Jun-Sept
4-5 days
Lava Lake, Fiery night Glow & Foot Hil Forests
329 km2
Nyiragongo County
Friends & Groups
The Nyiragongo active volcano is one of Congo’s major tourist attractions. Located in eastern Congo and overlooking Virunga National Park, Nyiragongo 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 in approximately 5 – 6 hours. Mount Nyiragongo, being one of the world’s largest active volcanoes, has a lava lake that 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 where 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 to go 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 2002. The lava that once flowed at great temperatures has now cooled to leave 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.
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 lookout 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 the 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.
Übernachtung auf den Hütten des Nyiragongo-Vulkans
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.
Runterkommen
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.
Buchen und bestätigen Sie die Wandererlaubnis für den Mount Nyiragongo im Voraus über registrierte Reisebüros. In der Wandererlaubnis sind die Namen des Wanderers, das genaue Datum der Wanderung und eine Übernachtungsmöglichkeit auf dem Gipfel aufgeführt. Nehmen Sie sich vor der Reise etwas Zeit, um zu trainieren und Ihren Körper in die richtige Form zu bringen, um das Risiko einer Erschöpfung und weniger Aufregung auf der Safari zu minimieren. Die richtige Kleidung und die richtige Ausrüstung bestimmen in vielen Fällen den Erfolg einer Wildnissafari. Bemühen Sie sich, die folgenden Gegenstände zu besorgen und bereiten Sie sich entsprechend auf die Safari vor.
• Führen Sie aktualisierte Ausweisdokumente mit sich.
• Wander- und Lernstiefel erleichtern die Bewegung auf rutschigem Untergrund, unebenem Gelände und scharfen Felsen.
• Handschuhe zum Schutz vor scharfen Steinen und heißen Oberflächen, falls ein Reisender an steilen Hängen aufsetzt.
• Packen Sie wasserdichte Kleidung, Regenbekleidung oder einen Poncho ein.
• Packen Sie warme Kleidung, Pullover oder Jacken ein.
• Ein Gehstock ist erforderlich, um auf unebenen Felsen und rutschigem Boden das Gleichgewicht zu halten.
• Wandergamaschen und Fahrrad-Armwärmer sind sehr wichtig.
• Der Reiseveranstalter organisiert Trinkwasser und energiespendende Snacks.
• Laden Sie die Akkus der Kamera maximal auf und führen Sie bei Bedarf Ersatzakkus mit. Kälte beeinträchtigt die Akkuleistung und niemand möchte sich ein Fotomotiv entgehen lassen. Notiz; Auf dem Gipfel des Mount Nyiragongo gibt es keine Möglichkeit für Strom.
Gesundheitszustand; Jede körperlich leistungsfähige Person kann zum Berg Nyiragongo wandern, allerdings ist für erfolgreiche Wanderausflüge ein gewisses Maß an körperlicher Fitness erforderlich. In großen Höhen gibt es verringerte Sauerstoffmengen, die die menschliche Atmung beeinträchtigen. Die Wanderexpedition zum Berg Nyiragongo ist gesunden Personen über 12 Jahren ohne vorherige Herzkomplikationen vorbehalten. Für Menschen mit Herzproblemen besteht ein hohes Risiko, diese wichtigen Gesundheitsinformationen zu verbergen, um an den Wanderausflügen teilzunehmen. Es ist ratsam, einige Monate vor Reiseantritt den Schwerpunkt auf eine energiereiche Ernährung zu legen. Essen Sie viel Obst, trinken Sie Säfte und Flüssigkeiten mit weniger Alkoholgehalt, um den Körper gut mit Feuchtigkeit zu versorgen.
Seien Sie am Rande des Lavasees besonders vorsichtig und halten Sie einen Sicherheitsabstand ein, während Sie die Vulkanausbrüche in der Nacht beobachten. Die Felsen sind rutschig und die Oberfläche rau. Diese Kombination mit schlechter Atmung aufgrund der großen Höhe, Sichtbarkeit aufgrund der nächtlichen Dunkelheit und übermäßiger Erschöpfung erhöht die Gefahr des Taumelns und Stolperns.
Die Kosten und Anforderungen für den Erhalt eines Kongo-Visums
Mount Nyiragongo Hike: Nyiragongo 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.
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 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
Eine Regenjacke: Diese sollte leicht sein, um Sie beim Aufstieg auf den Berg nicht zu stören. Die Regenjacke schützt Sie vor starkem Regen.
