Virunga National Park in eastern DR Congo is Africa’s oldest national park and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, home to over a quarter of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This 3-day safari takes you into the park’s forested slopes near Bukima, on the flanks of the active Nyiragongo volcano, for a trek to meet a habituated gorilla family in a dramatic Rift Valley setting.
3 Days Virunga Gorilla Safari
- 3 Days
Adult
From
$ 1,500
Per Adult
Virunga Safari Description
Duration
3 Days
Language
English, French
Included
- 2 nights' accommodation on a full-board basis (as specified in itinerary)
- 1 Virunga gorilla trekking permit
- All ground transportation with an English/French-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and treks
- Airport/Goma pick-up and drop-off as arranged
- Ranger and tracker fees for the gorilla trek
Excluded
- International flights and visa fees
- Nyiragongo volcano hike and overnight (optional add-on)
- Travel and medical/evacuation insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers, and porters
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses (souvenirs, phone calls, laundry, etc.)
- Porter fees for gorilla trekking (optional, recommended, paid locally)
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
Congo Gorilla Safari Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival and Transfer to Virunga
Arrive in Goma and transfer by road to the Bukima area on the edge of Virunga National Park, with views of Nyiragongo volcano along the way. Check in to your lodge, receive a safety and trekking briefing, and relax for the evening.
- Overnight: Lodge near Bukima/Virunga National Park (full board)
Day 2 - Gorilla Trekking Experience
Early breakfast followed by a briefing at park headquarters before setting off with rangers and trackers in search of a habituated gorilla family. Trekking time varies from 1–5 hours depending on the gorillas' location. Once found, spend a full hour observing and photographing them at close range. Return to the lodge in the afternoon to rest, or opt for an additional cultural visit.
- Overnight: Lodge near Bukima/Virunga National Park (full board)
Day 3 - Departure or Optional Nyiragongo Add-On
Free morning at leisure, with the option to extend your stay for a Nyiragongo volcano hike (typically requires an additional overnight). Otherwise, check out after breakfast and transfer back to Goma for your onward departure.
- Meals: Breakfast
Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
The security situation in eastern DR Congo can change, and the park periodically closes access to certain sectors as a precaution. We monitor official Virunga National Park advisories closely and confirm current conditions before every departure.
Permit prices are set by Virunga National Park and are generally lower than in Uganda or Rwanda; we confirm the current rate at the time of booking, as it can change seasonally.
A reasonable level of fitness is helpful since trails can be steep and muddy, but treks proceed at a comfortable pace and porters are available to assist.
Trekking is possible year-round, but the drier months (mid-December to February and June to August) generally offer easier trail conditions.
Most travelers fly into Goma International Airport in DR Congo (via Kigali, Rwanda, or other regional hubs), followed by a road transfer of about 1–2 hours to the park.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots, gardening-style gloves, long trousers and sleeves, a rain jacket, a hat, insect repellent, and a daypack with water and snacks are recommended.
The minimum age set by Virunga National Park is 15 years old.
Yes, hiking to the summit of Nyiragongo to see its active lava lake is a popular add-on, though it requires an extra day and overnight at the crater rim.
Most nationalities require a visa, which can typically be arranged in advance or on arrival at Goma; we advise confirming current entry requirements before travel.
Sightings are very likely given the trackers' knowledge of the gorillas' movements, but it's worth confirming Virunga's follow-up trek or refund policy at the time of booking in the rare case of a missed trek.
From $ 1,500
Book This Tour
From $ 1,500
Book This Tour