9 Days DR Congo Safari – Gorillas, Nyiragongo Volcano, Wildlife & Culture

Arrive at Goma International Airport or cross into DR Congo from Rwanda via the Grande Barrière border. After visa processing and Virunga park check-in, meet your driver-guide and proceed through scenic highlands and volcanic plains toward Kibumba or Bukima, the park’s southern base for gorilla trekking.

Settle into your lodge surrounded by forest, with views of the Virunga volcanoes. After check-in, enjoy an orientation and optional guided nature walk or birding excursion in the surrounding foothills.

Accommodation: Kibumba Tented Camp or Mikeno Lodge
Meals: Lunch and dinner included
Activities: Cross-border transfer, scenic drive, nature walk

After breakfast, transfer to Bukima Ranger Post for briefing and assignment to one of the habituated mountain gorilla families. Trekking times vary (1–4 hours each way), depending on the group’s location and terrain.

Once the gorillas are located, you’ll spend a full hour in their presence. Observe their behavior as rangers ensure safety and guide photography rules. Return to the base for lunch and receive a trekking certificate.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Optional activities include local community visits or a short evening hike.

Accommodation: Kibumba Tented Camp or Mikeno Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Activities: Gorilla trekking, wildlife photography, ranger briefing

Transfer to Rumangabo, the heart of Virunga’s park management and conservation. Visit the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, home to orphaned mountain gorillas rescued from poaching. Meet the caretakers and learn about their rehabilitation work.

Later, take a guided walk through Mahura Forest, where you might see blue monkeys, baboons, and numerous birds. Learn about the park’s conservation programs and how rangers protect endangered wildlife.

Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Activities: Gorilla orphanage visit, forest walk, conservation briefing

After early breakfast, transfer to Kibati Ranger Station to begin your guided ascent of Mount Nyiragongo (3,470m), one of Africa’s most active volcanoes. Begin hiking around 10:00 AM with armed rangers and porters. The trek takes 4–6 hours through montane forest, lava fields, and alpine zones.

Reach the summit by late afternoon and settle into your cabin on the crater rim. After dark, marvel at the world’s largest lava lake, glowing vividly within the crater. Dinner is provided at the summit camp.

Accommodation: Nyiragongo Summit Cabin (shared basic shelters)
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner included
Activities: Volcano hike, summit camping, lava lake viewing

Wake early to witness sunrise over the Virunga range, followed by breakfast at the summit. Begin descent back to Kibati by 7:00 AM. Reach the base before noon and transfer to Mikeno Lodge (or continue to Goma for travelers not staying in the park).

After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Optional massage service or relaxed birdwatching around the forested grounds.

Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge or Goma-based hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
Activities: Volcano descent, scenic transfer

After breakfast, transfer to Goma port for a speedboat ride to Tchegera Island, a crescent-shaped island on Lake Kivu with views of Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira, and the distant shores of Rwanda.

Upon arrival, check into your waterfront tented camp. Spend the day kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or relaxing with books and chilled drinks. Tchegera is also known for birdlife including herons, kingfishers, and cormorants.

Accommodation: Tchegera Island Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Activities: Lake boat ride, water activities, beach relaxation

Return to Goma by boat and begin a Goma cultural tour. Visit the Congo Peace Center to learn about local arts and social initiatives. Stop at the Goma Volcano Observatory for geological insights into volcanic activity. You’ll also visit a street art district or workshop where young artists display sculpture, beadwork, and recycled metal art.

Lunch in town at a Congolese restaurant featuring dishes like pondu (cassava leaves) and grilled tilapia. Optional visit to the Maison des Jeunes for a dance or music performance (subject to scheduling).

Accommodation: Hotel Ihusi or Cap Kivu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
Activities: Urban culture tour, art workshops, volcano education

This day offers optional excursions for travelers interested in adding a wildlife safari or primate experience. Choose from:

Mount Tshiaberimu Primate Visit (subject to road conditions): Hike through the forest to search for monkeys, birds, and rare flora in this extension of Virunga.

Day trip to Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center (for travelers extending to Bukavu): Meet rescued chimpanzees and baboons, and tour the biological research station.

These trips require early starts and are offered based on interest, timing, and weather. If not selected, enjoy a relaxed day in Goma or return to Tchegera for additional lake activities.

Accommodation: Goma-based hotel or return to Tchegera
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
Activities: Optional wildlife trek or primate rehabilitation visit

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Goma International Airport or to the Grande Barrière border for onward travel to Kigali or elsewhere.

Depending on your schedule, there may be time for a final stop at a local market for souvenirs such as wood carvings, masks, jewelry, and Congolese fabrics.

Meals: Breakfast included
Activities: Departure transfer, optional shopping stop

Highlights included:

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park

Mount Nyiragongo hike and summit overnight

Visit to Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage

Cultural tour of Goma city

Relaxation on Tchegera Island

Optional wildlife visits in Tshiaberimu or Lwiro