Experience East Africa’s Greatest Adventure – From the World’s Largest Lava Lake to Rwanda’s Untamed Wilderness
Imagine standing on the rim of one of the world’s most active volcanoes, watching a fiery lava lake bubble beneath the stars. Picture yourself walking high above an ancient rainforest canopy, tracking wild chimpanzees through dense jungle, cruising alongside hippos on a tranquil African lake, and searching for lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and leopards across Rwanda’s spectacular savannah.
Our 9 Days Nyiragongo Volcano Hiking Tour & Rwanda Wildlife Safari is more than a holiday—it’s an extraordinary expedition through three of Central and East Africa’s most remarkable destinations. This carefully designed cross-border safari combines the thrilling ascent of Mount Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo with unforgettable wildlife encounters in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park in Rwanda.
Designed for adventurous travelers, photographers, wildlife lovers, and nature enthusiasts, this safari offers the perfect balance of adventure, conservation, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic African experiences.
With Amethyst Wild Safaris, every detail is professionally arranged—from airport transfers and permits to experienced guides and comfortable accommodations—allowing you to focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Why Choose This 9-Day Safari?
This safari has been crafted to deliver the very best of Rwanda and Eastern Congo in one seamless journey.
Safari Highlights
- Summit the legendary Mount Nyiragongo, home to the world’s largest permanent lava lake
- Spend a magical night at the volcano summit overlooking glowing molten lava
- Experience one of Africa’s most scenic volcano hikes
- Track wild chimpanzees in the ancient Nyungwe Forest
- Walk above the rainforest on East Africa’s famous Canopy Walkway
- Discover the spectacular Kamiranzovu Waterfalls
- Explore Rwanda’s premier wildlife destination, Akagera National Park
- Enjoy thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five
- Relax on a scenic boat cruise across Lake Ihema
- Optional Kigali City Tour and Genocide Memorial visit
- Comfortable accommodation throughout the journey
- Expert English-speaking safari guide
- Cross-border adventure combining Rwanda and DR Congo
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to East Africa – Transfer to Goma, DR Congo
Your unforgettable African adventure begins the moment you arrive at Kigali International Airport, where our professional safari guides warmly welcomes you.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an optional Kigali City Tour, visiting some of Rwanda’s most important landmarks, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, colorful local markets, vibrant craft centers, and cultural neighbourhoods. This insightful introduction offers a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s inspiring journey of resilience and transformation.
After lunch, your journey continues west through Rwanda’s breath-taking “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Rolling green mountains, picturesque villages, and endless tea plantations accompany your drive toward the Rwanda–Congo border.
After immigration formalities at Gisenyi/Goma, continue into Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park and home to the legendary Mount Nyiragongo. Arrive at your luxury forest lodge where you can relax and prepare for tomorrow’s extraordinary volcano adventure.
Accommodation
Luxury: Mikeno Lodge
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Climb Mount Nyiragongo – Africa’s Greatest Volcano Adventure
Today is one of the most exciting days of your safari. After an early breakfast, drive approximately 30 kilometers to Kibati Ranger Post, the official starting point for the Nyiragongo hike. Meet your experienced park rangers, armed escorts, and porters before receiving a comprehensive safety briefing. Then begins one of Africa’s most rewarding hikes.
The trail winds through lush tropical rainforest, volcanic landscapes, ancient lava fields, and mist-covered mountain forests. Along the way, keep watch for colorful birdlife, unique vegetation, monkeys, and spectacular panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains.
As you climb higher, the landscape transforms dramatically until you finally reach the summit after approximately 5–7 hours.Nothing prepares you for your first glimpse of Nyiragongo’s enormous lava lake. As darkness falls, glowing rivers of molten lava illuminate the crater in shades of deep orange and crimson, creating one of the most extraordinary natural spectacles on Earth. Spend the night in comfortable summit shelters while enjoying unforgettable views of the active crater beneath a sky filled with stars.
Accommodation
Nyiragongo Summit Shelters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Sunrise Above the Lava Lake – Descend the Volcano
Wake before sunrise for one last opportunity to admire the magnificent lava lake.Morning light transforms the crater into a breath-taking masterpiece as smoke rises from the glowing depths below.
After breakfast, begin your descent back through the volcanic slopes and tropical forest.The downhill trek normally takes around three hours, offering new photographic opportunities and different perspectives of the surrounding Virunga landscape. Upon arrival at the base, your driver transfers you back to Mikeno Lodge where you can enjoy a well-deserved shower, delicious lunch, and time to relax after completing one of Africa’s greatest hiking achievements.
Accommodation
Luxury: Mikeno Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, leave the volcanic landscapes behind as you journey back into Rwanda. Today’s scenic drive introduces you to some of the country’s most beautiful countryside, with endless rolling hills, terraced farms, tea plantations, and charming villages lining the route. Arrive at Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests.
Depending on arrival time, enjoy a peaceful nature walk through the famous Gisakura Tea Estate where lush green plantations stretch endlessly across the hillsides. Spend the evening relaxing in the cool mountain air while preparing for tomorrow’s chimpanzee adventure.
