6-Day Bwindi Gorilla and Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

Your journey begins with a warm reception at Kigali International Airport or from your hotel in Kigali, where you’ll meet your professional driver guide. After a brief introduction and safari briefing, you’ll embark on a scenic 4-5 hour drive through the rolling hills of Rwanda and across the Cyanika or Katuna border into Uganda’s southwestern highlands. The landscapes are stunning, with terraced farms and mist-covered hills leading into the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, check into your luxurious forest lodge, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch, and spend the rest of the day relaxing in the cool mountain air.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Bwindi Lodge

Today is the highlight of your adventure — the unforgettable gorilla trek. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking rules and etiquette. With your trekking group and an experienced ranger guide, you’ll set off into the dense rainforest, guided by the sounds of birds and the rustling of leaves. The trek may take anywhere between one and eight hours depending on the gorillas’ movements, but every step through this pristine jungle brings you closer to one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring encounters.

When you finally find the gorilla family, you’ll spend one precious hour observing them as they feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat. The emotional connection of standing just meters away from these gentle giants is indescribable — a humbling reminder of our shared bond with nature. Afterward, return to your lodge for lunch, relaxation, and a peaceful evening surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the forest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Bwindi Lodge
Accommodations option: Chimpanzee Forest guest house ( Budget ) or Primates lodge (Luxury) or Kibale Forest camp (Mid-Range)

After breakfast, bid farewell to Bwindi and embark on a scenic 4-5 hour drive to Gisenyi, a picturesque lakeside town on the Rwandan side of Lake Kivu. The route offers breathtaking views of terraced hills, rural villages, and the shimmering expanse of Lake Kivu — one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Upon arrival, check into your lakeside hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. You may choose to stroll along the lakefront, swim, or simply relax as the sun sets over the calm waters.

Destination: Lake Kivu (Gisenyi)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Nature walk is done in the Bigodi Swamp this is to enable you spot primates like Vervet & L’Hoest monkey and also observe plenty of bird species. You will return to the lodge in the evening for your dinner and overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, you’ll transfer to the Democratic Republic of Congo border, where you’ll meet park rangers for a briefing at the Virunga National Park headquarters. Today’s challenge is the iconic hike up Mount Nyiragongo — one of Africa’s most active volcanoes. The trek takes around 5-6 hours through lush rainforest and rocky terrain, offering sweeping views of the Virunga range along the way.

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with one of Earth’s most mesmerizing sights — the world’s largest active lava lake, glowing and bubbling deep within the crater. Spend the evening taking in this fiery spectacle under the night sky. Your overnight stay in simple tented cabins on the crater rim provides an unmatched experience of sleeping beside an active volcano.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Summit Camping at Nyiragongo Volcano
Accommodation Buhoma community lodge(Budget ) or Buhoma haven lodge (Mid-Range) or Mahogany springs lodge (L

Wake up to crisp mountain air and a breathtaking sunrise over the Virunga range. After breakfast, begin your descent from the volcano, a journey that takes approximately 3-4 hours. Once at the base, you’ll meet your driver and transfer to Goma, a vibrant lakeside city known for its lively atmosphere and fascinating culture. Spend the afternoon exploring the local communities, enjoying scenic nature walks, or simply unwinding at your lodge overlooking Lake Kivu.

Destination: Goma – Virunga National Park Area
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Ihusi Hotel or Mikeno Lodge
Accommodation options: Bunyonyi overland (Budget) or Bunyonyi rock resort (Mid-Range) or Bird nest Bunyonyi (Luxury)

After breakfast, you’ll set off for Kigali, crossing the border back into Rwanda. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a brief Kigali city tour — visiting key landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, and scenic viewpoints — before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight. As your adventure ends, you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories of gorilla encounters, volcanic heights, and the timeless beauty of the African wild.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch