Congo Hiking Safaris
The Democratic Republic of Congo offers you best hiking safaris for remarkable adventure experience. A Congo safari without hiking to the summit of one of active volcanoes in the country is surely incomplete. Congo is home to the most active Virunga volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation Area. Volcano climbing in Congo complements other wildlife experience to make a complete Congo safari package. Hiking safaris in Congo is however not for the faint hearted, you ought to be physical fit and mentally ready for this adventurous experience. Also, ensure to carry the right hiking gear to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable hike.
Mount Nyiragongo
Located in the heart of Virunga National park, Mount Nyiragongo is the most hiked volcano in Congo and the entire Virunga Conservation Area. Nyiragongo is one of the two active volcanoes in the Virunga massif which offer you with the best and memorable hiking experience. A 3 Days Mt. Nyiragongo hiking tour is a suitable package for you. Spend a night at the summit of the active volcano and experience the boiling lava lake which glows at night. Mount Nyiragongo stands at 3470 meters above the sea level and its summit shelters the largest lava lake in the two kilometer – long crater. This active volcano last erupted in 2002 and signs of a new eruption is expected any time soon. The slopes of Mount Nyiragongo shelter the endangered mountain gorillas and other primates and birds which call this rain forest home.
Mount Nyamuragira
Mount Nyamuragira is the most active volcano in the Virunga Conservation area. The shield volcano is also located on the fringes of Virunga National park, the proud home of endangered mountain gorillas. Due to its active state, travelers are not allowed to hike Mount. Nyamuragira for safety reasons. Mount. Nyamuragira stands at 3,058 meters (10031ft) above the sea level located about 25 kilometers north of Lake Kivu. Mount Nyamuragira is the most active volcano in Virunga conservation area and it has erupted 40 times since 1885 when the first eruption happened. The slopes of Mount. Nyamuragira also shelter numerous primates, forests and birds. The burning flames of Mount Nyamuragira are seen from a distance
Mount Mikeno
Standing at 4437 meters (14557ft) above the sea level, Mount Mikeno is the second highest volcano in the Virunga conservation area after Mount Karisimbi and the 13th highest volcano in the whole of Africa. Mikeno is a local Kinyarwanda word which means “poor” indicating the harsh slopes of the volcano that cannot accommodate human habitation. The dormant volcano is also located in the heart of Virunga massif and its slopes shelter endangered mountain gorillas and other primates plus unique bird species. Mount Mikeno is located behind the Bukima patrol post.
Mount Sabyinyo
Mount Sabyinyo is shared among the three countries – Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. You can therefore hike Mount Sabinyo from the Congo side. The summit of Mount Sabinyo is tooth-shaped with three peaks in each country. Standing at the summit of Mount Sabinyo gives you great views of other Virunga Volcanoes, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga national parks plus the neighboring communities. Hiking Mount Sabinyo gives you chance to meet Sabinyo gorilla family which lives on the mountain slopes.
Mount Kahuzi & Biega
The two dormant volcanoes are found in Kahuzi Biega National park in Eastern Congo – south of Kivu. Kahuzi is the highest volcano at 3,317 meters above sea level, while Mount Biega stands at 2,790 meters above sea level. The slopes of the two extinct volcanoes are covered by rain forest which is home to the endangered Eastern lowland gorillas, monkeys and numerous bird species.
Tshibinda Volcano
Tshibinda is Congo’s lowest volcano which stand at 1460 meters (4790 ft.) above sea level located in eastern Congo. The dormant volcano last erupted during the Holocene period.
What to pack for Congo hiking safaris?
Ensure to pack the essentials to realize a peaceful and enjoyable hiking experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Among the things to carry for your Congo hiking safari include: Sleeping bags/ tents, Hiking boots/shoes, Garden gloves, Rain jacket, Warm sweaters and scarf (it normally gets very cold at night on the summit of Mount Nyiragongo), Drinking water and Energy giving snacks.
Other things to see and do in Congo
The other things to see and do in Democratic Republic of Congo include Mountain gorilla trekking, Eastern lowland gorilla trekking, community tours, bird watching, forest walks and chimpanzee trekking among others. The combination of these adventure experiences makes a complete safari package. D.R. Congo is your best spot for hiking adventures. Hike to the summit of Nyiragongo mountain any time, any day to experience the boiling lava lake.