Accommodation
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk Adventure
Rise early for an unforgettable encounter with one of humanity’s closest relatives. After breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the pristine rainforest with experienced ranger guides.
As you trek through Nyungwe’s ancient forest, you’ll hear the echoes of chimpanzees calling through the canopy before finally locating a habituated troop. Watching these intelligent primates communicate, feed, groom, and play in their natural habitat is an emotional wildlife experience few people ever forget.
Nyungwe is also home to over 13 different primate species, including:Angola Colobus Monkey, L’Hoest’s Monkeys,Silver Monkeys,Vervet Monkeys,Olive Baboons Blue Monkeys
After lunch, experience another highlight—the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk. Suspended nearly 60 meters above the forest floor, this spectacular bridge offers incredible views across the rainforest canopy while providing excellent opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, and butterflies from above. You will then return to your lodge for relaxation.
Accommodation
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Kamiranzovu Waterfall Hike
Today reveals another hidden treasure inside Nyungwe Forest. After breakfast, set out on the scenic Kamiranzovu Waterfall Trail. This guided hike leads through dense rainforest filled with giant trees, ferns, orchids, colorful butterflies, and rare birdlife before reaching one of Rwanda’s most beautiful waterfalls. The cascading falls tumble dramatically over massive rocks into crystal-clear pools surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike. Return to the lodge for lunch before enjoying a relaxing afternoon surrounded by spectacular forest scenery.
Accommodation
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Sunset Boat Safari
Following breakfast, travel east across Rwanda toward the country’s only savannah national park—Akagera National Park. This remarkable conservation success story has become one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations following the successful reintroduction of lions and black rhinos. Upon arrival, head straight for beautiful Lake Ihema.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon boat safari where large pods of hippos lounge in the water while enormous Nile crocodiles bask along the shoreline. Elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and countless bird species frequently gather at the lake, creating exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. As the African sun sets over the lake, you’ll appreciate why Akagera has become one of East Africa’s hidden safari gems.
Accommodation
Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Full-Day Big Five Wildlife Safari
Today promises incredible wildlife encounters. Depart early for a thrilling full-day game drive across Akagera’s diverse ecosystems, including open plains, rolling hills, lakes, wetlands, and woodland.
With the help of your experienced safari guide, search for:lions,leopards,elephants,black rhinos,buffaloes,Masai giraffes,zebras,topis,elands,Impalas,bushbucks,oribis,warthogs, hyenas,baboons,hundreds of bird species and many more. Every corner of Akagera offers a new surprise, making this one of Rwanda’s premier wildlife experiences.
Pause for a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing your afternoon game drive in search of even more unforgettable sightings. Return to the lodge for dinner and share stories of the day’s incredible adventures.
Accommodation
Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Final Game Drive – Return to Kigali
Enjoy one last sunrise over the African wilderness. After breakfast, embark on a final game drive through Akagera National Park, maximizing your chances of spotting any wildlife you may have missed. Later, begin the scenic drive back to Kigali.
Depending on your departure schedule, you may enjoy some last-minute shopping for authentic Rwandan crafts before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight. As your safari comes to an end, you’ll leave East Africa with unforgettable memories—from standing above the world’s largest lava lake to walking with chimpanzees, exploring pristine rainforests, and witnessing Africa’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. Your journey may end, but the memories will stay with you forever.
Safari Inclusions
Your safari package includes:
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- All accommodation for 8 nights
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Nyiragongo hiking permit
- Armed ranger escort during the volcano hike
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk
- Kamiranzovu Waterfall hike
- Akagera National Park entrance fees
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- All scheduled game drives
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- Government taxes and park fees
Safari Exclusions
The package does not include:
- International flights
- Rwanda and DR Congo visa fees
- East African Tourist Visa (where applicable)
- Personal travel insurance
- Porter fees during the Nyiragongo hike
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Laundry services
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Why Travel with Amethyst Wild Safrais?
Choosing the right safari company makes all the difference.
At Amethyst Wild Safaris, we combine local expertise, personalized service, experienced safari guides, and carefully selected accommodations to deliver unforgettable African adventures. Every itinerary is thoughtfully designed to maximize wildlife encounters while ensuring your comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
Whether you’re climbing an active volcano, tracking chimpanzees through ancient rainforest, or searching for Africa’s iconic Big Five, our experienced team is with you every step of the journey.
Book Your Adventure Today
Some journeys simply change the way you see the world.
This 9-Day Nyiragongo Volcano Hiking Tour & Rwanda Wildlife Safari is one of those rare experiences that combines thrilling adventure, breathtaking scenery, extraordinary wildlife, and authentic cultural encounters into one unforgettable expedition.
Availability for Nyiragongo hiking permits and chimpanzee tracking is limited and often sells out months in advance.
Contact Amethyst Wild Safaris today to reserve your safari and begin planning the adventure of a lifetime. East Africa is waiting—and your greatest story is ready to be written.