CONGO'S NYIRAGONGO VOLCANO HIKING
One of the main tourist destinations in Congo is the active volcano Nyiragongo. One of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga conservation area is Nyiragongo, which is situated in the country's east and looks out over the Virunga National Park. Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Mikeno, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Nyamuragira are among the other volcanoes.
At 3470 meters, the Nyiragongo volcano offers a moderate trek that takes five to six hours to reach the summit. Nyiragongo MountThe lava lake of Mount Nyiragongo, one of the biggest active volcanoes in the world, is incredibly fascinating and striking. The Virunga National Park officials launched Mount Nyiragongo climb excursions to tourists in 2014. Typically, tourists combine ascending the Nyiragongo volcano with mountain gorilla trekking. Hiking Mount Nyiragongo is the solution for those seeking a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime mountain hiking experience. It is the only location in Africa where tourists are permitted to have a close-up look at a lava lake. Information about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro may also be of interest to you.
HOW TO GET TO NYIRAGONGO MOUNTAIN
Although Mount Nyirangogo is accessible from a number of locations, Gisenyi town in Rwanda is the safer route for security concerns. Visitors will travel 20 kilometers from Gisenyi to the Rwandan-DR Congo border before crossing to Goma. A large black cloud that can be seen from Goma town serves as a reminder of the volcano's most recent eruption, which occurred in 2002. Once flowing at high temperatures, the lava has now cooled to become a black rock. You will be transported to the head trail at Kibati village after Goma.
Before you begin your walk to the Mount Nyiragongo volcano, you will receive an orientation on what to expect. The briefing goes over all the essentials of trekking the Nyiragongo Volcano, including what to bring, where to stop, and what to expect. With the exception of the last portion of the trip, much of the activities requires group movement from the hikers.
MOUNT NYIRAGONGO CLIMB
Unprepared and unfit people may find climbing Mount Nyiragongo extremely difficult. Because of the high slopes and rough terrain, one must be prepared. To assist with carrying large objects, porters are available at the Kibati Ranger post's starting point and can be hired for a fee. Following the 9 a.m. briefing and team-building with the cooks and other hikers.
When ascending Mount Nyiragongo, there are five sections. Climbing through lower-altitude areas is the initial section of the walk. At this stage, most people who are not physically or mentally prepared give up. The altitude rises after the first significant stop, posing additional difficulties. One must contend with tiny, loose lava rocks in this second section of the trek. Those with appropriate hiking boots ought to have little trouble navigating this part.
Hikers must now contend with slippery rocks, challenging circumstances at higher elevations, and small loose pebbles after finishing the second section. Due to the high altitude, the mountain slopes become increasingly steep and colder by the time you reach the fourth leg. In addition to the cold, this area frequently experiences rain, so warm clothing and rain gear are necessary. The last section is the shortest but steepest. Even the most exhausted hiker will be inspired by the sight of the cabins from this location. Upon reaching this part, hikers are free to proceed at their own pace for the remainder of the climb. Our two-day Nyiragongo hiking package might be of interest to you.
STAY OVERNIGHT IN THE COTTAGES ATOP THE NYIRAGONGO VOLCANO.
At the peak of the volcano are twelve summit huts, each with two single beds where hikers can store their sleeping bags. There are pillows and mattresses in the cabins. Snacks, breakfast, dinner, water, and sleeping bags are all provided for hikers staying at the cabin. The top of the mountain can be extremely cold and windy. You must be ready by packing warm clothes. To keep hikers warm, the porters and cooks will assist in making hot tea and coffee. The permit fee covers the expense of spending the night at the summit. You can smell the seething and boiling lava from the cabins.
GETTING DOWN THE NYIRAGONGO VOLCANO
It's time to descend after admiring the magma and boiling Lava Lake. It takes roughly three hours to get to the starting location, and the descent is substantially quicker. But it's not as simple as it looks. It can be quite difficult to descend through steep areas and sharp rocks; therefore caution is necessary to avoid getting wounded. Descending offers a long-term perspective of the vast Virunga National Park and far-off volcanoes, such as Lake Kivu and the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda.
RATES AND PREREQUISITES FOR OBTAINING A CONGO VISA
Hiking permits for Nyiragongo can be purchased directly from the Virunga National Park or via a tour operator for $300. Nyiragongo hiking permits are non-refundable once purchased. Before submitting your application for a Congo visa, you must first obtain the trekking permission. Each person must pay $105 for a single Congo tourist entrance visa. The validity of this single entry visa is 14 days after the day of admission.
To enter the Congo border from Rwanda, you must have additional papers in addition to your VISA. Both a valid passport and a yellow fever vaccination card are required. Along with setting up lodging, transportation, and porters, a reputable tour operator should assist you with obtaining the VISA. You will find our three-day Mount Nyiragongo Climbing Package to be intriguing.
PACKING LIST FOR MOUNT NYIRAGONGO HIKE
A lightweight rain jacket; will help you ascend the mountain without any problems. Wearing a rain jacket will assist protect you from the intense downpour.
Appropriate hiking boots;should be comfortable, water-resistant, have rubber bottoms for adequate grip, and be able to keep your feet warm.
Warm clothing and sleeping bag: As you go further up the mountain, it gets colder, so you need to be as prepared as possible. Wearing thick clothes can help shield you from the bitter cold at the peak. You will need a jacket, long underwear, warm socks, a cap, rain-resistant pants, and a sweater.
Water and a packed lunch;are essential because climbing Mount Nyiragongo may be extremely exhausting, leaving you hungry and thirsty. Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
Employ a porter: It costs roughly $15 per day to hire a porter at the volcano's base. These porters have little trouble helping with big bags because they are accustomed to climbing the volcano multiple times a week. Additionally, they will assist you in ascending the mountain's most challenging sections.
During the hot, dry season or during periods of severe rainfall, a hat and sunscreen will be helpful.
Binoculars and a camera: Without a good camera or pictures to document your time at the volcano, you cannot have such a wonderful experience. Few people ever have the opportunity to witness a live volcano. For your records and to show off to friends and family, you need high-quality images. You can see breathtaking views with binoculars, especially when descending a mountain.
All of your devices, including phones, iPads, cameras, binoculars, and more, should be kept in your backpack. Make sure it can withstand rain.
Having a portable charger; will guarantee that your phones, laptops, and iPads are charged while you are in your cabin at the summit.
A torch: There is no electricity at the summit. Solar energy provides power, but not everywhere. To navigate to the restrooms or kitchen, you will require a torch.
Note: For a more comprehensive and unforgettable experience, gorilla trekking in the Congo can be paired with hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano. Check out our 4-day Nyiragongo Hiking and Gorilla Trekking program if you're interested in combining the two activities.