4 Days Le Petit Mikeno Safari
Our 4 Days Le Petit Mikeno Safari Mountain Gorilla Trek and Nyiragongo hike comes along with three unforgettable nights in the jungles of Virunga National Park. Two of these nights will be spent at the sumptuous Mikeno Lodge while the last night will be on the higher slopes of the Volcano.
First, Virunga National Park is one of the four extraordinary safari destinations offering opportunities to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural environment. So far, 8 gorilla groups have been fully habituated and therefore opened for trekking by travelers who are 15 years and above in addition to possessing valid gorilla permits that cost only $400 per person. This Park also protects the slopes of several Virunga Volcanoes, one of which is the active Mount Nyiragongo.
Day 1: Arrival at Virunga National Park
For the genesis of this Le Petit Mikeno package, be at Grande Barriere Border Crossing by 11:00 am, to allow you to finalize the necessary clearances by noon. During this time, you will acquire your Gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo climbing permits at the check-in with the Virunga Tourism Office. Make sure that these permits are presented at the starting points of respective activities and thus be transferred to the luxurious Mikeno Lodge close to Rumangabo Park Headquarters. Getting to the Lodge, settle in, and freshen up before having lunch as well as unwinding.
Day 2: Trekking mountain gorillas within Virunga National Park
A delicious breakfast starts us off on the second day, after which leave for Bukima Ranger Post. Meet other trekkers waiting to be briefed by expert Ranger guides before embarking on the life-changing trek. Hire a porter and begin the 1-3 hour search for Giant Apes, but the trek sometimes takes longer depending on the difficulty of terrain, weather, and location of the gorilla family. After spending one hour of photography and observation, descend to Bukima Ranger Post for the transfer to the place of lodging. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure-unwinding on the Lodge porch, touring Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, or relish guided nature walks around the Park Headquarters.
Day 3: Climb Mount Nyiragongo from Kibati Ranger Post
Get treated to a delicious breakfast then move or be driven to Kibati Ranger Post, the starting point for the Mount Nyiragongo climbing tour. Have the best time on your hike encountering several animals, unique bird species, and exceptional plant species while heading to the summit. Hiked in five phases of varying levels of difficulty, the ascent takes about 4-6 hours before being ushered to the awe-inspiring views at the summit. Having successfully reached the top, enjoy photography and picnic lunch before finally retiring for overnight camping as well as dinner on the summit.
Day 4: Depart the Crater rim for Kibati Ranger Post
Having enjoyed one of the best nights of this trip, prepare for the descent to Kibati Ranger Post which will take only 3-4 hours depending on the level of fitness. Getting to the bottom, be driven back to the Town of Goma where the drop-off point is at Grande Barriere Border Crossing. This marks the end of our 4 Days Le Petit Mikeno Safari.
