Gorillas & Nyiragongo Volcano
per person
If you want to see mountain gorillas, some of the closest relatives to humans, then choose a (DRC) holiday. There’s no amazing wildlife experience than sitting within a group of gorillas.. You head off in small parties to one of the known mountain gorilla groups, where the animals are used to the presence of humans. Typically, most will just continue their natural interactions, whilst some might watch you with curiosity. A Yellow Fever & PCR negative test certificate is a mandatory for this Trip.
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Destination
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DepartureKigali airport / Kigali airport
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Departure TimePlease arrive by 10:15 AM for a prompt departure at 10:30 AM.
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Return TimeApproximately 6:00 PM.
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Dress CodeCasual, comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat and light jacket.
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IncludedGorillas & Nyiragongo VolcanoEntry FeesPersonal GuideBreakfast
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Not IncludedDeparture Taxes5 Star Accommodation
FROM OUR GALLERY
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
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Day 1: Arrival in Kilgai
Leave Kigali and start your journey to the VirungaNational Park. Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse protected areas on the planet. Half of all the biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa can be found in Virunga. The park is also a geologic wonder and contains two of the world’s most active volcanoes. For much of its long history, though, Virunga National Park has been severely threatened by armed conflict. Thanks to the dedication of the park’s rangers and wardens, Virunga has been able to survive. Certain politicians, the European Union, conservationists, philanthropists, and private donors have also played a vital role in Virunga’s survival.
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Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Virunga National Park, DR Congo
Another early start as you head to the park's headquarters for a briefing on the mountain gorillas. An experienced park ranger leads you up into the forest to view a troop, which are usually led by a huge male silverback. You have an unforgettable hour to observe them from close quarters – an amazing wildlife experience. Because of the close contact between gorillas and visitors (often as little as 7m), and the risk of passing on infections which are fatal for them, travelers who are ill will not be allowed on gorilla-tracking trips.
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Day 3: Nyiragongo Trekking, Congo
After an morning breakfast we shall drive to Kibiti Ranger station prepared to hike Nyiragongo, Kibati patrol post is approximately 30 minutes by car from Goma. Park rangers lead all treks and porters (unaffiliated with the park) are available for hire.
It's a beautiful stratovolcano that features the world’s largest lava lake. The volcano’s forested lower slopes are home to a variety of animals, including chimpanzees, monkeys, and bushbuck. Nyiragongo’s summit rim is largely devoid of vegetation and is sometimes dusted with snow. From the rim, visitors can peer down into a churning lava lake and see and hear hot gases exploding up though a mosaic of molten lava. Although predictable and therefore safe for tourists, Nyiragongo is greatly feared during eruptions. Because of the low silica content of its lava, Nyiragongo’s lava flows are extremely fluid. During the 2002 eruption, some of Nyiragongo’s lava flows were clocked at 100 km/hr (62 mph) and reached all the way to Lake Kivu.
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Day 4: Discend Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of Congo – Kigali, Rwanda
Climbers typically descend the volcano at between 6:30 – 7:00 am the next morning and arrive back at Kibati station by 11:30 am, followed by a transfer back to Kigali. After the day experience drive for roughly 4 hours including the border crosiing south-east back to Kigali Airport. Here your private guide and 4WD vehicle leave you to continue your journey, either home or to your next destination. End.
TOUR LOCATION
Kigali, Rwanda - Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
History of the City
Virunga National Park, Africa’s most biodiverse protected area, exists to protect 1/3 of the world’s wild mountain gorillas, over one thousand species of mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian, and provide a brighter future to more than four million people affected by conflict.
irunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Virunga is the continent’s most biologically diverse protected area and a national park embarking on an ambitious development programme known as the “Virunga Alliance”.
Situated in a region which has been deeply impacted by the effects of war and armed conflict for over 20 years, Virunga is currently protected by a dedicated team of 689 Rangers. These local men and women go through intensive training, risking their lives on a daily basis to safeguard the Park’s exceptional wildlife, including the last of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas.
Alongside this essential conservation work, the Park is committed to supporting local communities. Virunga has a vision for responsibly harnessing the Park’s natural resources to create new opportunities for the four million people that live within a day’s walk of its borders.
Focussing on three key areas: hydropower, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, and tourism, Virunga National Park is working to economically transform the region – creating jobs and reducing poverty rates. This innovative, community focussed approach to conservation is working to reduce the pressures currently faced by the Park’s Rangers from armed groups, illegal poaching, and land encroachment.
JUDITH BROWN
MOSES was our guide for our trip and he was great! He was always prompt, answered all the questions we had and was truly a pleasure to be around. Our trip went above and beyond my expectations!
Frank Rogers
The experience we had was fantastic, meeting the gorillas is unbelievable- once in a lifetime…
The service we’ve got from Safari 2 Gorilla Tours was perfect- from the beginning all the communication with Aron was very clear and comfortable. When we arrive Martin the driver was waiting for us, he was very nice, professional and he took really good care of us all the way to the safari.