Keep up to date on our special offers here. For more information please contact visit@virunga.org.
Keep up to date on our special offers here. For more information please contact visit@virunga.org.
Tchegera Tented Camp sits on the exposed ridge of a collapsed volcanic caldera in the middle of Lake Kivu.
Activities at Tchegera include bird watching, snorkeling and canoeing.
A visit with Virunga’s mountain gorillas is truly a once in a lifetime experience – allowing trekkers to spend time in the presence of these majestic creatures.
Kibumba Camp main area is perched on the top of a small hill allowing for sweeping views of the surrounding volcanoes.
The Mikeno Mist package includes a three night stay in Virunga: two nights in Kibumba Tented Camp with a gorilla trek and a one night stay on Tchegera Island, This package departs from Goma Airport Fridays at 14:00.
Friday: Flying in on JamboJet, land in Goma at 1240; where you’ll be assisted through the airport by our team and shown to your car, which will take you to Tchegera Island Retreat on Lake Kivu, giving you the chance to unwind after a week at work and prepare for the weekend’s adventure. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of Lake Kivu and its myriad of bird species. Activities on the island include kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling.
Saturday: You’ll be taken to the Virunga National Park office in Goma to collect your permits for the upcoming gorilla trek. You’ll then head into the Park to Kibumba Tented Camp on the edge of the Gorilla Sector, where you can settle into your accommodation and enjoy an evening briefing on the gorillas of Virunga with our community ranger Papa Augustin.
Sunday: After an early breakfast at Kibumba Tented Camp, trekkers will head down the hill to meet their Ranger guides and have a briefing before the gorilla trek. Treks usually require 1-2.5 hours of hiking each way, depending on location of the gorilla group being trekked and the difficulty of the terrain. After spending the allotted hour with the gorilla family group, you will make your way back to camp, enjoy a late lunch and have the rest of the day at leisure, including time for nature walks and bird watching.
Monday: After breakfast, you’ll be transported back to Goma Airport on time to catch the return flight to Nairobi.
Included in this package:
Not included in this package:
Itinerary for Weekend in Virunga
“All we can say is WOW. What an experience. Without doubt the best experience of our lives – Virunga was so beautiful, and every part of the trip was perfect. Everyone on the park staff was so professional, and we felt safe the entire time we were in the DRC.” (David Barnes)
“I would just like to express my sincere thanks to all the staff, rangers, trackers and drivers – I had the most incredible stay and experience over the last few days filled with memories that are unforgettable.” (Christy Bennie)
“Staying in Virunga National Park and visiting the gorillas was one of the highlights of my entire life. The trek into see the family (we saw a ‘new’ family of about 25 gorillas, we were able to see about 14) was so beautiful and peaceful, and I just wish I had better pictures! To stand in silence observing and respecting these most gorgeous and peaceful animals was incredible. The rangers were so good and helpful and kind – to us and to the animals they watch over and protect.” (TripAdvisor review)
Q. Can I visit the gorilla orphanage on a Mikeno Mist package?
A. No, you are not able to see the orphanage on the Mikeno Mist package as the orphans live at Mikeno Lodge in Rumangabo.
Q. Is there WI-FI?
A. There is Wi-Fi in Kibumba Camp.
Q. Can I go to a village or market while at Kibumba?
A. For security reasons we do not allow clients to walk around.
Q. How long is the drive to Kibumba?
A. An hour and twenty mins from Grande Barrier
Q. What is the best way to get around Virunga?
A. All transport is either organised by the Park or trusted DRC tour operators. If you are taking Park transport, it is included in the price of your package.
Q. What is included in Virunga's transportation?
A. All transport to and from Grande Barriere and within the Park is included in your package price. If you will be staying in Goma prior to or after your stay in Virunga, you can independently organize additional transport directly with a tour operator.
Q. Will my Virunga car be shared with other tourists?
A. For logistical reasons, it is likely that you will share transport with other guests.
Q. How long do we trek to visit the gorillas?
A. Between an hour to two and a half hours and one hour with the gorillas.
Q. How many rangers go on the trek?
A. Two to four rangers.
Q. How many people trek at one time?
A. For a group of gorillas with more than 10 family members, we allow 6 clients. For a gorilla group with less than 10 family members, we allow 4 pax.
Q. Is Virunga safe?
A. Virunga National Park is currently welcoming tourists. The safety of our visitors is of the highest priority and our staff consistently assess the situation on the ground to ensure appropriate security protocols are in place. If any signs indicate a security issue, management may decide to temporarily close one or more of its attractions. All bookings for these attractions will be refunded in full or alternative options offered. All visitors must make an assessment on advice from their respective consular services. If you have any further queries, please contact the tourism team by email visit@virunga.org.
Q. Is insurance mandatory for this trip?
A. Protection for at least USD 100,000 emergency medical evacuation plus USD 100,000 medical expenses is mandatory. Visitors are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance and ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel Insurance with protection for the full duration of the trip in respect of medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate benefits. Visitors making their own arrangements should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in their tour.
Q. Is the drinking water in Virunga safe?
A. Filtered drinking water is provided for guests staying at all Virunga accommodations with the exception of Nyiragongo.
Q. Do I need a COVID-19 PCR test?
A. All tourists must provide a certified negative PCR test for COVID 19 taken in the last three days or a COVID vaccination certificate. Please read our full COVID-19 guidelines before booking.
