Overview
This 6-day Congo safari combines mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park with the dramatic hike to Mount Nyiragongo, home to one of the world’s most active lava lakes. The journey starts in Kigali, continues to Lake Kivu, and crosses into the Democratic Republic of Congo for raw adventure. You hike through rainforest and volcanic terrain, stand above a glowing lava lake, and trek gorillas in one of Africa’s oldest national parks. The experience blends wildlife, landscapes, and culture with visits to Goma and scenic views of Lake Kivu.
Tour Highlights (Day-by-Day)
Day 1: Kigali arrival & hotel transfer
Day 2: Kigali city tour & transfer to Lake Kivu
Day 3: Nyiragongo volcano hike
Day 4: Descend volcano & Goma city tour
Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Virunga & transfer to Lake Kivu
Day 6: Transfer to Kigali & departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Hotel
You arrive at Kigali International Airport where your guide welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel. The drive takes about 15 minutes. You relax after your journey and prepare for the safari ahead.
Accommodation: Inside Afrika Boutique Hotel (Midrange) / Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury)
Meal plan: Dinner
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Gisenyi (Lake Kivu)
You have breakfast and check out of the hotel. You explore Kigali with visits to key cultural and historical sites. After lunch, you drive to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu. The journey offers scenic countryside views. You arrive in the evening and check in at your lakeside lodge.
Accommodation: Paradise Malahide (Midrange) / Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Nyiragongo Volcano Hike (Virunga National Park)
You start early with breakfast and cross into Congo. You drive to Kibati, the starting point for the Nyiragongo hike. Rangers brief you before the climb begins. You hike through rainforest and volcanic terrain as you ascend toward the summit. You reach the top in the afternoon and witness the glowing lava lake inside the crater. You spend the night at the summit shelters with views of the volcano.
Accommodation: Nyiragongo Summit Shelters
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Descend Nyiragongo and Goma City Tour
You descend the volcano in the morning and meet your driver at the base. You return to Goma and explore parts of the city including the Goma lava flows and local markets. You check in at your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Caritas Goma Hotel (Midrange) / Hotel Ihusi (Luxury)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga and Transfer to Lake Kivu
You wake early and transfer to Bukima park station for briefing. Rangers guide you into the forest to track mountain gorillas. The trek takes several hours depending on the gorilla movement. Once you find them, you spend one hour observing them at close range. After the trek, you return to the park headquarters and cross back into Rwanda. You check in at your lodge near Lake Kivu for relaxation.
Accommodation: Paradise Malahide (Midrange) / Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Kigali and Departure
You have breakfast and begin your drive back to Kigali. You enjoy scenic views along the way and can make brief stops for photos. You arrive in Kigali and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meal plan: Breakfast