A Complete Guide to Climbing Nyiragongo Volcano

This is one of the long lasting volcanic mountains in Congo; its last eruption was in 2002 where magma flown towards Goma, this volcano is found in north Kivu province within the Virunga national park which manages and controls all the activities taking place on the isolated active volcano with its headquarters at Sekenkwe. The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours to climb the summit that begins at an altitude of about 1,997 meters to 3,470 meters above sea level

Nyiragongo lies 21km away from Goma town on the un paved  highway to Beni and Kisangani, with its base camp at Kibati  which is the starting point for tourists who wish to Hike this mountain i  just visited Virunga National Park in december 2016, and this volcano hike was absolutely at the top of my amazing experiences in  DRC

This mountain is in form of 3 sections for those who wish to spend some time on it, it has the Forest section and the hiking trails begins with this straight from kibalti until you join the 2002 volcanic

I’ll take a bit out of my general Virunga review I just wrote: rocks that stretch upto the rocky section which is the most challenging hiking trail. Ones advance preparedness would be needed to coup up with the  best time to visit this mountain is during the dry season,which is May to October , you can as well visit in the rainy season , but the hiking trails are slippery  thus becoming a bit of challenge.

The moment you get onto the top, there inn built wooden cabin  from which you  camp and begin to view the glowing active volcanoes and it inspiring  to change This night almost has eclipsed  your minds of how nature has wonders on planet Earth the hiking  experiences in epic-ness but you can also be blown away by watching the potential of an eruptionthis kike is for sure  It is 5 hours non-stop & does require a good level of fitness not to be overseen.

During the hike, porters perform their job if at all you ordered for one,, armed guards hike with you. food is actually really good on condition you ordered for it from mikeno lodge which is an extra $80 per person on top of $300 hiking ticket , and the gear you rent from Mikeno lodge are top notch (Patagonia down jacket, warm clean sleeping bag, etc.). It is at 11,400 ft (3500 m) so of course it is very cold at the top. Better for one to have  an entire set of dry clothes extra jacket , and would be nice to have  hiking gloves that keep you warm, as it partly gives you an extra hand / great on the way down to grab onto volcanic rock and sting nettles for stability and not rip my hands up. Much as there many un updated security concerns on various travel forums, but the Virunga staff are extremely professional & every detail to take care of seamlessly to every body on the trek. But you have to make sure the following are in proper arrangements to avoid any delays or inconveniences, At the border just make sure you have a printout of your tourist visa confirmation provided by Virunga.org, in addition to your yellow fever card is mandatory. transport has to be arranged from Goma boader best transport to use would be with Virunga park from Goma to Mikeno lodge/ Bukima (sekenkwe) Make sure to take good non-slippery shoes that will likely be soaking wet & very cold by the time you get to the summit. An extra pair or two of wool socks, extra shoes to change once you arrive so your feet don’t freeze.and also to change at the end of the hike at Kibati

Hiking Nyiragongo and experiencing it is a real  magical volcano and  Truly a world wonder that so few people like Billy Ssali have the opportunity to see.

Planning for Nyiragongo Hiking Safaris is very ease with Congo Gorilla Safaris the Destination Expert in Congo Safaris. the Shortest Nyiragongo Volcano Hike is 2 Days Safari which is offered as 3 Days Congo Nyiragongo Safari