Mikeno Mist Package
The Mikeno Mist package is one of our exhilarating and rewarding safari itineraries for Virunga National Park where visitors not only trek the endangered mountain gorillas but also hike to the highest peak of Mount Nyiragongo (one of the most active and beautiful Volcanoes in the World) as well as spending overnights in some of the riveting accommodation facilities.
Having existed since 1925, Virunga is the oldest National Park in Africa and this UNESCO World Heritage Site presents about 7800 square kilometers of swamplands, tropical rainforests, steppes, open spaces and snowfields of Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon). While it is a stronghold for Congo mountain gorillas, don’t be surprised to come across the Okapis, Hippos, warthogs, forest elephants and so much more during your gorilla trek. Our Mikeno Mist Package is for 4 days and what makes it unique is the fact that two of the three nights will be spent at the classic Kibumba Tented Camp while the one night will be at the summit of Mount Nyiragongo.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Border crossing and transfer to Virunga National Park
We shall be at Grande Barriere Border crossing by 11:00 or 11:30am latest then complete the check-in process at Virunga Tourism Office by 12:30pm. You will see the wide smiles of Staff as they gladly welcome you into the country and issue the permits for gorilla trekking as well as Mount Nyiragongo hike. Board the customized 4WD Vehicle and be transferred to Kibumba tented Camp for means and overnight.
Day 2: Trekking Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park
A delicious breakfast is a great idea to start the wonderful gorilla trekking tour in Virunga National Park and we shall first meet at Gikeri Ranger Post for briefing prior to embarking on the actual gorilla trek. Virunga gorilla treks last anywhere between one and three hours, depending on the location of the allocated gorilla group, the weather condition on trekking day and nature of terrains. On spending the one hour for observing and taking photos, get back to the Tented Camp for lunch and rest. From this point the activity you choose to embark on depends on you but there are options of guided nature walks around the Park headquarters, birding tours and visit to the World’s only Mountain gorilla orphanage (referred as Senkwekwe).
Day 3: Climbing the spectacular Nyiragongo Volcano
Get your hiking gear and have breakfast, then head to Kibati Ranger Post (departure point for the Nyiragongo Volcano climbing tour) by 8:00am. This is followed by the mandatory briefing on the guidelines to be followed, history of the Volcano and also expectations with an opportunity of also hiring a porter. Be ready for 4-7 hours of climbing depending on pace of the group and be at the summit in the afternoon. Picnic lunch will be enjoyed here after taking photos and admiring the beauty of Mother Nature.
Day 4: Depart the Summit of Mount Nyiragongo and return back to Goma
You will depart from the summit of Mount Nyiragongo as early as 6:00am after breakfast and embark on the descent to Kibati Ranger Post. On reaching there, you will find the driver waiting to take you back to Goma Town. The Drop-off point for this safari is Grande Barriere Border crossing and this marks the end of the Mikeno Mist package.
