6 days mountaineering safari in Virunga national park and Volcanoes national park

6 days mountaineering safari in Virunga national park and Volcanoes national park :Take on a 6 days mountaineering Congo safari in the Virunga national park and the Volcanoes national park. Spend 6 days hiking up 3 of the 8 Virunga Mountains that are in Rwanda and the DR Congo. Get to hike up the Mount Nyiragongo and spend a night at the summit, take a break to refuel at the Lake Kivu, continue to hike up the Mount Karisimbi and spend a night at the campsite on the way to the summit.

You will end this mountaineering Congo safari with a day hike up the Mount Bisoke.

Trip highlights

Day 1: Drive from Kigali and cross to Goma- DR Congo
Day 2: Mount Nyiragongo hike
Day 3: Mount Nyiragongo descent and transfer to Volcanoes national park
Day 4: Mount Karisimbi hike up
Day 5: Descend Mount karisimbi
Day 6: Mount Bisoke and transfer back to Kigali

Trip description

Day 1: Drive from Kigali and cross to Virunga national park- DR Congo

Meet up with your driver guide who will be looking forward to meeting you to take you on your 6 days mountaineering safari. You will exchange pleasantries, enjoy a briefing and after head out to cross into the Democratic republic of Congo. This is a 5 hour road transfer.

Arrive at the Grande Barrier border building to check in for your visit to Virunga. You will connect to your hotel in Goma. You will be welcomed with a late lunch and settle in at your hotel. Dinner will be served later and you will spend a night in Goma.

Hotel options in Goma

Hotel Ihusi
Hotel Linda
Lac Kivu lodge

Day 2: Mount Nyiragongo hike

Have breakfast and be at the trailhead of the Mount Nyiragongo hike by 8 am. Attend the briefing ahead of the ascent and hire all you may need for this overnight hike. You will climb up with 2 stopovers to catch a breath.

You will arrive at the summit of the mountain in the early evening hours and get to enjoy the views of the Goma town from the top. You will spend your night in the Nyiragongo summit shelters.

6 days mountaineering safari in Virunga national park and Volcanoes national park — Mount Nyiragongo hike

Day 3: Mount Nyiragongo descent and back to Rwanda

Once the sun is out, breakfast at the top will be served and you will enjoy this simple Congolese breakfast and prepare to descend. After taking photos and you are ready, start to slop and expect to be back at the trailhead in about 5 hours that is by midday.

You will connect to Goma for lunch and after drive to connect to the Volcanoes national park where you will spend the night.

Accommodation in Volcanoes national park

Virunga lodge
Le Bambou gorilla lodge
Muhabura hotel

Day 4: Mount Karisimbi hike up

You will be expected at the Volcanoes national park headquarters where the briefing will take place by 7am. This brief is given by your ranger guides and you will set out on one the most challenging hikes. The 6 hour hike up hill will give you breathtaking views along the way and this day you will hike to the camp at 3,700 meters where you will spend the night. You will need to be physically fit and prepared for this hike.

Day 5: Descend Mount karisimbi

After having your cup of coffee, you will get back on the hiking towards the summit of Mount Karisimbi. The Mount Karisimbi is the highest of the 8 Virunga mountain ranges and you will be able to reach the highest peak on this day. Get to spot the other Virunga mountains from the top of Mount Karisimbi.

Once you have had enough of the top, you will descend back to the trailhead where your driver guide will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in volcanoes for lunch. You will rest and anticipate for the next day’s hike. The night will be spent at your hotel in Volcanoes national park.

Day 6: Mount Bisoke and transfer back to Kigali

Mount Bisoke hike is a one day hike in the Volcanoes national park. You will have an early breakfast at your hotel and set back to the park headquarters for the briefing of hiking Mount Bisoke. You will head out on the same trail that is famous for the mountain gorillas and also spot great birdlife as you ascend. This is a 4 hour hike.

Once you have completed your hike, you will connect to Musanze for lunch and your driver guide will later drop you off at your preferred drop off point.

Trip quote inclusive of

Tourist vehicle with fuel
English speaking driver guide
Accommodation
Meals
Activity/ Hike permits
Nyiragongo backpack
Camping gear
Boat trip on Lake Kivu
DR Congo tourist visa
Transfers, pick up and drop off

Trip quote exclusive of

PCR tests
Flights
Rwanda visa
Items of personal nature like laundry, tip, airtime
Optional activities