Lavida Africa

8 DAYS NYIRAGONGO LONG STAY AND GORILLA SAFARI

Hike Mount Nyiragongo, spend three nights at the rim of an active lava lake, and track mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park.

8 Days Nyiragongo Long Stay and Gorilla Safari

Safari Overview

This 8-day adventure takes you hiking Mount Nyiragongo in DR Congo, spending three nights at the rim of the active lava lake, before descending to track mountain gorillas in the jungles of Virunga National Park. Explore some of Africa’s unbeaten paths and discover pristine wildlife habitats.

Tour Highlights

  • 3-night stay at the rim of Nyiragongo lava lake
  • Mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
  • Goma city tour
  • Scenic drive along Lake Kivu
  • Kigali city tour and genocide memorial visit
  • Volcano and caldera exploration

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda

Arrival in Kigali, check-in at Kigali Serena Hotel. Receive safari briefing and enjoy hotel amenities.

Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel or similar

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Lake Kivu

Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum, lunch at Hotel Des Mille Collines, then drive to Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. Enjoy sunset views at the lake.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Hike to the Top of Mt Nyiragongo

Cross Goma border, briefing by ranger, and hike Nyiragongo. Overnight at Summit Shelters with views of lava lake.

Accommodation: Nyiragongo Summit Shelters

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Full Day at Nyiragongo’s Summit

Explore the summit caldera, lava lake activity, and surrounding volcanic formations. Overnight at summit shelters.

Accommodation: Nyiragongo Summit Shelters

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Second Full Day at Nyiragongo’s Rim

Extra day to observe lava lake and surroundings at different times. Overnight at summit shelters.

Accommodation: Nyiragongo Summit Shelters

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Descend from Nyiragongo – Transfer to Virunga National Park

Descend volcano, transfer to Mikeno Lodge in Virunga National Park. Relax and observe wildlife around the lodge.

Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Virunga National Park

Early breakfast, drive to park offices for briefing, track assigned gorilla family, spend 1 hour observing them, return to Mikeno Lodge for relaxation.

Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Return to Kigali and Departure

Breakfast at leisure, drive to Goma, process entry into Rwanda, transfer to Kigali for lunch, then airport or hotel drop-off. End of safari.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch


Safari Inclusions

  • Transport in a 4WD Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • All fuel for the tour
  • English-speaking driver-guide
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • Packed lunch for gorilla tracking
  • Park entrance fees as per itinerary
  • All activities described in the itinerary
  • Gorilla trekking permits

Safari Exclusions

  • International airfares and entry visas
  • Meals not included in accommodation
  • A porter for gorilla tracking (optional)
  • Personal (medical/travel) insurance
  • Tips and gratuities to rangers, driver/guide, porter, hotel staff, etc.
  • All personal expenses (drinks, laundry, optional activities, souvenirs, etc.)
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