5-Day Virunga Gorillas and Nyiragongo Adventure
This five-day journey combines Rwanda with two of eastern Congo’s most remarkable natural experiences: mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park and an overnight hike on Mount Nyiragongo. When officially open and safe to operate, the route begins and ends in Kigali and includes cross-border transfers, a guided gorilla trek and a challenging volcano expedition.
Important availability note: This is a proposed itinerary, not a confirmed departure. Travel in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and access to its parks can be suspended without notice because of security, health, border or volcanic conditions.
DURATION
5 Days / 4 Nights
ROUTE
Kigali (Rwanda) to Virunga National Park & Mount Nyiragongo (DR Congo) (returning to Kigali)
Gorilla Trekking Permits Are Limited – Book Early
Tour Highlights
Optional Kigali city experience
Mountain Gorilla Trek
Bird Watching
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Meet your Native Expeditions guide at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your selected hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, an optional Kigali orientation or craft-market visit may be arranged. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and final checks before the cross-border journey.
Overnight: Kigali
Day 2: Transfer from Kigali to the Virunga Region
After breakfast, travel toward the Rwanda-DRC border. Border formalities, visas, permits and the approved crossing point must be confirmed before departure.
If entry and park operations are officially authorised, continue with the designated local team to accommodation serving Virunga National Park. Attend any required security and activity briefing.
Overnight: Virunga or Goma area
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
After an early breakfast, report to the authorised park assembly point for a briefing by rangers. Proceed to the assigned trailhead and begin the guided search for a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Trekking duration varies with terrain, weather and the gorillas’ location. If the gorillas are found, observation time is controlled by current park rules. Return to your accommodation after the trek.
Overnight: Virunga or Goma area
Day 4: Mount Nyiragongo Hike
Transfer to the officially designated trailhead for registration, equipment checks and a safety briefing. Begin the guided ascent only if the park and volcanic-monitoring authorities have authorised access.
The climb is steep and physically demanding, and weather can change quickly. Reach the summit shelter area later in the day, subject to conditions. Views into the crater and any visible lava activity are natural phenomena and cannot be guaranteed.
Overnight: Nyiragongo summit shelters, if authorised
Day 5: Descend and Return to Kigali
After breakfast, descend with the park team to the trailhead. Meet your driver and proceed through the approved border crossing back into Rwanda.
Continue to Kigali for a hotel or airport drop-off. Travellers should avoid booking a tight same-day flight connection because border and road delays are possible.
Book This Safari
Frequently Asked Questions
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