Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Hiking Guide
Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Hiking is a thrilling adventure and a highlight of Congo safaris. The volcano is part of the Virunga Mountain chain, which includes eight stunning volcanoes. These majestic volcanoes span across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, stretching from East to Central Africa along the Rift Valley, where you can find Lake Edward and Lake Kivu.
The Virunga volcanoes include Muhabura, Mt Sabyinyo, Gahinga Volcano, Nyiragongo Volcano, Mikeno Mountain, Nyamuragira, Karisimbi Volcano, and Mt. Bisoke. Among these, Nyiragongo Volcano stands out as it is home to the largest lava lake in the world. Its main crater, at the summit of Mount Nyiragongo, boasts a width of 2 kilometers and a depth of 250 meters. It features a liquid lava pool and remains one of the most active volcanoes to date. The surrounding area is inhabited by a variety of animal species such as bushbucks and monkeys.
At the summit, visitors are treated to the mesmerizing sight of the glowing lava lake, emitting hot gases through its mosaic of molten lava. However, it’s essential to note that Nyiragongo Volcano has experienced multiple eruptions, with the most recent occurring in May 2021, which displaced more than 500,000 people and covered surrounding areas including Minova, Goma, Sake, and Kiwanja. Previous eruptions date back to 1884, 1898, 1900, 1982, and others.
Preparing for the Hike
Before embarking on a hike to Mount Nyiragongo, there are several important things to consider:
Booking Permits: Make sure to book your Nyiragongo Volcano hiking permit early through a registered company or agency.
Physical Fitness: While hiking to the top of Nyiragongo Volcano doesn’t require you to be an athlete, it is a demanding trek due to the altitude of 3470 meters. Ensure you are physically fit for the challenge.
Porter Services: Consider hiring a porter in Congo to assist you in carrying your luggage during the hike.
Safety Precautions: Never get too close to the edge of Mount Nyiragongo for your safety.
What to Bring for the Hike
When preparing for a hike to Nyiragongo Volcano, it’s essential to pack the right gear to ensure a comfortable and safe journey. Here are some items you should bring:
Good Hiking Boots: Waterproof hiking boots with a strong grip are crucial as rains are common and can be expected at any time. Ensure your boots provide excellent traction for the hike.
Socks: Bring one or two pairs of warm socks to keep your feet cozy during the cold evenings at Nyiragongo’s summit.
Hiking Pants: Waterproof hiking pants will keep you dry and warm during the trek.
Gloves: Invest in good gardening gloves to protect your hands as you navigate the terrain and hold onto surfaces for support.
Dry Bag: A dry bag is essential for carrying your camera and other valuable items during the hike.
Hat: A safari hat will provide protection from the sun, as it can get hot depending on the time of your visit.
Additional Items: Don’t forget to pack a simple first aid kit, insect repellent, enough drinking water, snacks, a sweater, and any other essentials for your comfort and safety.
Planning Your Trek to Nyiragongo Volcano
If you’re considering a trek to Nyiragongo Volcano in Congo, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
A typical trek to Nyiragongo takes around 3 days or more to complete. To embark on this adventure, you’ll need certain documents such as a yellow fever certificate/shot, a Congo visa, and potentially other necessary paperwork. Fortunately, your tour operator can assist you in obtaining these documents.
Cost of Trekking Nyiragongo
Before setting off on your journey, it’s essential to budget for the associated costs. The hiking permit for Nyiragongo in Virunga National Park costs USD 300 per person. Additionally, if you’re carrying heavy luggage, you may want to hire a porter, which typically costs USD 24. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of any gear you may need for the hike.
Best Time to Visit
While treks to Nyiragongo are possible year-round, the best time to go is during the dry season, which typically spans from June to September and then again from December to February. During these months, the weather conditions are generally more favorable, with lower chances of rain, making the trekking experience more manageable.
Accommodation
Before beginning your trek, you can spend a night at accommodation in the base area. Once you reach the crater or summit of Nyiragongo, you’ll spend the night at Nyiragongo summit shelters. Here, you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the glowing volcano, offering a truly unique experience.
Transportation
There are various ways to reach Nyiragongo, depending on your starting point. If you’re coming from Kigali, Rwanda, you can drive to Congo via Gisenyi, or alternatively, you can fly to Goma and then connect to Virunga National Park. Your tour operator can arrange ground transportation to and from Congo, as well as any necessary accommodations.
Other Virunga Volcanoes
In addition to Nyiragongo, there are several other volcanoes worth exploring in the Virunga area.
Mount Mikeno: Situated in Congo’s Virunga National Park, Mount Mikeno is the second tallest peak in the Virunga chain of volcanoes. It’s known for its stunning scenery and is home to mountain gorillas, as well as being the site of Dian Fossey’s research.
Mount Karisimbi: Standing at 4507 meters, Mount Karisimbi is the 11th tallest mountain in Africa. Hiking to its summit typically takes 2 days and is best done during the drier months of June, July, and August. Karisimbi is also home to the Karisoke Research Centre, established by Dian Fossey for her research on mountain gorillas.
Mount Bisoke: Located at the Rwanda-Congo border, Mount Bisoke is a dormant volcano known for its stunning crater lake. Hiking to the summit takes around 3 hours and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Other Volcanoes: There are several other volcanoes in the area, including Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Nyamuragira, each offering its own unique hiking experience.
