Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano in Congo
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo
The Nyiragongo active volcano is one of Congo’s major tourist attractions. Located in the Eastern part of the country and overlooking the Virunga National Park, Nyiragongo volcano is one of the 8 volcanoes within the Virunga conservation region. The other volcanoes include Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Mikeno, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Nyamuragira. The Nyiragongo volcano rises at 3470 meters offering a medium hike to the top of the volcano approximately 5 – 6 hours. Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano Congo
Being one of the world’s largest active volcanoes, the Mount Nyiragongo volcano lava lake is very intriguing and impressive. Mount Nyiragongo hike tours were opened to tourism in 2014 by the Virunga National Park authorities. Visitors usually combine mountain gorilla trekking and hiking the Nyiragongo volcano.
Those who are looking for a unique and once-in-a-lifetime mountain hiking adventure will find the answer in hiking Mount Nyiragongo. Visitors are allowed to go and see a lava lake up close only at this place in Africa. You might also be interested in obtaining information about Mount Kilimanjaro or learning how to climb it
How to reach Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo can be reached from several areas but for security reasons, it is safer through Gisenyi town in Rwanda. From Gisenyi, visitors will be driven for 20 km to the border between Rwanda and DR Congo before crossing to Goma. From Goma town, a great black cloud is visible which is a reminder of the volcano’s last eruption in 2020. The lava that once flowed at great temperatures has now cooled to leave a black rock. After Goma, you will be driven to the head trail at Kibati village. You will be briefed on what to expect before starting your Mount Nyiragongo volcano hike. The briefing covers all important aspects of hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano and includes what to expect, the stopping points, and what to pack. Hikers will need to move as a group for most of the activity except for the final part of the hike.
Climbing Mount Nyiragongo
Climbing Mount Nyiragongo can be very challenging for those who are ill-prepared and not in good shape. One needs to be ready to deal with the steep slopes and rugged terrain. There are porters at the starting point in the Kibati Ranger post who can be hired for a fee to help with carrying heavy stuff. After the briefing at 9 am assemble as a team together with the cooks and other hikers.
There are five segments when climbing Mount Nyiragongo. The first part of the hike involves climbing through areas at lower altitudes. Those who are not mentally or physically prepared usually quit at this point. After the first major stop, the altitude increases presenting more challenges. In this second part of the hike, one has to deal with small loose lava rocks. Those who have proper hiking boots should pass through this section with ease.
After completing the second part, hikers have to deal with not only the small loose rocks but also slippery stones and the difficult conditions of higher altitudes. By the time you reach the fourth segment, the mountain slopes get steeper and steeper with greater cold due to high altitude. Apart from the cold, it’s common to find rain in this section – Warm clothes and rain jackets will be required. The final part is the steepest but also the shortest. The cabins can be sighted from this point and that is enough motivation for even the most tired hiker. Hikers who manage to reach this section are allowed to complete the rest of the hike at their own comfortable pace. You might find our 2 days Nyiragongo hike package interesting. Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano Congo
Overnight on top of the Nyiragongo volcano cabins
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo12 summit cabins are provided at the top of the volcano each comprising of 2 single beds where hikers can put their sleeping bags. The cabins have a mattress and pillow. While at the cabin hikers are provided with snacks, breakfast, dinner, water, and sleeping bags. The mountaintop can be cold with strong winds. You need to be to go prepared with warm clothing. The cooks and porters will help prepare hot tea and coffee to help relieve hikers from the cold. The cost of an overnight at the summit is included in the permit fee. From the cabins, you can smell the boiling and bubbling lava. Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano Congo
Slopping Down
After marveling at the boiling lava lake and magma, it is time to descend. Descending is much faster and takes about three hours to reach the starting point. However, it is not as easy as it seems. Climbing down through sharp rocks and steep sections can be very challenging and one needs to be cautious so as not to be hurt by the sharp rocks. The great thing about descending is that you have a sustained view of the great Virunga National Park and distant Volcanoes including the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda and Lake Kivu.
