Rwanda & Congo: Gorillas & Volcano Hiking
A Rwanda and Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC) safari offers an incredibly adventurous and rugged experience, allowing travelers to encounter mountain gorillas and undertake strenuous volcano hikes in the dramatic landscapes of the Virunga Massif. This combination is ideal for intrepid travelers and serious trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path African adventure.
Why Combine Rwanda & Congo?
- Ultimate Gorilla Experience: While both countries have mountain gorillas, combining them allows for multiple treks in different terrains or seeing gorillas at a potentially lower permit cost in the DRC.
- Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park): Known for its high-end luxury lodges, very well-managed park, and generally shorter trekking times to gorillas ($1,500 permit).
- DRC (Virunga National Park): Offers a more raw, challenging, and immersive trekking experience, often in denser vegetation. The gorilla permit here is significantly cheaper ($400 permit as of current pricing, but subject to change and specific packages). Virunga is known for its incredible biodiversity and dramatic landscapes.
- Nyiragongo Volcano Hike: The undisputed highlight of a DRC visit is the overnight trek to the summit of the active Nyiragongo Volcano, witnessing its mesmerizing lava lake. This is a truly unique and spectacular experience not found anywhere else.
- Diverse Landscapes: From Rwanda’s lush, cultivated hills and volcanic peaks to DRC’s wilder, more untamed rainforests and active volcanoes.
- Adventure Focus: This combination is for travelers who prioritize raw adventure, challenging treks, and truly off-the-grid experiences.
Typical Itinerary Flow
A common approach is to fly into Kigali, do gorilla trekking in Rwanda, then cross the border into the DRC for the Nyiragongo hike and potentially another gorilla trek.
Phase 1: Rwanda – Gorilla Trekking & Culture (3-4 Days)
- Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL), meet your guide, and transfer to a lodge near Volcanoes National Park (VNP) in Musanze (approx. 2.5-3 hours drive).
- Day 2: Morning Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Afternoon at leisure, relaxation, or community visit.
- Day 3 (Optional): Golden Monkey Trekking in VNP OR Dian Fossey Gravesite Hike. Afternoon explore local markets or cultural sites.
- Day 4: Morning cultural activity. Afternoon transfer to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at Goma (Grande Barrière or Petite Barrière border crossings, approx. 1-hour drive from Musanze). Cross into Goma, DRC, and transfer to a lodge in Goma or immediately begin your Nyiragongo hike.
Phase 2: DRC – Nyiragongo Volcano Hike & Optional Gorilla Trek (3-4 Days)
- Day 4 (cont.): Begin the Nyiragongo Volcano Trek. This is an all-day ascent, typically 4-6 hours of strenuous hiking to reach the summit cabins.
- Day 5: Spend the night at the summit cabins, marveling at the glowing lava lake. Descend Nyiragongo in the morning (approx. 3-4 hours). Transfer back to Goma for an overnight stay.
- Day 6 (Optional): Morning Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park (DRC). This requires an early start and transfer from Goma into the park. Afternoon relaxation or exploration of Goma.
- Day 7: Cross back into Rwanda at the Goma/Gisenyi border. Transfer back to Kigali International Airport (KGL) for departure.
Logistics and Considerations
- Visas: This is the most critical and often complex part. You will need separate visas for Rwanda and the DRC.
- DRC Visa: The DRC visa for Virunga National Park (especially for the Nyiragongo hike or gorilla trek) is often part of the Virunga package or arranged through the park itself. It’s tied to your planned activities with the park. This visa needs to be secured well in advance and can be challenging to obtain independently.
- Rwanda Visa: Standard Rwandan visa requirements apply.
- Permits: Gorilla permits for both countries (Rwanda $1,500, DRC $400) and Nyiragongo volcano permits must be booked well in advance.
- Security: The eastern DRC has historically been prone to instability. It is absolutely crucial to check current travel advisories and only travel with reputable tour operators who have established safety protocols and strong local networks in Virunga National Park. Virunga National Park and African Parks (who manage the park) have their own strict security measures in place.
- Transportation: A private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide is essential for transfers and border crossings.
- Health: Consult your doctor for necessary vaccinations (Yellow Fever is mandatory for DRC and often required for Rwanda if coming from DRC) and malaria prophylaxis for both destinations. Be prepared for high altitudes (Nyiragongo) and physically demanding treks.
- Packing: Pack layers, warm clothing for Nyiragongo’s summit (temperatures drop significantly at night), waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, gaiters, and a good headlamp for the volcano.
- Accommodation: Lodging in Goma is generally more basic than in Rwanda. Summit cabins on Nyiragongo are very rustic.
This Rwanda and Congo combination offers an unparalleled, raw African adventure for those who are prepared for the challenges and complexities of travel in the region. The rewards, particularly witnessing the lava lake and encountering gorillas in two distinct settings, are truly immense.