Trip Rwanda/DRC - Nyiragongo and Gorillas

Travel Rwanda / DRC

Nyiragongo and Gorillas

Travel details Rwanda / DRC

Rwanda, a republic in east-central Africa, is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south and Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west.

The Nyiragongo (Stratovolcano – 3469 m), one of the most active volcanoes in the world, is located at the southern end of the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, in the Virunga Mountains range (Democratic Republic of the Congo).

The East African Rift is a giant collapse in the lithosphere of the African continent. It stretches from south of the Red Sea to north of the Zambezi more than 6000 km long and 40 to 60 km wide. It divides into two branches north of Lake Malawi. Large deep lakes occupy this rift: Lake Kiwu, Lake Tanganyka, Lake Malawi.

Highlights - Travel Rwanda / DRC

Ascent of Nyiragongo
The Mikeno Volcano Forest
The Mountain Gorillas
Relaxation in the paradisiacal bay of Rubona

11volcanes emociones viajes visitar volcan

Passionate Range

These expeditions are for true adventurers with a high level of physical fitness in the mountains. We will climb the volcanoes we have selected for their beauty and eruptive activity. Accompanied by sherpas and guides who will make this volcanic dream possible.

Including

Entry visas for Rwanda and DR Congo
Transfers in Rwanda
Transfers in DR Congo (Jeep 4x4)
Nyiragongo ascent permit
Porters on the Nyiragongo ascent
All transport, accommodation, arrangements and meals mentioned.
Guide for the entire journey and all activities - including the ascent of the volcano.
Travel insurance (basic)

Not included

International Flights
Any other item not mentioned in the section on included services

Camp Base

Pharmacy
Mosquito repellent
A backpack (about 70 litres)
A small backpack for day trips
A pair of gloves
A rain cape
Two lanterns
A pair of walking shoes
A waterproof jacket

Itinerary - Travel Rwanda / DRC

Day 1KIGALI

Arrival at the airport.
Transfer to Guest House / Boutique Hotel.
Dinner.

Day 2KIGALI - GOMA (RDC)

Transfer by 4×4 to Gisenyi. We cross the DR Congo border and enter Goma. Very few people enjoy this city, but it is without doubt one of our favourites in the whole continent.

Transport: 4 hours
Overnight in Hotel

Day 3GOMA - RUMANGABO (RDC)

Transfer by Jeep 4×4 to Rumangabo, the main base of the Virunga National Park. There we can learn about the work of these heroes to conserve the planet. We rest in an unimaginable place embedded in the jungle.

Transport: 1 hour and a half
Overnight at the lodge

Day 4RUMANGABO - BUKIMA (VOLCÁN DE MIKENO) - GORILA TREK

Transfer by Jeep 4×4 to the base of Bukima through the deep Kivu, between peasant villages and dreamlike landscapes. Today we enter the jungle of the Mikeno volcano to track one of the families of Mountain Gorillas that live there.

Transport: 1 hour one way, 1 hour return. 3-5 hours trekking.
Overnight at the lodge

Day 5NYIRAGONGO TREK

Transport by Jeep 4×4 to the base of Kibati. The road offers beautiful views of some of the Virunga, such as Karisimbi, Visoke and Nyamuragira. From there we start our ascent to the summit of Nyiragongo, at 3500 metres above sea level. The climb usually takes about 5-6 hours, with a difference in altitude of 1500 metres.

The Nyiragongo Trek is unique, crossing jungle, lava rivers and the Afro-Alpine biome, rich in endemic species of lobelia and giant senecios. A wild spectacle awaits us at the top.

1 hour trek.
6 hours of trekking.
Night at the summit

Day 6KIBATI - RUBONA (RUANDA)

Descent from the volcano and transfer by 4×4 to the border of Goma and continue to the paradisiacal bay of Rubona, on the shores of Lake Kivu.

Transport: 45 minutes.
Overnight at -EcoLodge-.

Day 7RUBONA - KIGALI

Transfer by 4×4 to Kigali, with the last views of the Virunga.

Transport: 4 hours.
Overnight in flight.

Recommendations - Travel Rwanda / DRC

Passport valid for 6 months after the intended date of departure from the country
All visa requirements

Vaccines

A yellow fever vaccination is compulsory and it is highly recommended that you visit the international vaccination service before your trip to ask for advice. For more information on health and vaccinations, please visit the Ministry of Health website.

Climate of Rwanda / DRC

Rwanda’s climate is tropical and its altitude makes the climate temperate. Temperatures vary with altitude. In the mountains, frost and snowfall occur. The average temperature in the Lake Kivu area, at an altitude of 1460m, is 23°C (73°F). Rwanda is considered the thunderstorm capital of the world because of the intensity of thunderstorms during its two rainy seasons: March to May and October to December.