6 Days Virunga Classic Safari
6 Days Virunga Classic Safari : The Virunga national park is an incredible place with 6 days of gorilla trekking, overnight treks up Mount Nyiragongo and two double gorilla treks.
A night on top of Mount Nyiragongo with a view of the boiling lava in the crater of the volcano is a very special experience. In the Bukima sector of Virunga, you will also have the opportunity to get to know 2 different gorilla families.
Highlights of the 6 days Virunga Classic
Day 1: Pick up from Kigali to Grande Barrier for check in
Day 2: First mountain gorilla trek in Virunga national park
Day 3: Second mountain gorilla trek in Virunga national park
Day 4: Nature walks in Virunga NP or village tour:
Day 5: Hike up the Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo
Day 6: Descending the Mount Nyiragongo ( Connect back to the trailhead)
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up from Kigali to Grande Barrier for check in
At the latest, by 8 am, you must be ready to be picked up from Kigali city by our driver. As part of the tour, you will be briefed by your driver guide before you embark on your 4 hour drive from Kigali to Goma, where you will check in at the Grand Barrier Building to meet the Virunga tourism office before beginning the tour.
Upon meeting all of the requirements, drive to Mikeno lodge and arrive in time for lunch after all requirements have been met. You will be welcomed with a refreshing glass of juice and a hot lunch. The evening can be spent at your leisure after you have checked into your room. As you will be arriving at Mikeno Lodge for the first time, you will be served dinner and you will spend the night there.
Day 2: First mountain gorilla trek in Virunga national park
On the 2nd day of your 6 Days Virunga Classic Safari, Upon waking up in the morning, you’ll be treated to a fresh breeze of the Virunga national park and then invited down for a delicious Mikeno breakfast that will set you up for the day.
Upon arrival at Bukima ranger post, meet your ranger guides and the local potters to get briefed on the trek and to meet your ranger guides before starting out on the trek.
Set out into the forest and begin the search for mountain gorillas. You will need to spend about two hours searching for them until you encounter a family of mountain gorillas. During the magical one hour you will spend with the mountain gorillas, you will be able to observe the normal daily routine of the animals.
At all times, it is imperative that you observe and listen to your ranger guides, as these are wild creatures that may change their behavior at any time, regardless of how habituated they are. In the early afternoon you will have lunch at the Bukima tented camp, after which you will spend the remainder of the day at the camp preparing for the second gorilla trek of the day the following day. Dinner will be served and spend the first and only night at the Bukimaa tented camp.
Day 3: Second mountain gorilla trek in Virunga national park
You will wake up to the fresh breath of the Virunga national park and eat breakfast right before you set out to explore the national park. Upon arrival at Bukima ranger post, you will meet with your ranger guides and the local potters and receive a briefing about what to expect on your trek before you begin your trek.
Upon entering the forest, set out in search of the mountain gorillas, and continue looking for them for about 2 hours until you meet a family of gorillas. Spend the magical one hour with the mountain gorillas as they go about their usual day routine.
You must observe and listen to your ranger guides at all times as these are wild animals that may change anytime however much they are habituated. Visit the Bukima tented camp for a quick lunch and then drive back to the prestigious Mikeno lodge for a leisurely afternoon to relax on the lodge’s terrace or go to the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage center to see the baby gorillas. You will have dinner and spend the second night at the Mikeno lodge.
Day 4: Nature walk in Virunga NP or village tour:
On the 4th day of your 6 Days Virunga Classic Safari, In this day, you may choose to reminisce on the past days as you relax and prepare for the upcoming two tough days ahead of you. On the other hand, if you are up for a busy day, you could take the opportunity to visit a village to see some of the local projects, or go on a nature walk in the forest with your ranger guide when needed. You will spend the night at Mikeno lodge as the night before
Day 5: Hike up the Mount Nyiragongo:
As you wake up in the morning, you will have time to connect with the Kibati ranger post at the beginning of the Mount Nyiragongo trek.
At Mikeno Lodge, a luxurious breakfast will be served and then you will be able to join the convoy headed to Kibati afterward.
In the first part, you will have to hike uphill for approximately 7 hours with a short break to catch your breath and then you will proceed with the second part to reach the summit around 5 in the evening. Enjoy the breathtaking view from the top all evening.
After you have had dinner at the summit shelters, you will retire for the night.
Day 6: Descending the Mount Nyiragongo ( Connect back to the trailhead)
On the 6th day of your 6 Days Virunga Classic Safari, in the early hours of the morning, you will be able to enjoy your last moments at the top of the mountain as you enjoy a delicious Congolese breakfast prior to leaving for the day. Pack up your bags and prepare to descend back to the point where you started your descent. You will reach downhill usually by 12 pm and connect to the Goma Grande barrier for drop off or drive all the way to Kigali town according to your arrangement. You will have a Kigali city tour that is complimentary for booking this tour.
Inclusive
- Full time safari vehicle
- English/ French speaking driver and guide
- DRCongo tourist visa
- Accommodation in the Nyiragongo summit shelters
- Fueled safari car
- Double mountain gorilla permit
- Overnight Nyiragongo hike permit
- Nyiragongo back pack including food, water and sleeping bag
Exclusive
- International flights
- Extra accommodation not in the itinerary
- Extra activities not included in the itinerary
- Personal requirements like airtime, laundry, tips
