6-Day Tour: Lowland Gorilla Trekking and Nyiragongo Hike in D.R. Congo – Embark on a complete gorilla and mountaineering adventure with a visit to Kahuzi-Biega National Park for lowland gorilla tracking, followed by a hike up Mount Nyiragongo in Virunga National Park.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a protected tropical forest located west of Bukavu, in the Southern Kivu province of D.R. Congo. It is dominated by two extinct volcanoes, Kahuzi (3308m) and Biega (2790m). Established in 1970, Kahuzi-Biega National Park was primarily created to provide sanctuary for Grauer’s gorillas. Covering an area of 6000 sq.km, it offers a memorable lowland gorilla trekking experience.
The Nyiragongo hike takes place on Mount Nyiragongo in Virunga National Park, also renowned for its mountain gorillas. Mount Nyiragongo is one of the eight volcanoes that form Africa’s Virunga Massifs. Rising to an altitude of 3470m, Nyiragongo is an active volcano.
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali – Bukavu
Receive a warm welcome to the “land of a thousand hills.” Transfer to Bukavu, a journey that typically takes up to 7 hours, including a lunch break en route. Check in at your pre-booked lodge or hotel upon arrival.
Day 2: Kahuzi-Biega NP Lowland Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge, then transfer to the briefing point for lowland gorilla trekking. Learn about the trekking rules before embarking on a 2-6 hour trek, which includes a magical encounter with and photography of the lowland gorillas. Experience an unforgettable close encounter with these unique apes in their natural habitat. Return to your accommodation for a relaxed evening.
Day 3: Travel to Virunga Park
Depart for Virunga National Park, a mountain gorilla safari park in D.R. Congo, crossing from Bukavu to Goma. From Bukavu port, sail on Lake Kivu and catch a speedboat to Goma. Transfer by 4×4 vehicle to the clearing point at Virunga National Park, where you will stay near Mount Nyiragongo.
Day 4: Nyiragongo Hike – Virunga N/Park
Begin your hike to the summit of Nyiragongo volcano early in the morning. Receive a briefing at Kibati ranger post and be assigned a guide for the 5 to 6-hour trek to the glowing summit of Mount Nyiragongo (3470m). This volcano, one of the world’s most active, last erupted on 22nd May 2021. Enjoy breathtaking views of the glowing lava lake at the summit.
Day 5: Descend to Kibati Ranger Post
After breakfast, begin the descent back to Kibati ranger post. The moderate walk takes approximately 3-4 hours. Meet your driver guide for transfer back to Rwanda. Arrive in Kigali early and take a short city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi.
Day 6: Depart from Kigali
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and check out of your luxurious accommodation in Kigali. Do some last-minute shopping before transferring to the airport for departure or to your next safari destination.
