This is a 5 day double gorilla trekking and hiking package in Mount. Nyiragongo within Virunga conservation area in the Eastern part of Democratic republic of Congo. You will spend nights in three wonderful places which will include; Ngila Lodge, Mikeno Lodge and the Nyiragongo Volcano summit shelters.
You will enjoy double gorilla treks plus hiking one of the world’s most active Volcanoes. Your trip will start and end in Goma – DRC.
Detailed tour.
Day 1: Goma to Virunga National Park.
You will arrive at Goma via the Grande Barriers border post (Gate way into Virunga N/Park) at exactly 11:00am and check in at the Virunga Tourism Office by 12:00pm. You will get both your double gorilla permits and Mount. Nyiragongo hiking permit, then head to Mikeno Lodge for delicious lunch. You will either choose to take a nature walk through Rumangabo area or relax at the lodge terrace.
Day 2: First Exciting Gorilla Trek.
Have breakfast and head to Bukima Ranger post. You will meet other trekkers, ranger guides and porters ready for a thrilling trek. Before starting the trek for these mountain gorillas, you will be briefed by the park officials about the dos and don’ts. The park is a residence for 8 gorilla families, which are fully habituated and open for trekking always.
Length of these treks depends on location of the allocated gorilla group and difficulty of the terrain. You will spend one hour with the gorilla group, and later descend back to park headquarters to meet with your tour driver and head to Ngila Lodge to have lunch. You can decide to relax at the lodge veranda while you view the Virunga Volcanoes and surrounding forests. Alternatively, you may participate in leisurely bird walks or watch some of the park’s conservation initiatives like can the Bamboo project.
Day 3: Trek the second Gorilla Group in Virunga National park.
On this very day, you will trek a different gorilla group. The adventure will start at 8:00am taking you deep into the forest, an experience which takes about 1-6 hours before the gorillas are allocated.
Upon meeting your thrilling family, spend one hour while taking pictures and descend back to Ngila Lodge for lunch and head back to Mikeno Lodge. You will either choose to relax or explore the different tourist activities like walking, Birding and Bamboo projects.
Day 4: Mount. Nyiragongo ascent.
Have your breakfast at Mikeno Lodge and head to Kibati Ranger post of Mountain Nyiragongo hike. Get briefed from park Rangers and hire Porters. You will identify different Flora and fauna as you climb which will last about 4-6 hours depending on your pace of hiking. You will have a sleepover at the mountain summits.
Day 5: Descent and head to Goma.
Have breakfast at 6:00am and get ready to visit the Nyiragongo Crater and through to Kibati Ranger post by 6:30am. It will take like 4 hours of descent to reach the base. Prepare to head to Goma town which will mark the end of your tour.
