Virunga Classic Tour Package
6 day Virunga Classic Tour Package (Gorillas, Chimps & Nyiragongo)
The Virunga Classic Tour Package is a five-night trip into Virunga; four nights’ accommodation in Mikeno Lodge, two gorilla treks, a chimp trek, and a one-night stay on Nyiragongo volcano.
Brief Itinerary of the 6 day Virunga Classic Tour Package
Day 1: Transfer to Virunga National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park
On Day 3: Nature walk and chimp viewing in Mahura forest
Day 4: Second gorilla trek and visit widow’s workshop
On Day 5: Nyiragongo Volcano trek
Day 6: Descend from the summit to end the tour
Detailed Itinerary of the Virunga Classic Tour Package
Day 1: Transfer to Virunga National Park
Arrive at the Grande Barriere border crossing by 11:00 am and ensure check-in with the Virunga tourism office by 11:30 am. The tourism office is conveniently located in the Grande Barriere border post building, opposite passport control. Tourism staff will provide guests with gorilla information. Volcano trek permits at check-in which must be presented before the start of each trek. 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.
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge/Kibumba Tented Camp
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, guests will set off to Bukima Ranger Post. On arrival, trekkers will meet their Ranger guides and local pisteurs to 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 they are going to trek. The trekking time also depends on the difficulty of the terrain. After spending the allotted hour with the gorillas, trekkers will return to Mikeno Lodge for a late lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or enjoy the wildlife Rumangabo has to offer.
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge/Kibumba Tented Camp
Day 3: Nature walk and chimp viewing in Mahura forest
An early rise to go enjoy a forest walk and see the chimps that reside in and around the Mahura Forest. After a leisurely breakfast, visit the Senkwekwe Centre to see the orphaned gorillas. Have a nice bird walk, or an afternoon at leisure, free to explore the Park HeadQuarters.
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge/Kibumba Tented Camp
Day 4: Second gorilla trek and visit widow’s workshop
After an early breakfast. head to the Bukima Ranger post for your second gorilla trek. Following your gorilla trek, travel back to Mikeno Lodge for a late lunch. The rest of the afternoon can be spent visiting the widow’s workshop or cozy up with a nice book by the fire.
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge/Kibumba Tented Camp
Day 5: Nyiragongo Volcano trek
After breakfast at Mikeno Lodge, guests will be transported to the Kibati Ranger Post. It is the departure point for the Nyiragongo volcano trek. On arrival, climbers will receive a briefing and can hire porters. The climb up the volcano takes around four to six hours and trekkers will overnight on the summit.
Accommodation: Mount Nyiragongo Summit Shelter
Day 6: Descend from the summit to end the tour
At 6:30, climbers will leave the crater rim and start the descent back to Kibati. The average descent time is four hours. Once at the bottom, you will drive back to Goma with drop-off at the Grande Barriere border crossing or another location of your choice
Included in this package:
- Four nights full board accommodation in Mikeno Lodge
- Two gorilla trek permits
- One volcano trek permit
- One-night stay at Nyiragongo summit
- All transport to, from, and within Virunga National Park once in the country
Not included in this package:
- DRC visa
- Drinks
- Rental of Nyiragongo backpack
- Porter fees
- Gratuities and anything of personal nature
