If you want to see mountain gorillas in the true African wilderness, some of the closest relatives to humans, then choose a 7 Day Congo Gorilla Chimpanzee Nyiragongo Trekking Trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) holiday.
Virunga National Park is Africa's oldest national park and the only protected area on Earth that is home to three taxa of great ape: Eastern Chimpanzees, Eastern Lowland Gorillas and — Virunga's most famous residents — about one-third of all remaining Mountain Gorillas.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Gorilla trekking in the Virunga National Park usually starts in the early morning. You head off in small parties to one of the known mountain gorilla groups, where the apes are used to the presence of humans. Typically, most will just continue their normal interactions, whilst some might watch you with curiosity.
After here, you will get closer to the habituated Chimpanzee Family followed by a hike to Nyiragongo Volcano which is one of the eight volcanoes that is still active and last erupted in 2004.
The 7 Day Congo Gorilla Chimpanzee Nyiragongo Trekking Trip is a privately guided safari using a private 4WD vehicle to a grand tour of the gems of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): visits to the bustling capital city of Rwanda - Kigali, hiking to observe the majestic mountain gorillas of the Virunga National Park, admiring the glistening beaches of Lake Kivu and chimpanzee tracking.
This 7 Day DR Congo Gorilla Chimpanzee Nyiragongo Trekking Trip starts and Ends at your residence/Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda or any other part in western region.
This 7 Day Congo Gorilla Chimpanzee Nyiragongo Trekking Trip can be customized to suit your needs & timing either to start and End in Kigali, either offer an International flight or at your residence/Hotel in Kigali. Just send us an email indicating where you would like start the 7 Day Congo Gorilla Chimpanzee Nyiragongo Trekking Trip.
On arrival at Kigali, you meet your private guide and 4WD and discuss the itinerary. Visit bustling local markets, get an overview with a city tour, relax by the hotel's pool, or head to the Kigali Memorial Centre , a moving and highly informative monument to the country's genocide.
Overnight at Garry Hotel
Upgrade
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 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; arrive late to retire at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight at Ihusi Hotel
Upgrade
Another early morning starts as you head to the park's headquarters for a briefing on the dos and don'ts while with mountain gorillas.
An experienced park ranger leads you up into the forest to view a troop, which is 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 sick will not be allowed on gorilla-trekking trips.
Spend the afternoon at your lodge or enquire with your guide what else you can do.
Overnight at Ihusi Hotel
Upgrade
Chimpanzee Habituation Walks, In February 2014, a Congolese team trained by Frankfurt Zoological Society began habituating a group of chimpanzees living in the forests around park headquarters in Rumangabo. Guests staying at Mikeno Lodge can join this team on their daily visits to the chimpanzees.
The day begins when a group of local trackers leave their camp at 4:30 am to locate where the chimpanzees spent the previous night. Lodge guests set out at 6:00 am to find the chimpanzees. Groups are limited to 4 people and time with the chimpanzees is restricted to one hour.
Overnight at Ihusi Hotel
Upgrade
Nyiragongo Volcano Hike is 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 gasses 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. Treks to the summit of Nyiragongo volcano begin at the Kibati patrol post, which is approximately 30 minutes by car from Goma.
The patrol post is less than a one hour drive from the Mikeno Lodge in Rumangabo. Park rangers lead all treks and porters (unaffiliated with the park) are available for hire.
The time required to reach the summit depends on the average fitness of each group, but typically takes 4 - 6 hours. Altitude sickness can be an issue for some because the climb begins at 1989m (6,525 ft) and ascends to 3470m (11,382ft) in a short time.
Proper hydration is the best way to adapt to the change in altitude. People prone to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) should speak to their physicians about taking preventative measures before making the climb.
It is possible for fitter people to climb up and descend in one day, but the vast majority choose to spend a night in the basic accommodations available at the top (included in the permit fee) because the best time to view the lava lake is at night.
At 06:00am you will begin to descend the Nyiragongo Volcano arriving Kibati Ranger station at around 11am and proceed to Goma & Cross To Rwanda. Stop first at the northern town of Gisenyi.
Wander in to the town to sample the food at one of the local restaurants, or ask your driver to take you down to the nearby hot-springs where the locals sometimes cook their vegetables!
Overnight stay at Paradise Marahide.
Upgrade
Enjoy your last excellent breakfast from the lodge and begin the drive towards Kigali where you will either catch a flight home, or continue your adventure elsewhere for the subsequent end of the 7 Days Virunga National Park Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Nyiragongo Trekking Safari
Please contact our Tour Consultants for detailed price and related travel advice.
Replies in one Minute
Hey there How can we help you
Replies in one Minute
Hey there How can we help you
.webp)
