Nyiragongo Mountains
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. Mount NyiragongoBeing 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. It is the only place in Africa were visitors are allowed to go and see a lava lake up close. You might also be interested in information about Mount Kilimanjaro or how to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Nyirangogo 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 volcanoes last eruption in 2002. 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 expects, 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
The Nyiragongo volcano trek is divided into five sections, with a 15-minute break at each stop. Hikers commence the ascent at the Kibati Ranger Post at an altitude of 1870m and reach the summit at 3,470m, with a 6.5km hike each way. Average climbing time is between 4 and 6 hours, with descent off the volcano taking around 4 hours. Times are dependent on group speed and agility as the slowest person on the trek sets the pace.
The first section of the trek will take guests through dense forest at the base of Nyiragongo. It is in this area that hikers are encouraged to keep a look out for wildlife, including monkeys and bushbuck.
The forest ascends up into the second section whose open skied trails offer beautiful views of the valley below. The third section takes you across old lava flows and past steaming volcanic fissures. After entering high montane forest to traverse the fourth section, the fifth and final ascent is a steep 300m to the summit.
Once at the top, exhaustion melts away as Nyiragongo offers an exhilarating gift to those who have conquered its slopes: the world’s largest lava lake churning away in a mosaic of molten red fire. The most breathtaking spectacle is saved for last however, when the sun goes down and Nyiragongo begins its nightly glow against a backdrop of stars.
Climbing Mount NyiragongoAfter completing the second part, hikers have to now deal with not only the small loose rocks but slippery stones and the difficult conditions of higher altitude. By the time you reach the fourth segment, the mountain slopes gets steeper and steeper with greater cold due to high altitude. Apart from the cold, its common to find rains at this section – Warm clothes and rain jackets will be required. The final part is the steepest but also 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.
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 mountain top can be freezing 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 on the permit fee. From the cabins you can smell the boiling and bubbling lava.
Getting Down
After marveling at the boiling lava lake and magma, it is time to descend. Descending is much faster and it takes about three hours hours to reach the starting point. However it is not as easy at it seems. Climbing down through sharp rocks and steep sections can be very challenging and one needs to be cautious so 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.
Book and confirm the Mount Nyiragongo hiking permit in advance through registered travel agencies. The hiking permit stipulates the names of hiker, exact date of hike and ensures space for accommodation at the summit for the night. Invest some amounts of time to exercise and get body into right shape before travel to minimize odds of exhaustion and less excitement on the safari. Right dressing and appropriate kit in many instances determine the success rate of any wilderness safari. Endeavor to obtain the following items and prepare for the safari accordingly.
• Carry updated identification documents.
• Hiking, study boots ease the movements on slippery ground, rough terrain and sharp rocks.
• Hand gloves to protect from sharp stones and hot surfaces in case a traveler touches down on steep slopes.
• Pack waterproof cloths, rain gear or poncho.
• Pack warm clothing, sweaters or jackets.
• Walking stick is necessary to balance on uneven rocks and slippery ground.
• Hiking gaiters and bicycle arm warmers are very important.
• The tour operator arranges drinking water and energy giving snacks.
• Charge camera batteries to the maximum and carry spare batteries if need be. Coldness affects battery performance and no one would want to miss any photo opportunity. Note; there is zero opportunity of electricity at the summit of Mount Nyiragongo.
Health status; Any able-bodied person can hike to Mount Nyiragongo though some degrees of body fitness are required to make successful hiking expeditions. There are reduced amounts of oxygen at high altitudes that affects human breath. The hiking expedition to Mount Nyiragongo is reserved for healthy individuals above 12 years of age with no previous heart complications. It is a high risk for individuals with heart problems to conceal this vital health information in order to partake of the hiking expeditions. It is advisable to emphasize on energy giving diet a few months to the date of travel. Consume a lot of fruits, drink juice and liquids with less alcoholic content to get body in good hydrated form.
While at the rim of lava-lake, be extra cautious and keep a safe distance as you watch the volcanic eruptions in the night. The rocks are slippery and the surface is rough. This combination with poor respiration due to high altitude, visibility due to darkness of the night and excessive exhaustion, increase the risks of staggering and tripping over.
The cost and requirements for getting a Congo Visa
Mount Nyiragongo HikeNyiragongo hiking permits can be obtained from the Virunga National Park directly or through a Tour operator at a cost of $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.
A part 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 arranging for transportation, accommodation and porters. We have an interesting 3 days Mount Nyiragongo Climbing Package that you will find interesting.
5-Day Kahuzi Biega Congo Gorilla Trekking & Chimp Safari in Rwanda
$ 2500
per personPacking 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.
Suitable hiking boots: The shoes should have a good grip (rubber soles), water proof, comfortable and able to keep your feet warm.
Warm clothes and sleeping bag: The mountain gets colder as one ascends higher and you need to be prepared in the best possible way. Go with warm clothing to stop protect you from the freezing cold at the summit. You will need a sweater, rain resistant pants, jacket, long underwear, warm socks and hat.
Climbing Mount NyiragongoPacked lunch and Water: Climbing Mount Nyiragongo can be very tiring leaving you thirsty and even hungry. Carry along packed lunch and enough drinking water
Hire a porter: Hiring a porter at the base of the volcano 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.
A hat and sunscreen: These will come in handy when there are heavy downpours or during the hot/dry season.
Camera and Binoculars: You cannot go for such a great experience without a good camera or photos to show of your time at the volcano. Watching a live Volcano is an experience only 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 spot amazing scenery particularly while climbing down the mountain.
Backpack: This is where you would be keeping all your gadgets – phones, iPad, camera, binoculars and more. Ensure that it is rainproof.
Portable charger: This will ensure that your iPads, Laptops, phones are powered while in your cabin at the summit.
A Torch: The summit has no electricity. Power is got from solar but is not available everywhere. You will need a torch to move about to the kitchen or bathrooms.
Additional Information About Climbing Mount Nyiragongo
The best time to Hike Mount Nyiragongo: Hiking mount Nyiragongo can be done throughout the year but dry season is preferred by tourists. The dry season fall between June and September and also December, January and February. The rainy seasons cause the the trails to be more slippery and difficult for hikers.
Be in Good Shape: Climbing mount Nyiragongo is challenging and requires one to be fit. The mountain becomes steeper as one ascends while climbing down has its own challenges – Knee and ankle pain because of pressure. The weather conditions get more challenging as one ascends the mountains. You need to take that into consideration especially if you are sensitive to extreme weather changes.
Mental Preparedness: This is key because it is not all about being fit. You need to be determined to complete the hike despite all the challenges you may face. One can prepare the mind and body weeks before the hike by going for minor hikes on rocks or hills around your home.
Use a stick for hiking: A hiking stick will help you climb up and down steep slopes by helping you maintain balance and relive the knees from greater strain. Climbing sticks are available at the starting point.
Keep your valuable safe: Always keep your valuables like cameras, money and laptops close to you even while at the cabins with fellow hikers.
A yellow fever vaccination card is important: To cross the border to Congo, you will be required to show your passport and yellow fever card. Without the card, you may not be allowed entry to Congo.
N.B: Hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano can be combined with gorilla trekking in Congo for a more complete and memorable experience. If you are interested in combing the two activities, then you might want to check out our 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Nyiragongo Hiking package.
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