Virunga National Park, in Democratic Republic of Congo is Africa’s oldest national park. Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the most biologically diverse protected area in Africa. It is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, the largest remaining population of mountain gorillas, and a mountain range that boasts the only glaciers in Africa. Also it’s the only park in the world to have populations of three great ape species: the mountain gorilla, the lowland gorilla and the chimpanzee.

These are only the highlights: there are also the Rwindi Plains, a great place for a classic east African wildlife excursion; and Lake Edward, still one of the best places to see large groups of hippos going about their daily activities. There is also Mount Tshiaberimu, with a small population of gorillas that was only habituated to human presence in 2001 and, according to research, could be a new subspecies, and there is also the Tongo Chimpanzee Reserve, the first place of its kind to protect the natural habitat of this creature.

Mount Nyiragongo in Democratic Republic of Congo and the oldest National Park of Virunga national Park it lies on the Active Volcano of Mt Nyiragongo that is open for tourists and other visitors for hiking/climbing and it’s still Erupting up-to now.

While on some amazing gorilla photo safaris in Congo, Virunga National Park commences with a pick from Kigali International airport by the company guide. The guide will take you through the Kigali city tour visiting the Gisozi memorial genocide, Kings palace and craft shops. You may have lunch and later continue you journey to Goma the capital city of North Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The 1 hour drive from Goma to Virunga National Park takes you through some of the most fertile landscapes in the region. Colorful traditional villages are surrounded by patchwork fields of sorghum, wheat and maize that cling to hillsides overlooking rain forest valleys with volcanoes smoking in the distance. Overnight and dinner at Bukima Tented Camp

Begin the day with heavy breakfast in the morning and set off to climb Nyiragongo, an almost perfectly active volcano that rises to 3,470 metres. Treks to the summit begin at Kibati patrol post.  After a briefing from the head ranger, you start the ascent midway through the morning, at around 2,000 metres slowly climbing towards the rim, where the summit camp is positioned. The trek should not be undertaken lightly, with climbing time heavily dependent on fitness, but it typically takes between five and six hours, including plenty of stops.

The 1^st part of the climb passes through the volcano’s forested lower slopes, which are home to a variety of animals, including chimpanzees and numerous birds – all of which are slowly returning after previous eruptions. The hike continues up to the higher reaches with beautiful landscape, before finally; ascend to the rim itself, to peer down into the world’s largest lava lake. On a clear day, the views from the summit are spectacular, with the verdant plains below extending into the distance.

A night spent at the top allows for views of a very different kind. From the crater rim, look down into the heart of the volcano; watch as the fiery lava glows and boils in the darkness, a full moon adding drama to the vast plains below, reflected in Lake Kivu. This is not for the faint hearted, but the spectacular night-time show and stunning summit views justifies every step of the climb.

In the morning, after a surprisingly hearty breakfast, descend back to the starting, leaving the lava lake behind, with the sun rising over the vast expanse of rain forest below. Drive to Mikeno Lodge. After returning to the lodge you can visit the nearby Senkwekwe Gorilla Centre – the only facility of its kind in the world. Each gorilla has suffered as a result of poaching and loss of habitat, but now caretakers look after the gorillas in a large forested enclosure. Each day you can view the gorillas in the care of their guardians and gain an insight into the conservation work taking place here.

The thrill of following both mountain and lowland gorillas through these wild parks is worth a visit alone, but there is also the chance to see a remote troop of chimpanzees near the village of Tongo, before spending time with orphaned gorillas at the GRACE Primate Centre, established by The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Today you trek gorillas in Virunga National Park, the oldest and most spectacular park in Africa. The park offices are only 1 hour from Mikeno Lodge, so after a short briefing, you meet your porters and head out. This brings you to the entrance of the park, where you step into the dark forest to begin your adventure. Walking through thick vegetation on overgrown paths can be slow going, the route you take depending on which of the four habituated mountain gorilla families you are looking for.

Humba (eight individuals), Rugendo (eight individuals), Mapua (21 individuals) and Nyakamwe (nine individuals) all offer their own challenges, but with regular stops along the way, the chances of sightings are good and given the excellent work by the ranges, increasing all the time. Once the gorillas have been found, you spend one hour in their company while taking photo-shots and videos of them, with your guides on hand to answer any questions and ensure you keep a safe distance. Once the hour is up, you then retrace your steps back to the offices for a short debrief before returning back to Goma- Kigali for your flight back home or next destination.