Suitable hiking boots and the shoes should have a good grip (rubber soles), water proof, comfortable and able to keep your feet warm and carry warm clothes and sleeping bag because 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 cold at the summit. You will need a sweater, rain-resistant pants, a jacket, long underwear, warm socks and a hat.
Packed lunch and Water because climbing Mount Nyiragongo can be very tiring, leaving you thirsty and even hungry. Carry along a packed lunch and enough drinking water, and hire a porter because 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 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 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 records and to also show off to friends and family. Binoculars will enable you to spot amazing scenery, particularly while climbing down the mountain.
Portable charger and this will ensure that your iPads, Laptops, phones are powered while in your cabin at the summit and a torch because 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.
Zusätzliche Informationen zum Besteigen des Mount Nyiragongo
The best time to hike Mount Nyiragongo: Hiking Mount Nyiragongo can be done throughout the year, but the dry season is preferred by tourists. The dry season falls between June and September and also December, January and February. The 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 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 mountain. You need to take that into consideration, especially if you are sensitive to extreme weather changes.
Mentale Vorbereitung: Das ist der Schlüssel, denn es geht nicht nur darum, fit zu sein. Sie müssen entschlossen sein, die Wanderung trotz aller Herausforderungen zu bewältigen. Man kann Körper und Geist schon Wochen vor der Wanderung vorbereiten, indem man kleinere Wanderungen auf Felsen oder Hügeln rund um das eigene Zuhause unternimmt.
Use a stick for hiking: 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. And keep your valuables safe: Always keep your valuables like cameras, money and laptops close to you even while at the cabins with fellow hikers.
Ein Gelbfieber-Impfausweis ist wichtig: Für den Grenzübertritt in den Kongo müssen Sie Ihren Reisepass und Ihren Gelbfieber-Impfausweis vorzeigen. Ohne die Karte ist Ihnen die Einreise in den Kongo möglicherweise nicht gestattet.
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 combining the two activities, then you might want to check out our 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Nyiragongo Hiking package.
Lava Lake, Fiery night Glow & Foot Hil Forests
Jun-Sept
Wildtiere, Flusslandschaften und Pirschfahrten
Volcano hiking, Over night Lava lake viewing &
Fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, travel by road to the Gisenyi border, cross into Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and drive to the trailhead at Kibati Village
Kibumba tented Camp (Budget), Bukima tented camp (Standard), Mikeno Lodge (luxury)
To participate in some of these activities, you must be old enough, as it will be difficult for kids who will not be able to manage walking and hiking those long trails since they are slippery and sometimes have stones; therefore, the age limit is that participants must be at least 12 years old. Moderate to challenging fitness is required. The trail includes steep, rocky terrain and wobbling volcanic gravel, but slow pacing is allowed
Being at Mount Nyiragoro is not easy, and therefore accommodations at that place are always so difficult to get, and the Hikers stay in 12 basic summit cabins/huts on the crater rim. Mattresses and pillows are provided inside the huts, but you must bring your own sleeping bag. Temperatures at the summit drop to icy cold at night
Ensure you carry sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, warm layers, gloves, and a warm hat for freezing nighttime temperatures, a rain jacket and lightweight waterproof gear, walking sticks, torch/flashlight, and spare dry shoes or plastic bag liners. It is Mandatory to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate und einen gültigen Reisepass/Visum
Keine Überraschungen. In Ihrem Angebot werden Unterkunft, Genehmigungen, Parkgebühren, Transport, Mahlzeiten und Ausschlüsse erläutert, bevor Sie buchen.
Ihre Reise unterstützt Naturschutzgebiete, lokale Führer, Träger, Lodges und Gemeinden, die mit dem Wildtiertourismus verbunden sind.
Wir arbeiten nur mit sachkundigen Reiseführern zusammen, die Wert auf Tierwelt, Sicherheit, Gastfreundschaft und sinnvolle Gästeerlebnisse legen.
Sie erhalten von Anfang bis Ende persönliche Betreuung. Vor der Ankunft und zuverlässige Betreuung während Ihrer gesamten Safari.
Nach der Buchung keine überraschenden Änderungen. Ihre Touren starten wann, wie und von demselben Ort aus, den wir angegeben haben.
Alle unsere Safaris sind streng auf Ihre Interessen, Reisedaten, Ihr Komfortniveau und Ihr Budget ausgerichtet und prägen jede Reiseroute.
Tell us when you would like to travel, how many people are joining you and what you want to experience. We will help you build a private safari around your destination, accommodation preferences and available time.
Okt., Nov., Mär., April, Mai
Juni, Juli, Aug, Sept, Dez
Buhoma Gorilla Camp,

