This 2 days Nyiragongo Hike tour takes you Virunga National Park in the Congo for an amazing time viewing a boiling lava lake. Mountains with lava lakes at the summit are very few in the world. Most are not open to tourism except for research purposes in very controlled conditions. The Nyiragongo volcano is very special because it is the only one in Africa were tourists can pay to observe boiling magma up-close. The mountain is found in the eastern part of the Congo, 17 km away from Goma town and in Virunga National Park.
Virunga National Park is
Mount Nyiragongo is 3,470m high and is one of the 8 making up the Virunga chain of volcanoes. Others include Mikeno, Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. Nyiragongo is one of the most active volcanoes in the world with a crater that is about 2 km wide. The Volcano has erupted over 30 times but the most recent eruptions where in 1882, 1977, 1994 and 2002. The eruption in 2002 was so fast that it flowed up to Lake Kivu and Goma town in only a few minutes. The eruption displaced
Our 2 days Nyiragongo Volcano Hike starts from Goma or Kigali in Rwanda depending on circumstances. It is one of the best packages we offer because it offers travelers a very unique experience. Nyiragongo volcano hiking can be combined with gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park for a truly unforgettable experience. You can check out our 5 days Mount Nyiragongo Hike and Gorilla Trekking Package. If you find this 2 days package too ambitious, then read about our 3 day Mount Nyiragongo Hike package for a more flexible travel.
Trip Summary
Day 1: Pickup from Goma, Kigali or Gisenyi – Briefing and ascending to the summit.
Day 2: Descending the volcano and transfer to either Goma or Rwanda.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Pickup – Briefing – Ascending the Volcano
Once you reach the summit, you will be shown your room from among the cabins. The cabins are built on a rim just above the lava lake. The cabin has a bed, mattress and warm bed sheets but we recommended that you bring your own sleeping bag if possible. The Guides will take you to a safe spot to admire the boiling magma for as long as you wish. The lava lake glows majestically in the night and witnessing such a spectacle can be very overwhelming. Although the smoke and amazing fires can also be observed during the day, the spectacle at night is incredible.
Day 2: Descend the Nyiragongo Volcano – Depart
After spending the whole night and morning hours marveling at the lava lake, it’s time to descend the mountain. Wake up at 5:30 am and take breakfast from the summit as you wait to begin the descent at
End of the 2 days Nyiragongo Hike.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
The 2 days Nyiragongo hike tour includes:
- The Nyiragongo hiking permit
- The Congo Visa (Will depend on whether you are arriving from Congo or Rwanda)
- Transport to and from the Volcano
- The Nyiragongo Package which includes porters to help with carrying supplies and someone to prepare food while at the summit.
The tour excludes: –
- Porters to carry your personal stuff
- Gratuities/tips to porters, rangers and park guides
- Personal expenses like alcoholic drinks and cigars
Important Information
- Hiking mount Nyiragongo is organized throughout the year and the park is currently very safe to visit.
- This tour can also start from Gisenyi or Kigali in Rwanda. Mission Africa Safaris will help process the Visa through the Virunga National Park. The cost of the Visa processing is included in the price of the overall tour. It is important to have a yellow fever vaccination card before arriving in Congo.
- Climbing up and down the volcano can be very strenuous although the trails are not so steep compared to other mountains in the area. With that in mind, this tour is not recommended for pregnant mothers, those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
- Expect a personal cook among the porters moving with you to the summit. You will be provided with a lunch package, a sleeping bag and warm fleece.
- In order to have the best possible hiking experience, it is important to pack a rain coat, a hat, night torch, a camera, extra clothes, binoculars, sun cream, toiletries, proper hiking boots and a walking stick.
Lodges and Hotels
Mikeno Lodge: Mikeno is the only true luxury lodge built within the Virunga National Park. It is managed by the park and was built to offer high quality services offered close to the park offices. Guests who book with Mikeno Lodge have an opportunity to visit the nearby
How are the rooms? Mikeno has 12 large cottages made of lava stone and thatched roofs. The rooms are built on top of a hill overlooking a forest/valley with amazing views of Mount Nyiragongo and Mikeno. Each rooms are self-contained (showers, stone baths, open fires for warmth, verandahs and quality furniture) with modern and local Congolese decorations. Colobus Monkeys, chimpanzees and other park animals visit the lodge premises occasionally making for very interesting observations while relaxing at the verandah of your room. The lodge also has a separate bar, restaurant and lounge area.
Tchegera Island Tented Camp: This is an amazing mid-range lodge built on the shores of Lake Kivu and is also managed by the Virunga National Park. The lodge offers good quality self-contained tents and is excellent for relaxation after completing activities in the park. It also offers a level of privacy because of its location in a secluded island.
Guests can tour the island more closely using a kayak or paddle board after completing activities like gorilla trekking or Nyiragongo Hiking in the park. Birders and those who love beautiful nature will not be disappointed while at the island. They can go out for a simple walk and look out for herons, African Eagles, gulls and cormorants. In the evenings, all residents gather on the shores of the Lake to relax by the Lake shores/beach while marveling at the red sky as a result of the lava lake spewing from mount Nyiragongo.