Nyiragongo Volcano Hike in Congo
For the active hikers and adventurers, we propose Nyiragongo Volcano Hike in Congo which is one of Congo’s major tourist attractions, located in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the eight volcanoes within the Volcano chain region shared between Rwanda, Uganda and Congo; namely Karisimbi Volcano, Bisoke Volcano, Muhabura Volcano, Sabyinyo Volcano , Mikeno Volcano, Gahinga volcano and Nyamuragira Volcano.
The Nyiragongo Volcano is 3470 meters high which offers a medium hike to the top which may take approximately between 5 to 6 hours. Unlike other volcanoes, Nyiragongo is one of the few still active volcanoes remaining in the world making it the only place in Africa where visitors can go and see the lava lake up close. We advise our clients to hike Nyiragongo from Gisenyi with arrival at Kigali international airport, our company drive you direct to the border of Rwanda and DRC in Rubavu or you do some other tourism activities in Rwanda like Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Bisoke or Kalisimbi Hike before transfer to DRC for hiking Nyiragongo Volcano.
Before Nyiragongo Volcano Hike in Congo, hikers are briefed on what to expect before starting the hike. The briefing covers all important aspects of hiking Nyiragongo volcano and what to expect during the trip. How to be prepared to hike Nyiragongo in Congo? Hiking Nyiragongo might be challenging if one is not well prepared. Here we bring to your attention important hints of what to consider before embarking on the Nyiragongo Volcano Hiking.
There are five segments when climbing Nyiragongo Mountain. The first one being climbing through areas of lower altitude. Hikers who are not physically fit or that are not mentally well prepared quit at this stage. After this first point, the next one consists of a higher altitude presenting more challenges. At this part the terrain is made of small lava locks which require good hiking shoes.
The third part consists not only of small lava rocks but also slippery stones at higher altitude. This continues up to the fourth part whereby the climate is lowering and sometimes raining which requires having warm clothes and a rain jacket to deal with greater cold due to the high altitude. The remaining part is short and steeper as you move to the top of the mountain.
At this point the Nyiragongo Volcano Hike in Congo is enjoyable and rewarding as you start seeing the top of the volcano, enjoying a view of the volcano surroundings at a distance and seeing the lava lake at the crater of the volcano. Hikers who manage to complete hiking of Nyiragongo and arrive at the top are allowed to pass the night at the summit. Accommodation is available at the top of the volcano for tourists and dinner, snacks, breakfast, water and slipping bags are provided at the accommodation. As the top can be freezing, cooks and porters will help prepare a hot tea and coffee to help relieve hikers from the cold. This is worth noting that the cost of the overnight at the summit is included in the permit fee of hiking Nyiragongo in Congo. The next day, after taking your breakfast and a hot tea or coffee. You take your final moment marveling at the boiling lava lake and magma before descending.
Descending is much faster as it takes about three hours to reach the starting point. By descending you enjoy the great view of the whole of Virunga National Park and distant volcanoes, Mount Rwenzori in Uganda and Lake Kivu at the side facing Rwanda. Binoculars at this stage would be of importance, as well as having a good camera to take memorable photos for your records and showing friends and your family as this is a lifetime experience few people get.
Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris assist to book the hiking permit of Nyiragongo, visa to travel to DRC and other logistics regarding the successful hike of the Nyiragongo volcano. Nyiragongo Volcano Hike in Congo can be done throughout the year but the dry season is preferred as it presents less challenges as the rain seasons cause the trails to be slippery and difficult to hike. Hiking Nyiragongo in Congo can be combined with other activities including trekking gorillas in Virunga Mountains in DRC.
When preparing your journey and to be well prepared, you should work with a reliable tour operator. This is why Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris would be your good choice to have a well packaged itinerary. It will also help you to arrange your transport to and from the hiking, booking the hiking permit as well as your accommodations.
