Day notes
On arrival in Kigali, you will be met by one of our Inspired Journeys representatives, who will transfer you to Heaven Retreat / or Heaven Chalet Boutique
Transfer from Kigali International Airport [KGL] to Heaven Boutique Hotel
Transfer
Kigali International Airport [KGL]
Heaven Boutique Hotel
Check-in to Heaven Boutique Hotel
Expert tips:
Please have the following ready:
- Passport
With 6 months validity from return to home country and 2 pages available for each country you are visiting - including your return
- Yellow Fever Certificate
This must have your full name and a validity date
- $30 for your Single Entry Rwandan Visa
Day notes
After breakfast, pick up by an Inspired Journeys driver/guide, drive 3.5 hours through the hillsides of Rwanda. On arrival in Gisenyi (Rwanda Border crossing), an Inspired Journeys representative will be there to assist you into Goma (D.R.C Border crossing). The border crossing usually takes 0.5hrs to 1.5hrs
You will arrive at Grande Barriere border crossing at 10:30am and check - in with Virunga tourism office by 11:15am. The tourism office is conveniently located in the Grande Barriere border post building, opposite passport control.
You will receive your gorilla and volcano trek permits at check - in which must be presented at the start of each trek. Once check - in is complete, you will transfer with Virunga shared transport to Kibumba Tented Camp.
You have the afternoon free to relax at camp, taking in the fantastic views of the Virunga Mountain Range. The views of the Virunga mountains from camp are spectacular, particularly on a clear night when you can see the park’s active volcano(es) glowing against the night sky, so have your camera ready.
Check-out from Heaven Boutique Hotel
Transfer from Heaven Boutique Hotel to Kibumba Tented Camp
Transfer
Heaven Boutique Hotel
Kibumba Tented Camp
Check-in to Kibumba Tented Camp
Expert tips:
Your Passport, Yellow Fever Vaccination Card (with name and validity date), Visa application confirmation and Virunga Reservation Summary will be required for this border crossing.
Here you will receive your tourist visa, gorilla & Nyiragongo permits.
Day notes
After an early breakfast at Kibumba Tented Camp, head down the hill to meet your Ranger guides for a briefing before your gorilla trek. Treks usually require 1 - 2.5 hrs of hiking each way, depending on location of the gorilla group being trekked and the difficulty of the terrain. After spending 1 hour with the gorilla family group, you will make your way back to camp, enjoy a late lunch and have the rest of the day at leisure, including time for nature walks and bird watching.
Expert tips:
Dress accordingly as recommended in the Rwanda/D.R.C Info Pack for the gorilla trek, as you may encounter rain and stinging nettles.
Have your cameras ready, and make sure they are fully charged with an extra memory card on hand, as you will be surprised as to how many pictures you will take.
Please pay attention to Tracker / Ranger instructions on ‘Gorilla Etiquette’ and pay attention to the Ranger at all times.
Please note that if you are not feeling well at the time of your scheduled gorilla trek (i.e. you have a cold, fever, diarrhea, or persistent sore throat) – please cancel as Gorillas are extremely susceptible to human illnesses.
This is the night before your VOLCANO TREK
Please make sure you have the following ready:
- Thermal sleeping bag with fleece liner
- Rain poncho
- Long sleeved shirt
Day notes
After breakfast in Kibumba, transfer to the Kibati Ranger Post at 8:15am, which is the departure point for the Nyiragongo volcano trek. On arrival at Kibati, you will receive a briefing, where you will have the opportunity to hire porters.
There will be a cook that accompanies you, who will prepare all your meals and snacks on the trip. It’s about a 4-7 hour hike to the summit, where you will spend the night in the rustic shelters looking at the biggest lava lake on the planet, one of the most spectacular sights in the world. A true once in a lifetime experience!
Check-out from Kibumba Tented Camp
Transfer from Kibumba Tented Camp to Nyiragongo Summit Shelters
Transfer
Kibumba Tented Camp
Nyiragongo Summit Shelters
Check-in to Nyiragongo Summit Shelters
Expert tips:
You may decide to leave some luggage that you do not need on your hike up Nyiragongo at the base offices and pick this up tomorrow. Please make sure your bag is locked and clearly labeled. Do carry your money, passport and other valuables with you.
It is obligatory for every guest to hire a porter. You will need to pay US$24 directly, before you start climbing. Make sure the dollar notes you have are from 2013 or later and are in good condition. Older notes and notes with tears are not accepted. Also try to have the exact money as it can be difficult for the porters to find correct change.
Walking sticks can be bought for a fee of US$5 each and are recommended to help you, particularly by the end of the hike when you are getting tired.
Day notes
Wake up and watch the sunrise; a fantastic experience and photographic opportunity, followed by a simple breakfast on the summit and a last look at the lava lake, start your descend down the mountain around 6:00am.
This will take between 2 -4 hrs depending on your group’s level of fitness.
A Virunga National Park car will meet you at the bottom of the volcano, transfer you back to Goma on a 0.5hr drive, where an Inspired Journeys representative will assist you with your border crossing back into Rwanda.
After the border crossing (0.5hr – 1.5hrs), you may choose to stop in Gisenyi for lunch at Calafia Restaurant or in Ruhengeri at the Bamboo Restaurant, where you can visit the Karaoke Museum (Dian Fossey Museum), and then transfer for 3.5hrs back to Kigali International Airport to connect with your international flight back home.
Check-out from Nyiragongo Summit Shelters
Expert tips:
International check-on is 3hrs prior to flight, there is a small cafe in the International Departure lounge with WIFI and a duty free shop.
