Itinerary
13 days Congo Nyiragongo volcano and Rwenzori Mountains hiking
Exploring the African continent must be one of the most thrilling experiences to encounter in one’s lifetime. With over 1000 tourist attraction destinations in different countries, the continent is surely one of the must be visited places on the world. Among these destinations, there includes the ice glaciated mountains like Mount Rwenzori that provides a mystical challenge to the hikers and also Nyiragongo volcano which makes the clouds red and beautiful in the clear night times. For one to enjoy these places, a13 days Congo Nyiragongo and Rwenzori Mountains hiking has been designed to help plan for your successful trip.
13 days Congo Nyiragongo and Rwenzori Mountains hiking detailed itinerary
Day 1: Pick up in Kigali
In the morning after your delicious breakfast at the lodge/hotel, our company representative will pick you up and make a transfer to Democratic Republic of Congo in Goma town. Have your lunch, dinner and overnight in Goma town as you prepare for the next day hike.
Day 2: Nyiragongo hike
Wake up for the morning breakfast and proceed to the starting point of the Virunga national park for briefing about the hiking activity. Hiking to the summit of the volcano takes about 6 hours and while at the peak, fancy your eyes with the incredible lava lake as you watch the waves of the lava and also listening to its roars.
Accommodation: Camping at the summit of the volcano
Day 3: Departure to Tchegera Island
In the morning after breakfast at the summit of the volcano, you will descend back to the starting point where you will meet your driver guide for your transfer to Tchegera Island for some relaxation. Tchegera Island is the greatest place for relaxation more so after hiking Nyiragongo and tracking the gorillas. You will organize a picnic at the island and a lot of activities like swimming in the bay, kayaking and others can be done while there.
During the clear night hours, enjoy the adventurous moment as the Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira volcanoes turn the night sky red with their glowing lava.
Accommodation: Tchegera Island Camps
Day 4: Departure to Mutsora via Mavivi Airport
In the morning after your breakfast, you will take a boat cruise to Goma city where you will proceed to Goma International Airport. The flight from the Goma airport will take you to Mavivi airport where you will meet our company representatives for your transfer to Mutsora. Upon your arrival, you will be accompanied by armed rangers up to the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains national park. Depending on your arrival time, you can opt for a bush walk where you will experience thermal water, the natural hot water flowing in the rocks of the foothills of Rwenzori Massifs.
Day 5: Climb to the first lodging – Kalonge at 2138m
After your breakfast, you will depart to Kalevia which is located 4km away from Mutsora. Here, you will be briefed and registered for the activity. From Mutsora, you will head to Kyandolirwe which is the starting point for hiking. The hike to the first lodging- Kalonge takes about 6 hours and this involves passing through different forest zones as you spot several natural creatures like birds, Rwenzori turaco, Guerrezza monkeys, red tailed monkey guenons, and many others. You will also see a couple of rivers during the first trek to Kalonge.
Accommodation: Basic hut in Kalonge
Day 6: Climb up to Mahangu at 3310m
Have your breakfast at Kalonge and continue with your Rwenzori hiking experience to Mahangu. During this hike, you cross different features including Nyamuamba River where you will get water that will help you get to the summit. The trek will also expose you to several species including chimpanzees, Rwenzori turaco, Jackson’s Chameleon, Green peacock and the rare antelopes that can only be seen in Rwenzori.
Accommodation: Hut in Mahangu
Day 7: Hike up to Kiondo at 4200m
After your breakfast at Mahangu, you will proceed to Kiondo basic hut passing through the beautiful vegetation that is made up of lobelia flowers, Carex Flowers, Ageless flowers and others. As you having the hike, you will spot the Rwenzori turaco, Guerrezzas monkeys, pied crows, Jackson’s chameleon, sunlight birds and others.
Accommodation: Basic Hut in Kiondo
Day 8: Hike up to Moraine at 4350m
In the morning after breakfast, you will proceed with the hike to Moraine where you will spend your beautiful evening and relaxed night as you prepare for the tough trek up to the summit. The trek to moraine is among the most dangerous since it involves crossing the fault which put trekkers at risk of falling, getting injured or even dying.
Accommodation: Basic Hut in Moraine
Day 9: Trek up to Peak Margherita at 5109m
On this day, you will have your breakfast as you prepare for a 6 hours trek up to the third highest mountain range in Africa with the beautiful snowcapped peaks of Margherita (5,109m) and Alexandra (5083m) on mount Stanley. On this adventurous day, you will pass through narrow ridges and the conditions at the peak are mostly chilly since they are covered in glaciers. After arriving at the peak, you will take different photos and later head down to moraine in a 3 to 4 hours descent.
Accommodation: Moraine
Day 10: Descend to Mahangu at 3310m
On this day, you will start the descent to the foothills of Rwenzori Massifs. Descending will be easier compared to the challenging hike. You will spend your night at Mahangu basic huts.
Accommodation: Mahangu
Day 11: Descend back to the starting point
In the morning after your breakfast at Mahangu, you will continue with the descend up to Mutsora, the Rwenzori foothills where you will your drive for another transfer to the lodge.
Day 12: Cultural Visits in Mutwanga
On this day, you will have a great opportunity to interact with the locals around the park in Mutwanga village. The village is known for housing the Nande people who live in the foothills of the mountain. In this experience, you will learn more from the locals including farming, animal rearing, as you also engage in different sorts of entertainment like traditional dances, music, dramas, and many others.
Accommodation at Mutsora
Day 13: Departure from Mutsora
In the morning after your breakfast, you will be brought to Kasindi Border Post, cross into Uganda. Our driver will be waiting for you in Uganda to drive you to Entebbe International Airport via Kampala for drop-off
