Family Safaris
8-Day Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife family tour
Our 8 day Uganda family safari packs the very best of the Pearl of Africa into one easy, well-paced trip.
5 Days Congo Gorillas & Nyiragongo Hiking Safari
Our 5 day Congo gorilla and Nyiragongo hike is made for travellers who love discovery and adventure. You start in Kigali, Rwanda, where you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Kandt House Museum and the former Presidential Palace. Then you cross into the Democratic Republic of Congo to trek mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. Finally, you climb to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo and spend the night in huts near the crater rim.
Virunga is Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a result, it is a remarkable place to meet some of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Meanwhile, Nyiragongo is one of the most active volcanoes in Africa, and it is famous for its lava lake.
Congo gorilla and Nyiragongo hike highlights
- Mountain gorilla trekking from the Mikeno sector, with one hour beside a gorilla family.
- A summit hike up Nyiragongo, with a night in the mountain huts.
- Views over the Virunga volcanoes, lakes and villages.
- A night on the shores of Lake Kivu in Gisenyi.
- A Kigali city tour, with time for souvenir shopping.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up in Kigali and transfer to the Congo border
When you arrive at Kigali International Airport, your driver-guide gives you a warm welcome. Then he briefs you on everything you need to know about your 5 days in DR Congo.
Time permitting, you take a short Kigali city tour. You can visit the genocide memorial, the presidential palace museum and a few craft centres for souvenirs. Afterwards, you drive on a smooth road towards Virunga National Park. At the Grande Barrière border post, you clear immigration and make sure your gorilla permits for Virunga are in order. Finally, you check in at your lodge near the Nyiragongo trailhead for dinner and the night.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
After a good breakfast, you report to the Mikeno patrol post with your passport and gorilla permit for registration. Then you attend a briefing on the rules to follow while you search for your assigned gorilla family.
All gorilla treks in Virunga start from here. With park rangers by your side, you can expect to hike for about 2–4 hours. The time depends on your pace, your fitness and where the gorillas have moved.
The hike can be tiring. However, once you find the family, you spend one hour watching these huge but gentle animals. You can see them play and feed, and you can take photos to remember the moment.
Day 3: Hike Mount Nyiragongo
After an early breakfast, you pick up a packed lunch and head to the park headquarters for a briefing on the summit hike. The climb can take up to 6 hours. Still, good fitness, plenty of water, a porter and proper hiking boots make it much easier.
The hike starts at 10:00 am after the briefing. On the way up, you enjoy views of the nearby Virunga volcanoes, lakes and villages. At the top, you have a snack and dinner. Then you spend the night in the Nyiragongo mountain huts.
Day 4: Descend and drive to Gisenyi, Rwanda
After an early breakfast, you walk back down the volcano to the trailhead. Following a short rest, your driver-guide takes you across to Gisenyi in Rwanda. On the way, you enjoy views of the gentle slopes of the Virunga range, green fields and large lakes. Finally, you check in at your lodge on the shores of Lake Kivu for dinner and the night.
Day 5: Kigali city tour and departure
You wake up to a tasty breakfast and then check out of the lodge. Next, you drive to Kigali. If you did not tour the city on the first day, you can do it now. You visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Caplaki crafts village for souvenir shopping. Finally, we drop you at the airport for your flight home.
Travel in eastern DR Congo
Conditions in eastern DR Congo can change, and park access may change with them. For this reason, Roots checks the current situation and the status of Virunga National Park and the Nyiragongo hike before we confirm your booking. We will also keep you informed as your travel date approaches. You can follow park updates on the official Virunga National Park website.
Who this trip suits
This trip suits fit, adventurous travellers. The gorilla trek can take several hours, and the climb up Nyiragongo takes most of a day on steep, rocky ground. Therefore, you should be comfortable with long uphill walks. Gorilla trekking is generally limited to people aged 15 and over. In addition, you will need a passport and visas for both Rwanda and DR Congo, and we will advise you on the current entry rules.
Best time to go
You can take this trip all year round. However, the drier months, roughly June to September and December to February, usually bring firmer trails and clearer views from the summit. On the other hand, the wetter months bring greener forest and fewer visitors. Since rain and cold are possible at any time on the volcano, always pack a waterproof jacket and warm clothes.
Tips for your Congo gorilla and Nyiragongo hike
Good preparation makes both treks far easier:
- Wear broken-in hiking boots with strong grip.
- Pack warm layers, a hat and gloves. The summit is very cold at night.
- Bring a head torch. It is useful around the huts after dark.
- Carry enough water and snacks for a long climb.
- Hire a porter. As a result, you can walk with a lighter bag.
Gorilla permits and hiking fees are set by the park authorities and change from time to time. Therefore, we will confirm the current rates when you enquire. For a full packing list, read our guide on what to pack for gorilla trekking.
Extend or combine your trip
If you would like to add chimpanzees, our 5 day Rwanda and Congo primates safari ends in Nyungwe Forest. Alternatively, you can look for eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. You can also explore more parks in DR Congo.
Every trip with Roots Tours & Travel is tailor-made. So, just tell us your dates, group size and interests. Then we will send you a clear itinerary for free. Get in touch today to start planning.
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Not sure where to start? Chat with our safari specialists. We’ll help you find the perfect adventure.Every great journey begins with a conversation. Let’s plan yours.
Contact Us
- info@tourwithroots.com
- +256 776 83 1722
- +256 200 905 219
- Universal Apartments, Spine Road - Naalya - Kampala(U)
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