7 Days Congo Safari, Gorilla Trekking Tour, Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Hiking Trip in Congo

Day 1 of the 7 Days Congo Safari: Arrive in Kigali Rwanda & drive to Gisenyi Lake Kivu

Following your flight, you land at Kigali International Airport preferably not after 2pm to allow you drive 358km about 3.5hrs to Gisenyi Lake Kivu. The views of Rwandan hillsides, Virunga Volcanoes and Lake Kivu itself will make your evening worthwhile.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Serena Resort Lake Kivu

Midrange: Hotel Paladise Malahide

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 2 of the 7 Days Congo Safari: Nyiragongo Volcano adventure hike

At 7:30am, you drive to the Congo border at Goma, go through the immigration formalities and meet our Congo representative for the transfer to Kibati Patrol Post where Nyiragongo Volcano hike starts from at 9am. This marks the historical trek to the world’s largest and most violent lava lake. The Nyiragongo trek lasts 4 – 6 hours to reach the summit enjoying the incredible views of the surroundings. The hike is not so strenuous and thus do not require specialised mountaineering equipment.  Spend the evening relaxing at the summit waiting to view into the red lave lake after the dark.

Accommodation: Mountain Shelter

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3 of the 7 Days Congo Safari: Descend from Nyiragongo Volcano & drive to the lodge

Enjoy sun rise moments, photo shoots and breakfast and then descend down the volcano.  Of course, the descend is relatively easier than trekking uphill and you are likely to reach the starting point between 11am – 1pm.  Spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge.

Accommodation

Midrange: Hotel Ihusi
Luxury: Mikeno Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4 of the 7 Days Congo Safari: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park & relax

Briefing commences at 8am at the Bukima Park station and in the company of armed ranger guides, you traverse the slopes of Virunga Volcanoes in search of the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas. Virunga National Park is part of greater Virunga massif shared along with Rwanda and Uganda with 480 Mountain Gorillas. The gorilla trek lasts 2 – 8 hours inclusive of one hour of actual viewing, exploring them as they forage and socialise where you can take memorable photos as well. From the activity, connect to the shores of Lake Kivu and relax.

Accommodation

Midrange: Lac Kivu Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5 of the 7 Days Congo Safari: A Speed Boat trip to Bukavu

Transfer by speed boat to Bukavu enjoying the tranquil waters of Lake Kivu – one of the biggest lakes in Africa.

Accommodation

Luxury: Orchid’s Hotel.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6 of the 7 Days Congo Safari: Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park & Bukavu town tour in the afternoon

Undertake Eastern lowland gorilla trekking expedition starting at 8am from the park station and in the company of armed ranger guides, you trek through the jungle of Democratic Republic of Congo in search of these other gorilla subspecies other than the Mountain Gorillas. The Eastern lowland gorilla features stocky body, short muzzle along with short hair. The duration ranges between 2 – 8 hours inclusive of one hour of actual viewing and photography.  Tour the town of Bukavu in the afternoon to explore the local urban life.

Accommodation

Luxury: Orchid’s Hotel.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7 of the 7 Days Congo Safari: Drive back to Kigali via Ruzizi 1 border

After breakfast, depart for Kigali crossing back to Rwanda via Ruzizi 1. Enjoy sightseeing en route