24 Jan Gorilla Photo Safaris with Sam Clark Photography

Planning your gorilla photography expedition in Africa and on this safari you will have the opportunity join Sam Clark the photographer tour leader for this incredible photography adventure which includes not only the experience of getting close to and photographing the critically endangered mountain gorillas but also spend a night at the Nyiragongo Volcano mountain.

The biggest highlight of this gorilla photo tour in Congo gives you an opportunity to spend a precious hour with the magnificent gorillas of Virunga National Park and today will be the day. The start is relatively early in the morning with breakfast before heading off to the park headquarters for briefing where you will be allocated to a gorilla family.

The choice of family and the distance that you have to trek is approximately between 1-2 hours each way and the conditions can sometimes be quite challenging.

But it is a good idea to take with you a porter at $15 – $20 per person to help you hold you small bags or camera bag for it helps to contribute to the livelihoods of the local people. Capture world class wildlife gorilla pictures as you join our prestigious with gorilla photography tours in Virunga National Park.

Our safari not only takes you to see mountain gorillas but also to climb Mount Nyiragongo volcano. Mount Nyiragongo, active volcano in the Virunga Mountains of east-central Africa.

It lies in the volcano region of Virunga National Park, near the border with Rwanda. Nyiragongo is known for its devastating eruptions. In 1977 some 2,000 people were killed, and in 2002 Goma was largely destroyed by lava, creating a refugee crisis.

Nyiragongo is one of eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. Hiking up the 3,470 metres Nyiragongo volcano is an experience of a lifetime. Treks to the summit of Nyiragongo volcano begin at the Kibati patrol post, which is 30 minutes by car from Goma and less than a one hour from Mikeno Lodge.

Park rangers lead all treks and porters are available for hire. The time required to reach the summit depends on the average fitness of each group, but typically takes 5 – 6 hours. Best views of the Nyiragongo are seen at night and best photos are clear at that moment.

Enjoy yourself while taking photos and video of the bubbling lava lake. Descend back to Goma and travel back to Kigali for your flight back home or your next destination.

Nyiragongo volcanoes can be visited all year round but keep in mind there is unpredictable weather changes such as regular rains during certain months of the year because Nyiragongo is in the middle of equatorial rain forests.

Like from March to May and as well as November tends to be a rainy season. The dry season begins in June to October and also December.

So during the dry seasons the forest are always clear giving you a chance to enjoy and take photographs of the stunning landscape views of the greater Virunga mountains national park.

Another attraction in Congo is the Lowland Gorilla in Kahuzi Biega National Park – tracking the rare eastern lowland gorilla is the main attraction of this lovely national park.

Planning your trip to see the Lowland gorillas, November to December, can be the best time to see lowland gorillas as they tend to stay in family groups during this season.