The Kibati patrol post also known as the Kibati ranger station is found at Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo and it’s the starting point for your lifetime experience of gorilla trekking or hiking one of the Virunga range mountains.
For tourists planning to hike Mount Nyiragongo or Mount Nyamuragira, they should be at the Kibati patrol post early morning and obtain hiking permits by 9am as hiking starts at 10am. From the station you can also hire Porter’s to help you carry your luggage and also get a hiking stick.
Kibati is just 40 minutes drive from Goma town therefore you can sleep in Goma drive to Virunga and do trekking or hiking and get back to your hotel in Goma.
Activities near Kibati patrol station
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the most common activity done at Virunga national park, your trekking permit will be verified at Kibati patrol station, you will be provided with a ranger guide and also be briefed about gorilla trekking.
There are only 8 habituated mountain gorilla families in Virunga national park and a group of eight people is allowed to visit each family per day, once you find the gorilla family your trekking, you will be given a period of one hour to take photos and observe these endangered apes.
Tourists should always endeavor to book their mountain gorilla trekking permits in advance especially during the peak season, Congo offers the cheapest gorilla permits with each costing $450 per person per tracking.
The best time for visiting mountain gorilla is in the dry season when the roads and trekking trails are in good condition and the weather is also good for photography. Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots, rain coats, warm long sleeved clothes, insect repellent, sun screen and so much more
Volcanic hiking.
Kibati patrol station is where you will acquire all the necessary requirements for mountain hiking and you can also hire hiking gear. The hike usually takes one-day then you ascend the next day.
Virunga national park is home to some of the Virunga massif volcanoes and 2 of which are active. Each mountain provides unique spectacular views at the top and you will come across lots of primates, other wildlife and birds during the hike.