Gorilla Link Tours is one of the few tour operators offering this exciting tour to climb the Nyiragongo Volcano in the Democratic republic of Congo. For a long time it was not possible to climb the volcano due to the unrest in the country but that all changed. Congo is waiting for adventurers to come and explore.

You will depart from Kigali and go to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu for a relaxing afternoon. The next day, you will cross the border at Goma and start climbing the Volcano. You will spend the night on the crater rim and descend the next day. Your driver/guide will transfer you back to Kigali.

Highlights
• Climb the volcano
• Overnight on the crater rim
• Personal cook

Day 1: Airport pick up- Transfer to Gisenyi
Your guide will pick you from the airport and transfer you to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu.
Gisenyi is medium-sized town on the border with D.R. Congo and has a special charm which lures a good mix of Rwandans and expats to its surprisingly numerous beaches. The Lake Kivu frontage is lined with landscapes villas, luxurious hotels and private clubs set in plenty of tropical foliage. Sights and activities include a visit to the Rubona peninsula, the public beach or a nearby tea factory. In the afternoon you have time to explore Gisenyi town. Optional activities can be organized by the lodge. Activities today are at your own cost.You will sleep at Waterfront Resort

Lake Kivu (mid-range)
It is located in the quaint village of Rubona, 6km south of the city, this hotel has a large lawn and private beach giving it a relaxed atmosphere where you can have a drink and unwind. The complex is spacious and authentically decorated in colourful and lively African themes. The traditional rooms have a private outdoor shower.
Journey Time: 2-3 hours to Gisenyi
Accommodation: Waterfront Resort Lake Kivu.
Meal plan: Lunch and dinner

Day 2: Climb Nyiragongo Volcano
Your driver will take you to the Kibati patrol post on the foot of the Nyiragongo Volcano. You will start hiking at 10 AM in the morning. You will have your own porter to carry your backpack and your personal cook will prepare your meal on top of the crater rim. You will need an overnight back pack with a sleeping bag and warm fleece shirt.

The Nyiragongo is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and has the world’s largest lava lake. This strato volcano recently erupted in 2002 but is predictable and therefore safe to climb. The volcano’s forested lower slopes are home to a variety of animals, including monkeys and bushbucks. In the late afternoon you will reach the top with an extraordinary view of the crater filled with sea of lava. You are one of the few persons to admire this spectacle. After a nice hot meal, prepared by your personal cook, you have some time to relax and enjoy the view.
At night you can see the sea of lava in the crater which results in fantastic photos. You will sleep in one of the basic huts on the crater rim.
Journey Time: 5 – 6 hours hike to the top
Accommodation: Nyiragongo summit shelter
Meal plan: All meals

Nyiragongo summit shelter (Basic)
Sleeping on the crater rim of the active Nyiragongo volcano is a once in a life time experience with stunning views of the lava lake at night. The accommodation is very basic at the moment. We expect that by July 2016 there will be a newly build accommodation on the crater rim with a common area. Your personal cook will prepare a delicious hot meal for you. In your backpack you need a comfortable sleeping bag to keep you warm at night. In the morning you wake up feeling like you are on the top of the world

Day 3: Transfer back to Kigali
Today you will descend and have a picnic lunch. After this amazing experience your driver/guide will take you across the border again and he will take you to your accommodation in Kigali or drop you at the airport in time for you flight.

Please note that you will not arrive in Kigali before 6 PM. It is possible to book an extra night in Kigali depending on your flight departure. Contact info@gorillalinktours.com for more information.

Journey Time: 4 hours
Accommodation: Not included
Meal plan: Breakfast
This is the end of a wonderful tour.

Dates:
Since this is a private tour, departure can be organised for anytime throughout the year subject to the availability of accommodation and transport.

Transport
All cars are Toyota Land cruisers or minibus and you will all have a seat near the window. The cars have a pop-up roof for excellent wildlife viewing.

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES
• Transfer to and from Kigali
• Tour guide
• Transport
• Meals as per itinerary
• Gorilla permit
• Golden monkey permit
• Backpack with sleeping bag and fleece vest;
• Accommodation
• Accommodation on the crater rim;
• Chef who cooks hot meals for you on the crater rim;
• Drinking water for during your hike;
• Nyiragongo permit

EXCLUDES
• International air fares to Rwanda;
• Visa for Rwanda;
• Visa service DR Congo (US$100);
• Porter to carry you personal luggage;
• Tips and gratuities to rangers, driver/guide, porter, hotel staff, etc;
• All expenses of personal nature (e.g. drinks, laundry, optional activities, souvenirs etc.).
The bookings for the overnight at the crater rim mentioned in the program and gorilla permit depend on availability. Reservations will only be made after your booking.

Safety and risks
Your own responsibility
Every country in the world has a negative travel advice for travelling in Congo/ DRC. Gorilla Link Tours can only be held responsible for the organization of the trip itself.
Travelling against the travel advice of your country therefore will be on your own risk and you will have to sign for this before going on tour with Gorilla Link Tours. Please check the status from the website of your own embassy and check if this will affect the validation of your travel- or medical insurance. You might have to take alternative or additional travel and health insurances to be covered. Check The UK travel Advice:

Travel with the right attitude
Although the Democratic Republic of the Congo is no longer considered as risky as it used to be, it remains a destination for only the most seasoned, hardcore African traveller. It is not a country for the casual “tourist”: the average backpacker, holidaymaker, and especially those seeking luxury safaris or organized cultural experiences. The DRC remains one of the least developed countries in Africa. When you travel expect that almost every activity runs late, people do not speak English and service at hotels and activities are not to be compared with more experienced tourist destinations in Africa. As well information provided by guides and rangers can be a bit poor. Be flexible and patient. Those who do brave the elements to travel here are in for quite the adventure.

IMPORTANT: LIABILITY INSURANCE
The client acknowledges and accepts that there may be no policy covering Gorilla Link Tours liability to its clients for death, injury, damage or loss occurring anywhere in the world. The client also specifically acknowledges that with respect to passenger accident liability cover this cover may be very limited or may not exist at all. The client acknowledges that he has taken reasonable steps in safeguarding its liability. Although Gorilla Link Tours does hold various insurances this booking condition states that the client must assume he/she is not covered by any Gorilla Link Tours insurance policy, including all liability insurance, for death, injury, damage or any other loss.