4-Day Gorilla Trek & Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Adventure

Overview of 4-Day Gorilla Trek & Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Adventure

This 4-day gorilla trekking and Mount Nyiragongo volcano tour offers one of the most thrilling wildlife and adventure experiences in Central Africa. The journey takes you into the legendary Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park and one of the continent’s most biodiverse landscapes.

Your adventure begins in Goma, the gateway to the Virunga Mountains. From here, you’ll venture deep into the rainforest to track endangered mountain gorillas with experienced park rangers. Encountering these gentle giants in their natural habitat is one of Africa’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences.

The tour also includes the challenging hike up Mount Nyiragongo, famous for its massive and constantly bubbling lava lake — the largest of its kind in the world. After trekking to the summit, you’ll spend the night in mountain shelters on the crater rim, watching the glowing lava lake illuminate the night sky.

This expedition blends primate encounters, volcanic landscapes, and raw wilderness adventure into one remarkable Congo safari.

Tour Highlights

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
Hike to Mount Nyiragongo and overnight at the summit with views of the lava lake
Scenic drives through Rwanda and DRC countryside
Witness rare wildlife in lush volcanic forests

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Goma

Meet you At your Hotel in Kigali And Transfer To Goma. Goma is the capital city of the North Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu next to the Rwandan city of Gisenyi. The lake and the two cities are in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift system. Goma lies only 13 to 18 km due south of the crater of the active Nyiragongo Volcano.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

Early in the morning at 6:30am, you will depart from Goma and Drive up to the Virunga national park station where you will be briefed about the dos and don’ts while you are with the Gorillas. After the briefing, you proceed for the memorable adventure of gorilla tracking. This rather strenuous but unforgettable adventure will take you through thick and muddy environment, and may take you 2-4 hours to locate the amazing apes, depending on their movements. After a maximum period of one hour with the Gorillas, you descend to the headquarters where the driver will transfer you to Goma for Dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Hike Mount Nyiragongo & Overnight at Summit

After your breakfast, you will move from the hotel, and do some shopping in the supermarket before transferring to Kibati Village where you start you hiking experience. Start the hiking and arrive at the top in the afternoon. This will take you 5-6hours, with enroute view of some animals and birds along the trail. Admire the lava lake all evening, before retiring in the Shelter on the rim of the giant crater high above the active lake. The climb up to and down from Nyiragongo is strenuous and often in hot conditions, but the path is relatively easy and not excessively steep. You can hire a porter to carry your luggage at US$ 24 per porter to be paid on ground.

Day 4: Descend Nyiragongo & Return to Kigali

In the morning you will enjoy your breakfast with the breathtaking view overlooking the Nyiragongo crater before you descend. Around noon you will be back at base camp. After this amazing experience it is time to relax. Your driver/guide will take you to Goma then cross the border and Drive to Kigali Rwanda. End of The tour.

Safari Locations

Kigali, Rwanda (start & end)
Goma, DRC (base for Virunga National Park & Nyiragongo)
Virunga National Park (gorilla trekking)
Mount Nyiragongo (volcano hiking & summit)

Transport

Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, guided by an English-speaking professional driver.

Trekking Notes

Gorilla & chimpanzee permits included (UWA-issued).
Treks last 2–6 hours, depending on primate location.
Fitness level: moderate, with some uphill forest trekking.

Best Time to Visit

Dry seasons (June–September & December–February) are best for trekking, but safaris run year-round.

What to Pack

Hiking boots, rain jacket, long trousers, insect repellent, gloves, and a reusable water bottle.

Safari Package Includes

Transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle
Gorilla trekking & chimpanzee tracking permits
Budget lodges with full board (meals included)
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Bottled drinking water throughout the trip
Park entrance fees & ranger services

Excludes

International flights, visas, and travel insurance
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Tips and personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)