THE VIRUNGA CLASSIC
THE VIRUNGA CLASSIC
The Virunga Classic is a 5-day Double Gorilla Trekking and Mount Nyiragongo Hiking package within Virunga National Park, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This package involves spending overnights within three wonderful places that include Mikeno Lodge, Ngila Lodge and another on the upper slopes of the Nyiragongo Volcano. Trekking Mountain Gorillas is amazing, Trekking two gorilla families is magical but double gorilla treks combined with hiking one of the World’s most active Volcanoes is hilarious. The Virunga Classic Trip departs and ends in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Goma and transfer to Virunga National Park
Arrive Goma via Grande Barriere border post by 11:00am and finalize with the necessary check-in at Virunga Tourism Office by 12:00pm. This border post within Goma, on the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo border is the gateway into Virunga National Park and is where visitors make a stop to acquire gorilla permits, Mount Nyiragongo Hiking permits and also where the Visas are issued on arrival (although have to be applied/processed at least 3 weeks in advance). You will be provided with your double gorilla permits as well as Mount Nyiragongo hiking permit, then pick-up from our safari driver for a drive to Mikeno Lodge. Lunch will be on arrival at the luxurious Mikeno Lodge and later undertake nature walks through Rumangabo or relax at the Lodge terrace.
Day 2: First Exciting Gorilla Trek of the Virunga Classic
After a hefty breakfast, trekkers set off to Bukima Ranger post (starting point for Virunga Treks and other Park activities). On reaching the Ranger Post, meet other trekkers, Ranger guides as well as porters (to be hired at your own cost) ready to take on the thrilling trek. Receive a briefing from the Park Officials before starting the trek for the mountain gorillas. Virunga National Park is home to 8 habituated gorilla families and for your safari, you will get a chance to trek two families, the first being on this day. Treks to search for mountain gorillas are physically demanding and require about 1-3 hours of hiking through varying landscapes and terrains. The length of treks depends on location of the habituated gorilla group being trekked as well as the difficulty of the terrain. After spending the allocated one hour with the gorilla group, meet up with your safari driver for a transfer to Ngila Lodge to partake of the sumptuous Lunch.
Due to the hectic nature of treks, you can choose to relax at the Lodge veranda while enjoying views of the Virunga Volcanoes and Lodge surrounding, participate in leisurely bird walks or explore some of the Park’s conservation initiatives such as the Bamboo project.
Day 3: Trek the second Gorilla Group in Virunga National Park
The second gorilla trek in Virunga National Park is similar to the first (in terms of process) but a different gorilla group will be trekked on this day. By 8:00am treks start through the forest and require 1-3 hours before the gorillas are found. On completing the trek, get back to Ngila Lodge for Lunch and be driven to Mikeno Lodge. The afternoon will be spent relaxing at the Lodge terrace or exploring the different tourist activities at the Lodge such as community walks, visiting the Bamboo projects and birding.
Day 4: Climbing Mount Nyiragongo (Ascent).
Have a hefty breakfast at Mikeno Lodge and be transferred to Kibati Ranger Post, the starting point (trailhead) of the Mount Nyiragongo hike. On getting there, receive briefing from Park Rangers and hire porters (not mandatory but very crucial). Start climbing slowly while identifying different flora and fauna, then reach the summit for overnight. Ascent takes 4-6 hours depending on the pace of hiking, but unmatched views of the Crater as well as other Virunga Volcanoes shall hold everlasting memories.
Day 5: Descent and transfer to Goma
At 6:00am have breakfast and prepare yourself, so that by 6:30am you start descending the spectacular Nyiragongo Crater to Kibati Ranger Post. Descent takes about 4 hours and once at the base, embark on your transfer to Goma Town with drop-off at Grande Barriere Border post. This marks the end of our Virunga Classic Package.
