Try out our 7 Days Rwanda and Nyiragongo Tracking tour that involves trekking the endangered lowland gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park within the north-western corner of the country as well as Virunga National Park within the Eastern side of DRC. Starting and ending in Kigali, this Trip also makes it possible to hike the active Mount Nyiragongo, also in Virunga.

Volcanoes National Park in the north-western side of Rwanda is the sole gorilla trekking destination in the country and undoubtedly one of the few places on earth to meet endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. With a total of 12 habituated gorilla groups open for trekking, booking a gorilla safari in this country is worthwhile.

Virunga National Park in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is another exceptional gorilla trekking destination with 8 habituated gorilla groups that can be trekked all year round by a maximum of 8 persons per group. Therefore, a total of 64 gorilla permits are availed each day for this Park and besides that, the Park is home to one of the most active Volcanoes in the World (Mount Nyiragongo) which will also be hiked during this trip.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival into Rwanda and transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Northern Province of Rwanda

Arrive into Rwanda via Kigali International Airport for the start of our 7 days Rwanda and Nyiragongo climbing tour. Expect a warm reception from everyone you get into contact with and be picked up by our Company representative who will also be your safari driver/guide for this trip. Time permitting, you will have a tour of the City of Kigali, focusing on the Kigali Genocide Site to learn about the 100-day of savage killing that took place in 1994, browse through several craft markets and later have lunch before you  proceed to the Northern Province for dinner and slumber.

Day 2: Trekking Rwanda Gorillas within Volcanoes National Park

A new day and a fresh start with breakfast at the Lodge before joining other passionate trekkers eagerly waiting to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of trekking one of the 12 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park. Be briefed by the Ranger guide and in the company of other 7 trekkers be allocated to one habituated gorilla family which you will patiently and slowly trek for 1-4 hours before finally encountering its members and spending an allotted one hour to observe and photograph them. Trekkers with heavy backpacks are advised to hire the services of porters who charge only about $30 per person per trek and make sure that you have lunch box, snacks and enough drinking water before embarking on this trek.

In the evening relax with a book and magazine at the Lodge or with a refreshing boat ride on the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo, then retire for dinner and slumber at the same Lodge.

Day 3: Cross the Border to Goma Town then Virunga National Park

Be up early for a cup of tea/coffee then leave for Goma, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and finally Virunga National Park. A hot sumptuous meal will be enjoyed on arrival at Goma. Dinner and overnight will be at any of the outstanding Lodges within Virunga National Park.

Day 4: Trekking Congo Mountain Gorillas within Virunga National Park

On this day you will have your second gorilla trekking adventure, this time in Virunga National Park. Briefing and registration takes places in Bukima Ranger Post where you will meet other trekkers waiting to have their encounter with the gentle mountain gorillas. You might experience different terrain and vegetation while trekking the mountain gorillas here, and this lasts 1-5 hours before you finally come across the allotted gorilla group. One hour is provided to observe and take photos while asking any gorilla-related questions then get back to the Lodge for a proper and relaxed meal.

Day 5: Climbing the iconic Mount Nyiragongo in Virunga National Park

Enjoy breakfast early in the morning and later transfer for the registration as well as briefing at Kibati Ranger Post. Begin the ascent to summit of Mount Nyiragongo that lasts 4-6 hours while encountering verdant vegetation, several birds and animal species but while at the summit you will be mind-blown by the jaw-dropping views of the blazing peak. Dine and Camp at the Summit shelters, but look-out for the reddish and blazing views of the peaks at night.

Day 6: Descending Mount Nyiragongo and transfer to the Town of Gisenyi.

On this day you will enjoy a bush breakfast served at the Summit shelters before beginning descent to the starting point and this lasts 3-4 hours. Your safari driver will be waiting at the base of the Mountain to transfer you to Gisenyi Town for relaxation, dinner and slumber.

Day 7: Head back to Kigali City, Rwanda

After breakfast at the Hotel, continue to drive back to Kigali for a more comprehensive City excursion. This marks the end of our 7 days Rwanda and Nyiragongo Climbing Tour.