In these 4 days Mountain gorillas and Nyiragongo treks, Bamba Tours brings you to the legendary Virunga National Park in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is among the first protected areas in Africa. It is known for its exceptional biodiversity, containing more birds, mammal and reptile species than any protected area on the continent of Africa. In this safari, enjoy a life-changing experience with the gorillas and watch the world’s largest active lava lake.

Day 1: Arrival

Meet in Kigali at your hotel or at the airport, after greetings, transfer to the border Grande Barrière Rwanda-DRC (3hours and half). Welcoming with our staff at the border. Assisted to clear with formalities. Ensure crossing the border at 10:30 am and check-in with Virunga tourism office by 11:15am which is located in the Grande Barrière border post building, opposite passport control. Once check-in is complete, transfer to Kibumba.

Day2: Mountain Gorilla Trek

After an early breakfast at Kibumba Tented Camp, trekkers will head down the hill to meet their Ranger guides and have a briefing before the gorilla trek. Treks usually require 1-2.5 hours of hiking each way, depending on location of the gorilla group being trekked and the difficulty of the terrain. After spending the allotted hour with the gorilla family group, trekkers will make their way back to camp, enjoy a late lunch and have the rest of the day at leisure, including time for nature walks and bird watching.

Day 3: Nyiragongo Volcano hiking

After breakfast in Kibumba, guests will be transported to the Kibati Ranger Post at 8:15am, where treks to the summit of Nyiragongo volcano begin. On arrival to Kibati, guests will receive a briefing. Park rangers lead all treks and porters (unaffiliated with the park) are available for hire at Kibati ranger station. The time required to reach the summit depends on the average fitness of each group, but typically takes 4 – 6 hours. It is possible for fitter people to climb up and descend in one day, but the vast majority chooses to overnight in the basic accommodations available at the top (included in the permit fee) because the best time to view the lava lake is at night. Sunset at the summit of Nyiragongo. Enjoy watching, in the night, the world’s largest lava lake. Dinner and overnight at the summit of Nyiragongo Volcano in the shelter.

Trekkers are strongly advised to bring full rain and cold weather gear (moisture-wicking base layer, sweater or fleece, jacket, rain resistant pants, long underwear, warm socks, hat, and a 0°C/32° – rated sleeping bag), good walking shoes, sun cream, etc.

Day 4: Nyiragongo Volcano descent and depart to Kigali

After a very early morning visit to the lava lake, have your breakfast around 7:00 am. After breakfast, start descending the volcano and arrive back at Kibati station. Average descent time is four hours. Drive back to Goma town. Be transferred back to the border and return to Rwanda, to Kigali International Airport.