Tour Overview
The Virunga Classic safari is a six-day trip into Virunga National Park. Explore Africa’s most diverse national park with one night at Mikeno Lodge, one night at Bukima Tented Camp & two gorilla treks. You will have two additional nights’ accommodation at Mikeno Lodge and one night stay on Nyiragongo volcano. This Virunga classic safari departs from Goma on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:00 am.
Itinerary Inclusions
- Mountain gorilla permits
- Volcano trek permit
- Transport to and from Kibati Ranger Post
- One night stay on Nyiragongo summit
- Accommodation at Mikeno Lodge
- DRC Visa
Exclusions
- Nyiragongo backpack
- Porter fees
- Rwanda Visas
- Gratuities and anything of a personal nature
Tour Summary
- Day 1: Transfer to Virunga National Park (Mikeno Lodge)
- Day 2: 1st Mountain gorilla trek
- Day 3: 2nd Gorilla Trek
- Day 4: Relax at your lodge
- Day 5: Nyiragongo Hike
- Day 6: Descend the Volcano & Departure.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Mikeno Lodge
Arrive at Grande Barriere border crossing by 10:00 am and ensure check-in with the Virunga tourism office by 11:00 am. The tourism office is conveniently located in the Grande Barriere border post building, opposite passport control. Tourism staff will provide guests with gorilla and volcano trek permits at check-in. Guests will be transported to Mikeno Lodge at the Park headquarters in Rumangabo. On arrival at Mikeno Lodge, a late lunch will be served and the afternoon can be enjoyed at leisure, including exploring Rumangabo’s several nature trails, bird watching, or paying a visit to Virunga’s Congohounds.
Day 2: 1st Mountain gorilla trek
After an early breakfast at Mikeno Lodge, guests will set off for the first gorilla trek at Bukima Ranger Post. On arrival at Bukima, trekkers will meet their Ranger guides and receive a briefing before starting the gorilla trek. Treks usually require 1-2.5 hours of hiking each way, depending on the location of the group being trekked and the difficulty of the terrain. After spending the allotted hour with the gorillas, trekkers will return to Bukima camp where a late lunch will be served. Guests will have the rest of the afternoon off to explore Bukima, including bird watching and visiting the Park’s bamboo project.
Day 3: 2nd Gorilla Trek
At 8:30 am, the guest will start their second gorilla trek. Upon return, a quick lunch will be served at Bukima and when all gorilla trekkers have returned, guests will be transported back to Mikeno Lodge. On arrival to Mikeno, guests have the afternoon at leisure, free to explore the Park HQ or cozy up with a nice book by the fire.
Day 4: Relax at your Lodge
This is a day to relax, explore, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Mikeno Lodge.
Day 5: Nyiragongo Hike
After breakfast at Mikeno Lodge, guests will be transported to the Kibati Ranger Post, the departure point for the Nyiragongo volcano trek. On arrival in Kibati, climbers will receive a briefing and have the opportunity to hire porters. The climb up the volcano takes around four to six hours and trekkers will overnight on the summit.
Day 6: Descend the Volcano & Departure.
Early in the morning, climbers will leave the crater rim and start the descent back to Kibati. The average descent time is four hours. Once at the bottom, guests will be transported back to Goma with drop-off at the Grande Barriere border crossing.
End Of tour.