8 Days Virunga and Nyiragongo Safari Tour

Welcome to the ultimate luxury adventure with Rwakabunga Safaris. This exclusive 8 Days Virunga and Nyiragongo Safari Tour is meticulously crafted for discerning tourists seeking an immersive, high-end experience in the heart of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. From the gentle giants of the Virunga Mountains to the primal, glowing lava lake of Mount Nyiragongo, this itinerary combines breathtaking natural wonders with supreme comfort and personalised service. Prepare to be enchanted by the dramatic landscapes of the Democratic Republic of Congo, enjoying exquisite meals and relaxing in some of the region’s most prestigious and secluded lodges after days of exhilarating exploration. This is more than a tour; it is a bespoke journey into the wild, tailored for unforgettable memories.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi)

Your opulent journey begins with an exclusive meet-and-greet at Kigali International Airport, where your private driver-guide will welcome you. You will then embark on a scenic, luxury transfer to the picturesque town of Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu, near the Rwanda-DRC border. The drive itself is a stunning introduction to Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills, with panoramic views of meticulously maintained tea plantations and rolling, verdant countryside. Upon arrival at your hand-picked luxury lakeside accommodation, you will have ample time to relax, perhaps enjoying a sundowner cocktail while overlooking the tranquil waters of the lake, in preparation for your adventure into Virunga.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Kivu Paradise Resort, Paradise Malahide

Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Border Crossing, Virunga Check-in, and Afternoon Relaxation at Mikeno Lodge

Following a leisurely, gourmet breakfast, you will be driven the short distance to the Grand Barrier border crossing into Goma, DRC. Our dedicated team will ensure a smooth, expedited process for your immigration and park permit acquisition. Once formalities are complete, a private transfer will take you to the magnificent Mikeno Lodge, nestled in the Rumangabo sector of Virunga National Park. The remainder of the afternoon is dedicated to your relaxation within the lodge’s stunning grounds; you might opt for a guided walk, visit the nearby Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage (included exclusively for Mikeno Lodge guests), or simply unwind by the fireplace in your luxurious private bungalow, soaking in the dramatic scenery of the rift valley.

Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge, Lac Kivu Lodge (Goma), Tchegera Island Camp

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Virunga Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Exclusive Afternoon Activities

The day starts early with a delightful, pre-trek breakfast before a short drive to the gorilla trekking briefing point. This will be the pinnacle of your safari experience: trekking into the dense, misty forest with expert rangers and trackers to encounter a habituated family of Mountain Gorillas. Tourists will spend a magical and strictly limited hour observing these magnificent, gentle giants in their natural habitat—a profoundly moving and privileged encounter. After descending, a well-deserved sumptuous lunch awaits you back at the lodge. The afternoon is reserved for a tailored activity, such as a guided bird-watching walk or an in-depth visit with the orphaned gorillas at Senkwekwe.

Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Lulimbi Tented Camp

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Transfer and Preparation for Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

After a hearty breakfast, the morning involves a leisurely transfer to the starting point of the Nyiragongo hike, ensuring tourists are fully prepared and rested. You will check in with the park authorities at the Kibati Patrol Post for a pre-hike briefing. Our luxury service ensures all necessary hiking gear, porters, and special comfort amenities are pre-arranged and handled, allowing you to focus entirely on the adventure ahead. The ascent of Mount Nyiragongo begins late morning, climbing through lush forest, then volcanic rock, with regular, well-managed breaks. The pace will be deliberately comfortable to maximize enjoyment and energy conservation, with a gourmet packed lunch served en-route.

Accommodation: Nyiragongo Summit Shelters.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Summit Experience at Nyiragongo’s Lava Lake

Reaching the summit in the late afternoon is a moment of pure triumph, offering unparalleled views over the Virunga Massif. The true luxury of this day is the mesmerizing, spectacular sight of the world’s largest lava lake glowing a fierce red beneath the stars. A dedicated team of porters will have already prepared your sleeping area within the basic but secure summit shelters, where a freshly cooked, satisfying dinner will be served with premium beverages. Tourists will spend the evening enthralled by the earth’s fiery core, a raw and unforgettable experience, before retiring for the night within the unique summit environment.

Accommodation: Nyiragongo Summit Shelters.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Descent and Ultimate Relaxation at Lake Kivu

Wake up to a spectacular sunrise view over the massive caldera before enjoying a warm breakfast at the summit. The descent begins shortly thereafter, typically taking around four to six hours, and is a considerably easier walk back down to the Kibati Patrol Post. Upon arrival, your dedicated driver will be waiting to whisk you away from the volcanic dust to the serene, tranquil shores of Lake Kivu in Gisenyi (Rwanda side, after border crossing). You will check into a lavish resort, where a reserved spa treatment or a private boat cruise on the lake will be arranged to soothe your muscles and celebrate the successful completion of the hike, followed by a gourmet dinner.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Kivu Paradise Resort, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Leisure Day: Lake Kivu Activities or Kigali Exploration

This day is devoted to a choice of leisure and cultural indulgence, depending on your preference for relaxation or further exploration. Tourists can choose to spend the entire day enjoying the five-star amenities of their lakeside resort, which might include kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the infinity pool. Alternatively, an early morning private transfer can be arranged to Kigali for a curated city tour, including a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a stop at an exclusive art gallery, and a high-end shopping experience for local crafts and coffee. In the evening, you will return to Kigali for a final celebratory farewell dinner.

Accommodation: The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali Marriott Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre Kigali

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Departure from Kigali

Your memorable 8-day luxury safari comes to a close. After a final, exquisite breakfast at your hotel, your private driver will transfer you to Kigali International Airport (KGL) in ample time for your international departure flight. Should your flight schedule allow, you may have time for a final stop at a local craft market for souvenir shopping or a brief visit to a coffee roasting facility for a final taste of Rwandan excellence. Rwakabunga Safaris extends its warmest appreciation for entrusting us with your unforgettable journey.

Meals: (Breakfast)

End of the 8 Days Virunga and Nyiragongo Safari Tour.