2 Days Nyiragongo Hike
The 2 Days Nyiragongo Volcano hike offers you chance to peep into the boiling lava lake at the summit. Located in the heart of Virunga National Park, Nyiragongo Volcano is an active strata volcano, which last erupted in 2021. Hiking Nyiragongo is one of the top travel experiences in Virunga National Park located in Eastern Congo. Mount Nyiragongo is one of the 8 volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation Area. The summit of the volcano stands at 3,470 meters above the sea level and a 2 days hike is a chance to spend an overnight at the slopes of the Volcano. The summit shelters a 2 kilometer wide lava lake, which is the largest in the world. The other volcanoes include Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Mikeno, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabinyo. All others volcanoes are hiked except Mount Nyamuragira which is the most active. Hiking to the summit of the volcano is divided into five sections and a 15 minutes break is allowed at every stage. Hiking starts at Kibati post where travelers are briefed on the safety precautions. The lower slopes of Mount Nyiragongo are covered by forests, which shelter wild animals and birds. Staying over night at the summit of the volcano give you chance to experience the bling lava, which glows at night. Physical fitness and mental preparedness is highly advised for all intending to hike this iconic volcano.
Hiking starts at 10:00am and all hikers are required to be at the starting point by this time to avoid missing out on this lifetime adventure. Hiking boots, hand gloves, sunglasses, hat, Camera, scarf, and first aid kit. Also, you are reminded to carry enough bottled drinking water and energy giving snacks to keep you strong throughout. A warm sweater is also advised since nights at the summit of Munt Nyiragongo are always very cold.
If you have extended time in Virunga National Park, you can combine Nyiragongo hiking with mountain gorilla trekking to make a complete adventure package in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This trip can either start from Gisenyi or Goma
Trip summary
Day 1: Pick up & ascend Nyiragongo
Day 2: Descend and depart
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up & ascend Nyiragongo
The driver guide will pick you up from either Gisenyi or Goma and transfer you to Kitabi patrol village where briefing and registration takes place. The hike to the summit takes between 4-6 hours depending on your physical fitness and the hiking speed of the slowest person in the group. The ranger never leaves anyone behind even the also of the slowest person. You will be given some breaks during the hike to keep you strong. However when the group reaches the 3rd (last section) close to the summit, the slowest person will find others at the summit. The group will not wait for him/her. Hiking a porter and a walking stick is highly recommended for anyone hiking this active volcano. Enjoy an overnight on the slopes of the volcano to experience the boiling lava at night.
Day 2: Descend and depart
Having spend an overnight on the slopes of the active volcano, its now time descend. Enjoy your last moments, have breakfast and start off the hike down to find your driver guide at the base of the volcano. You are reminded to be careful while sloping down to avoid falling off the lose rocks. There after, transfer to Goma and cross over to Kigali for your connecting flight
NOTE: Dry season between June to December is the best time to hike this active Nyiragongo Volcano. During this time, its very easy to see the peak of the volcano and the boiling magma at night
Tour Inclusions
- Mount Nyiragongo hiking permit
- Packed lunch
- Bottled drinking water
- Full time English speaking guide
- 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