3 Days Nyiragongo Hiking
Join a 3 Days Nyiragongo hiking tour to explore this active strata volcano located in Virunga National Park. The summit of Nyiragongo volcano shelters 2 kilometers Crater Lake which is the largest world’s with boiling lava. The volcano stands at 3,470 meters above the sea level and its one of the most hiked volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area and the whole world. History tells that of all active volcanoes in the world, its only Nyiragongo open to travelers for hiking. The other volcanoes in Virunga Massif are Mt Karisimbi, Mt Bisoke in Rwanda, Mt Mikeno and Mt Nyamuragira in Congo and then Mt Muhabura, Mt Sabyinyo and Mt Gahinga in Uganda. Nyiragongo volcano climbing can be combined with other wildlife experiences in Virunga National Park such as the famous mountain gorilla trekking, nature walks and birding among others to make a complete Congo safari package. Over the years, tourism in Congo has generally been hindered by civil wars and conflicts associated with killings of park rangers in Virunga National park. However apparently, the Institut Congolais Pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) together with the Congo government and tourism policy have worked hand in hand to restore peace in gorilla parks. All hiking and gorilla trekking safaris are scheduled and escorted by park rangers for security purposes. Travelers are picked up from the hotel by park rangers, taken to the park and driven back after the trek. Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest park, which was established in 1925 with a sole purpose of conserving the endangered mountain gorillas. Habitat loss, poaching and civil conflicts are the major threats affecting tourism in Virunga National Park. In 1979, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) included Virunga National Park on its list of the world heritage site. The last eruption of Mount Nyiragongo took place in 2021 but no serious destructions were reported. The 3 Days Nyiragongo volcano hiking starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda.
Trip summary
Day 1: Pick up, Kigali city tour & transfer to Congo
Day 2: Nyiragongo Volcano hiking
Day 3: Descend & transfer to Kigali
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up, Kigali city tour & transfer to Congo
After arriving at Kigali airport, you will be welcomed by your driver guide from our company. Drive through Kigali to explore this small and beautiful city ranked as the cleanest in Africa. Depending on your available time, you will visit different destinations in the city Centre such as the genocide memorial centers, local markets, shopping malls and art galleries among others. The drive to Goma is stunning with excellent views of green tea plantations, rolling hills and homesteads. Enjoy the rest of the evening in Gisenyi chilling on the shores of Lake Kivu
Day 2: Nyiragongo Volcano hiking
Have an early morning breakfast and with your bags transfer to KIbatsi patrol station where registration and briefing on the rules and regulations of Nyiragongo hiking takes place. With your porters and armed park rangers, start off a hike to conquer this active volcano. The slower slopes of the volcano shelter a variety of wild animals such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons, colobus monkeys and various birds. Walking stick, boots and gardening gloves will ease your hiking experience. Hiking is bisected into three shifts where travelers are given a 15 minutes break on each stopping point. Remember to carry enough drinking water to quench the obvious thirsty on this strenuous hike. Energy giving snacks also keep you strong and energetic throughout the trek. The hiking time to the summit takes between 4-6 hours determined by hiking ability and physical fitness. Spend an overnight in the cabins on the slopes of the volcano near the summit to witness the boiling lava in the night. Ensure to carry warm sweaters and scarfs for the cold nights at the summit. When peeping into the boiling lava lake, travelers are reminded to be extra careful to avoid any accidents!
Day 3: Descend & transfer to Kigali
In the early morning, rise up to enjoy your last moments at the summit of the volcano, have breakfast and get ready to hike down. Fortunately, sloping down is less tiring compared to hiking meaning that you will take lesser time to reach at the base of the Volcano. Enjoy scenic views of other Virunga Volcanoes and the beautiful Rwanda on your way down. You will find your driver guide waiting for you and transfer back to Kigali Rwanda for your departure flight.
End of the tour
Tour Inclusions
- Mount Nyiragongo hiking permit
- Packed lunch
- Bottled drinking water
- Full time English speaking guide
- Accommodation on the slopes of the Volcano
- Ground Transport
- Government taxes
- Miscellaneous
Tour Exclusions
- Porter’s fee & tips
- Personal expenses (phone calls and shopping)
- Extra activities not included in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Guide tips