour is the opportunity to track and observe the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The trek is a physically demanding hike through the lush rainforest, but the experience of seeing these magnificent animals up close and personal is truly unforgettable. Guides will provide detailed information on the gorillas and their behavior, making the experience all the more educational and enriching.
Hiking to the top of Nyiragongo volcano
Another highlight of a Virunga National Park tour is the opportunity to hike to the summit of Nyiragongo volcano, which is an active volcano with a crater lake of lava. The hike is challenging, but the views from the top of the volcano are breathtaking. The summit is over 3,500 meters above sea level, and you can see the entire Virunga National Park from the top. The hike is guided, and you can also have a chance to see wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. It’s an experience that you’ll never forget.
Trip Schedule.
Arrival in Kigali – Serena Kigali Hotel
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, if time permits, we will take a tour of the city, visiting the Genocide Memorial and other notable sites.
Kigali to Goma – Lac Kivu Lodge
After breakfast, we will depart Kigali and begin our five-hour drive to Goma, a small volcanic town located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Along the way, we will make a stop in Gisenyi on the Rwandan border. In Goma, we will spend the night and take a tour of the city, visiting the art gallery, market, and other points of interest. Despite being affected by the 2002 eruption of Mount Nyiragongo and the M23 turmoil, Goma remains a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the Virunga National Park and other natural attractions such as Kivu and Green Lakes.
Goma to Mikeno – Mikeno Lodge
Early in the morning, we will depart for the Mikeno area for our Gorilla Safari. The Virunga National Park is one of the most remote and famous parks in sub-Saharan Africa, home to the largest remaining population of Mountain Gorillas in Africa.
Mikeno – Nyiragongo Climb – Cabana Nyiragongo
This morning we depart from Mikeno and make our way to the Kibati patrol post located in the Rumangabo region, which is reachable after a one hour drive. After checking in, we begin our ascent through lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, with opportunities to spot various species such as bushbuck, chimpanzees, and monkeys. Climbing this volcano is an experience in itself! The surrounding area also boasts a collection of stunning crater lakes, one of which is 2000 meters long. The summit hike can take 8 hours, and we spend the night in basic cabins on the top of the mountain. While these cabins do not offer luxury, they are comfortable enough to accommodate a sleeping bag or mat for a peaceful and chilly night. From the summit, we have a panoramic view of the wildlife and lakes as far as the eye can see.
Nyiragongo – Gisenyi – Paradis Malahide
In the late morning, we descend the volcano and make our way back to civilization. The descent can take around three hours. Once we reach the base, we board our vehicle and head to Gisenyi where we spend the night at Paradis Malahide.
Gisenyi – Kigali Serena Kigali
This morning before departing from Gisenyi, we embark on a picturesque hike along the Congo-Nile trails, providing breathtaking views of the rolling hills and Lake Kivu, as well as the opportunity to interact with local Rwandans as they go about their daily farming activities. We may also have the chance to visit a coffee plantation before making our way to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon.
Kigali City Tour – Return Flight
Today, we spend the morning exploring Kigali, visiting the market and other sights. A few hours before our scheduled flight, we will leave the hotel for the airport to check-in for our return flight home. The tour ends here.
