The Petit Virunga (Mikeno) Package
per person
The Petit Virunga (Mikeno) package takes you to Virunga national park to spend 2 nights at Mikeno lodge and 1 night at the top of Nyiragongo volcano. Tourists interested in this package must be at Grande Barrier border by 11:00am for check in and prepare for a smooth departure. Travelers who book the petit Virunga (Mikeno) tour package is scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Therefore, plan very well if you are interested in this package right from your flight bookings and so forth. This package allows visitors to meet mountain gorillas, hike mount Nyiragongo and also visit the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage center.
The Petit Virunga (Mikeno) Package Highlight
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to the park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking In Virunga national park
Day 3: Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano
Day 4: Descend and transfer to Grande Barriere Border
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to the park
Arrival at Grande Barriere border crossing by 11:30am and head to the Virunga tourism office for check in. The tourism office in situated at Grande Barriere border post building just opposite the passport control. Get your gorilla and volcano trek permits that you will present to the park authorities before commencing mountain gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo hiking experience.
After, transfer to Virunga national park headquarters in Rumangabo for a check in at Mikeno Lodge. Have lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Alternatively, you may explore several nature trails of Rumangabo, bird watch or visit to the Congohounds.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking In Virunga national park
Have an early morning breakfast at Mikeno Lodge and set off to Bukima ranger post to meet your ranger guides and local pisteurs for a quick briefing session about your tour. After, start your trail into the deep jungles of the park in search for mountain gorillas. During tracking, you may encounter a number of bird species, reptiles and lots of tree species. Trekking takes about 1 to 2 ½ hours each way depending on the location of your allocated gorilla family. Once you meet the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend a full hour with them. Take as many photos as possible, watch them swing from tree branches, feed and play with the family members. After, retire and return to Mikeno Lodge to spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the serenity of the wilderness. Alternatively, you may visit the gorilla orphans at the Senkwekwe Center.
Day 3: Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano
Have breakfast at Mikeno lodge and transfer to Kibati Ranger Post at 8:15am. Kibati is a departure point for mount Nyiragongo hiking experience and trek. On arrival to Kibati, you will be briefed and you will get an opportunity to hire porter during this time. Later, start your hike to the summit of the volcano. The trek takes 4 to 6 hours depending on the physical fitness of the hikers. You will have dinner and overnight stay at the summit.
Day 4: Descend and transfer to Grande Barriere Border
By 6:30am you will leave the crater rim and start to descend back to Kibati. This journey takes about 4 hours from the summit to the base of the volcano. Once you reach to the bottom, you will be transported back to Goma with drop-off at the Grande Barriere to end The Petit Virunga (Mikeno) package
Included in this package:
2 nights full board accommodation at Mikeno Lodge
Gorilla trekking permit
Volcano hiking permit
1-night stay at Nyiragongo
All transport to, from and within the Park once in country
Not included in this package:
DR Congo Visa
Beverages
Rental of Nyiragongo backpack
Porter fees
Gratuities and anything of personal nature.
What to Pack for The Petit Virunga (Mikeno) package
Are you planning to book the Petit Virunga (Mikeno) package in Virunga national park in DR Congo? Consider the following things to pack for a memorable gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo hiking tour in Congo.
Hiking Boots
Gorilla trekking in Congo involves hiking in search for the endangered mountain gorillas. Looking at the nature of the landscape and altitude, you need light weight hiking boots while executing this package
Garden Gloves
Yes, you need to pack garden gloves to your hands during your gorilla trekking in Virunga forest. During trekking, you may get slippery and somehow hold on some thorny plants and trees. Therefore, gloves may help you from getting physical scratches and injuries in your hands.
Rain Jacket
Virunga national park is located in the tropical rain forest region of DR Congo with rainfall being received throughout the year. Therefore, you never know when it will rain, just carry your rain jacket to be ready for any weather changes.
Long Sleeved Shirts/Blouse/trousers
You are strongly advised to carry long sleeved trousers/shirts for your gorilla trekking in Congo. On the tracking day, please put on long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to avoid insects such as safari ants taking advantage of you.
Cameras and extra batteries
Photography is an important component of your safari to Virunga national park hence have your camera ready, charge your batteries very well and if necessary and carry extra batteries during your excursion. Please make sure that you switch off your flash while taking photos of mountain gorillas during the Petit Virunga (Mikeno) package.