The cost and requirements for getting a Congo Visa
Nyiragongo hiking permits can be obtained from the Virunga National Park directly or through a Tour operator for $300. Once bought, Nyiragongo Hiking permits do not attract a refund. You need to first secure the hiking permit before applying for a Congo Visa. A single Congo tourist entry visa costs $105 per person. This single-entry visa is valid for 14 days from the day of entry.
Apart from the VISA, you need to have other documentation with you to cross the Congo border from Rwanda. A Valid passport is a must as is a yellow fever vaccination card. A good tour company should help you acquire the VISA as well as arrange for transportation, accommodation, and porters. We have an interesting 3-day Mount Nyiragongo Climbing Package that you will find interesting.
Packing List for hiking Mount Nyiragongo
A rain jacket:
This should be light so as not to inconvenience you while climbing the mountain. The rain jacket will help shield you from the heavy rains.
Hiking boots: The shoes should have a good grip (rubber soles), waterproof, comfortable, and able to keep your feet warm.
Sleeping bag and Warm clothes:
The mountain gets colder as one ascends higher and you need to be prepared in the best possible way. Go with warm clothing to protect yourself from the cold at the summit. You will need a sweater, rain-resistant pants, a jacket, long underwear, warm socks and a hat. Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano Congo
Hire a porter:
Hiring a porter at the volcano’s base costs about $15 per day. These porters are used to climbing the volcano several times a week and have no difficulty helping with heavy luggage. They will also help you climb the most difficult parts of the mountain. Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano Congo
Camera and Binoculars:
You cannot go for such a great experience without a good camera or photos to show off your time at the volcano. Watching a live Volcano is an experience only a few ever get in their lifetime. You need good photos for your record and to also show off to friends and family. A binoculars will enable you to spot amazing scenery particularly while climbing down the mountain. Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano Congo
Packed lunch and Water:
Climbing Mount Nyiragongo can be very tiring leaving you thirsty and even hungry. Carry along a packed lunch and enough drinking water
A hat and sunglasses:
These will come in handy when there are heavy downpours or during the hot/dry season.
Backpack:
This is where you would be keeping all your gadgets – phones, iPads, cameras, binoculars, and more. Ensure that it is rainproof.
Portable charger:
This will ensure that your iPads, Laptops, and phones are powered while in your cabin at the summit.
A Torch:
The summit has no electricity. Power is obtained from solar but is not available everywhere. You will need a torch to move about to the kitchen or bathrooms.
Additional Information about hiking Mount Nyiragongo
- The best time to Hike Mount Nyiragongo:
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo can be done throughout the year but the dry season is the most preferred by tourists (hikers). The dry season usually is between June and September and also December, January, and February. The 0774981012 rainy seasons cause the trails to be more slippery and difficult for hikers.
- Be in Good Shape:
Climbing Mount Nyiragongo is challenging and requires one to be physically fit. The mountain becomes steeper as one ascends while climbing down has its challenges – Knee and ankle pain because of pressure. The weather conditions get more challenging as one ascends the mountains. You need to take caution especially mostly those sensitive to extreme weather changes.
- Mental Preparedness:
This is key because it is not all about being fit. It would be best if you were determined to complete the hike despite all the challenges you may face. One can prepare the mind and body for weeks before the hike by going for minor hikes on rocks or hills around your home.
- Get a Hiking stick:
- A hiking stick will help you climb up and down steep slopes by helping you maintain balance and relieve the knees from greater strain. Climbing sticks are available at the starting point.
- Keep your valuables and gadgets safe:
- Always keep your valuables like cameras, money, and laptops close to you even while at the cabins with fellow hikers.e
- A yellow fever vaccination card:
- To cross the border to Congo, you must show your passport and yellow fever card. If you do not have the card, entry to Congo may be denied
Note:
Safari vacations and travel services designs itineraries in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. Over a decade of experience, we are proud of our reputation for executing some of the most highly-rated vacation experiences. Our local consultants plan with you your preferred itinerary using expert ground knowledge. We take care of all the local logistics like permits, accommodation, and transport. And also, manage your entire trip, from start to finish with others services like car hire services.
For inquiries, advice on how to plan for this safari, booking the hiking permits; organizing transport and accommodation. Get in touch with safari vacations and travel services, we help you to avoid inconveniences after landing for the safari.
