Mount Nyiragongo is one of the notoriously eruptive volcanoes in the eastern region of Africa. It lies within the Virunga chain of Mountains next to the legendary Virunga national park in the east of D.R. Congo.
It is located north of Goma city, about 30km from the Rwandan border and 70km from the Ugandan border. The beautiful Nyiragongo towers up to 11,385ft above sea level and its main crater at the summit is known to be the largest in Africa with 2km width and 250m depth containing a liquid lava pool.
The Mount Nyiragongo mountain is also known for incredible craters on its slopes and these have supported abundant flora. Most infamous about Nyiragongo is her devastating volcanic eruptions that have been happening since 1884 until 2002, the most recent where the flowing lava destroyed countless properties and over 200,000 people in Goma area were left homeless.
Due to its impressive and rich history, Nyiragongo has been a center of attraction for many people around the world; most of them coming for tourism activities, adventure and research. Hiking trails along Mount. Nyiragongo were officially opened in 2004 by Virunga Park Authorities to enable travelers access the summit of this intriguing volcano and admire its ever boiling lava crater and the amazing scenery.
Standing at only 3470m above sea level, hiking to the summit of Nyiragongo barely lasts for 2 days, and therefore travelers can easily combine a hiking expedition on Mount. Nyiragongo and gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park.
Climbing Mount Nyiragongo Mountain.
Nyiragongo hike is not very challenging, however it requires an average level of fitness to be able to deal with the rough slopes and rugged terrain. Before the hike in the morning, you’ll be required to hire a porter from Kibati ranger station (highly recommended) and a walking stick (about 5$). There is a pre-hike briefing that starts at 9:00am conducted by Virunga mountain rangers and thereafter you commence the trek at 10:00am together with fellow team of climbers, cooks and mountain guides.
Nyiragongo is comprised of 5 sections; each is unique and involves a special skill of hiking, as you’ll be guided by the rangers. The climb starts at 2,000m while ascending to the higher altitudes; the first section of the hike is usually characterized by change in temperature, vegetation and altitude behavior. Proceed through loose lava stones, as you view small mountain birds and scattered vegetation; here you will make the first stop.
The first day is punctuated with an overnight stay at summit camps which are located on a scenic place overlooking the lava lake. Reaching here takes about 6 hours and you are rewarded with not just the cool air but also stunning panoramic view of the lava crater and other volcanoes located in close vicinity.
Stay here for a night and wake up before dusk to reach the peak, usually this section is accomplished with in 1 or 2 hours. The morning is welcomed by a thick black mist which confirms Nyiragongo’s recent eruptions and a sign of calmness.
The descent starts mid-morning and is characterized by yelps of sliding lava rocks and for no reason must you forget to wear sturdy hiking books for this adventure, because mount. Nyiragongo doesn’t make it easy to live – or to leave!
A climbing permit to Nyiragongo costs only 300$ per person, and this can be booked and paid for on arrival; except during high season months when demand is high. Always inquire with your booking agent or directly with Virunga park authorities. A complete short package to Nyiragongo may not exceed 1,500$ per person, inclusive of all activities and accommodation.
Getting to Nyiragongo volcano.
Fly into Kigali international park, Rwanda where you will drive north-west wards via Gisenyi and L. Kivu. Enter D.R. Congo through Goma boarder. Nyiragongo is only 19km north of Goma City. Alternatively you can take a charter flight direct from Kigali to Goma city.
Where to Stay?
There is an array of accommodation properties near Nyiragongo Mountain; though most of them are high end but camping options are also accepted.
Among these include Mikeno lodge, Bukima tented camp and Kibumba camp. For budget and midrange options, there are countless properties in Goma city or Gisenyi in Rwanda.
