Volcano & Gorilla Safari

Gorilla trekking in the Virunga is one of the most exceptional wildlife experiences in the world. In addition to seeing the gorillas in DR Congo also hike Mount Nyiragongo Volcano in the Virunga’s, Africa’s oldest national park and is also the continent’s most biologically diverse protected area. What looks like a light show in the crater is a lava lake of Mount Nyiragongo. Long-lasting lava lakes are extremely rare because they require active volcanoes with eruptions that produce enough active lava. Nyiragongo is a spectacular volcano, and hiking its slopes leads from tropical forest to the summit and its bubbling lava lake. An adventure impossible to forget!! 

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Johannesburg / Kigali Airport / Kigali

    Flight from Johannesburg.  Transfer from Kigali Airport to your hotel in Kigali.

    Overnight at Amata n'Ubuki Boutique Hotel. 

  • Day 2: Kigali / Virunga National Park (DR Congo)

    The drive to the countryside makes it obvious why Rwanda is referred to as the "land of a thousand hills."  Cross the border at the Gisenyi-Goma border into DR Congo. Transfer to the Virunga National Park. 

    Overnight at Kibumba Camp. 

  • Day 3: Virunga National Park - GORILLA TREKKING

    Trek through Virunga’s vast and lush forest to spend some unforgettable moments with the mountain gorillas.  A once in a lifetime experience! 

    Overnight at Kibumba Camp. 

  • Day 4: Virunga National Park / Mount Nyiragongo

    1,994m (6,525 ft) to 3,470m (11,382ft) / Average hiking time: 6 hours 

    Hike to the top of Mount Nyiragongo and enjoy watching the bubbling cauldron! 

    Overnight at Nyiragongo Huts. 

  • Day 5: Nyiragongo Huts / Kibati Patrol Post / Goma

    3,470m (11,382ft) to 1,994m (6,525 ft) / Average hiking time: 4 hours 

    With incredible memories, descend from Nyiragongo Volcano. Transfer to Goma where you can enjoy views over one of the African Great Lakes – Lake Kivu.

    Overnight at Lake Kivu Lodge.

  • Day 6: Goma / Kigali Airport / Johannesburg

    Enjoy breakfast, followed by a transfer from Goma to Kigali Airport for your onward flight home.

    End of service

We can send you a tailor-made quotation similar to the above itinerary - one designed specifically for you, around your taste, budget, interests and more.

  • Return flights from Johannesburg to Kigali Airport, including airport taxes.

RWANDA

  • Airport transfers 
  • Accommodation in Kigali with breakfast  

DR CONGO

  • All transfers 
  • Accommodation on safari & the climb on full board basis (breakfast, lunch & dinner) 
  • Accommodation in Goma with breakfast  
  • x1 Gorilla trekking permit per person (cost is $400.00 per permit)
  • 2 Days/1 Night Mount Nyiragongo hike
  • Including park fees
  • Park ranger/s
  • Private cook 
  • Porter carrying camping essentials

  • Multiple entry visa to Rwanda 
  • Entry visa to DRC 
  • Yellow fever inoculation certificate – COMPULSORY 
  • Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
  • Meals and drinks not specified  
  • Activities not specified
  • Laundry services
  • Gratuities to the driver/guide, trackers, hotel staff & porters 
  • All expenses of a personal nature

Dates & Prices

Dates:

PRIVATE (TAILOR-MADE) SAFARI:
This climb/safari has been crafted with knowledge and insight, showcasing just a few of the experiences you can enjoy while visiting DR Congo. It is merely an example, and any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Chat with one of our Safari Specialists, who will be able to help you to customise the ideal safari itinerary for you based on your interests, preferences and budget.

Rates:

RAND Rate (SA residents ONLY) USD Rate
Our website rates will be available soon. Our website rates will be available soon
(Excluding International flights & airline taxes)
  • Please request a quote from our Safari Specialists for the best, most current rates according to your preferred time of travel.
  • Prices are based on 2 guests travelling – if more guest travel discounted rates are available.
  • All rates are subject to increases beyond our control, including fuel price, government taxes and exchange rate fluctuations.

DOWNLOAD PDF

National Parks

Virunga National Park 

Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on the border of Uganda and Rwanda. Virunga is Africa's oldest national park and is also the continent's most biologically diverse protected area. The park's 7800 square kilometres (3000 square miles) includes forests, savannas, lava plains, swamps, erosion valleys, active volcanoes, and the glaciated peaks of the Rwenzori mountains. Virunga is home to about a quarter of the world's critically endangered mountain gorillas. The park's two other Great Ape species, eastern lowland Grauer's gorillas and chimpanzees, make Virunga the only park in the world to host three taxa of Great Apes. Another prominent inhabitant of the park is the Okapi, an endangered species that resembles a zebra but is more closely related to the giraffe. Large colonies of hippopotami, forest and savanna elephants, lions, and numerous rare bird species can also be found in the park.