Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano in Congo

The Nyiragongo active volcano is one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s major tourist attractions. Located in the Eastern part of the country (North Kivu province) and inside the Virunga national park, Nyiragongo volcano is one of the 8 major volcanoes within the Virunga conservation region. The other volcanoes include Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Mikeno, Mount Gahinga and Mount Nyamuragira. Only Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo are active. The Nyiragongo volcano is 3,470 meters high and has a crater measuring 2 kilometers wide at the summit. This crater contains a lava lake with a depth that changes with each eruption. The last eruption occurred in 2021. Before that, eruptions had occurred in 1977 and  2002. The volcano has erupted at least 34 times since 1982. Though these eruptions had been known, the existence of the lava lake at the summit was only confirmed scientifically in 1948.

The eruptions of 1997, 2002 and 2021 led to the fracture of the crater walls leading to the downward flow of lava at speeds of over 55 km/h. This overwhelmed the villages of Moniki and Kabita below the mountain killing people or destroying property. The lava flow from the last eruption of of 2021 almost touched Lake Kivu. Although the volcano and lava lake stabilizes after each major eruption, it remains a danger to the heavily populated areas down the mountain. Whenever the mountain and lava lake cools, mountaineers visit Virunga National Park with the sole purpose of reaching the summit. Those who are looking for a unique and once in a lifetime mountain hiking adventure will find the answer in hiking Mount Nyiragongo. It’s the only place in Africa were visitors are allowed to go and see a lava lake up close.

Note: Mount Nyiragongo hike tours were opened to tourism in 2014 by the Virunga National Park authorities. Travelers usually combine mountain gorilla trekking and hiking the Nyiragongo volcano.  You might also be interested in information about Mount Kilimanjaro or how to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

How to reach Mount Nyiragongo

Mount Nyirangogo can be accessed from several points but for security reasons, it is safer through Gisenyi town in Rwanda. From Gisenyi,  visitors will be driven for 20km to the border between Rwanda and Congo before crossing to Goma. From Goma town, a great black cloud is visible which is a reminder of the volcanoes last eruption. The lava that once flowed at great temperatures has now cooled to leave a black rock. After Goma, you will be driven to the head trail at Kibati  village. You will be briefed on what to expect before starting your Mount Nyiragongo volcano hike. The briefing covers all important aspects of hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano and includes what to expects, the stopping points and what to pack. Hikers will need to move as a group for most of the time except for the final part of the hike.

Climbing Mount Nyiragongo

Climbing mount Nyiragongo can be very challenging for those who are ill prepared and not in good shape. One needs to be ready to deal with the steep slopes and rugged terrain. There are porters at the starting pointing in Kibati Ranger post who can be hired for a fee to help with carrying heavy stuff. After the briefing at 9am you will assemble as a team at the foot of the mountain to begin the hike. The team includes porters, cooks, Park Rangers and other hikers.

There are five segments when climbing mount Nyiragongo. The first part of the hike involves climbing through areas at lower altitude. Those who are not mentally or physically prepared usually quit at this point. After the first major stop, the altitude increases and becomes more challenging. In this second part of the hike, one has to deal with small loose lava rocks. Those who have proper hiking boots should pass through this section with ease.

After completing the second part, hikers have to now deal with not only the small loose rocks but slippery stones and the difficult conditions of higher altitude. By the time you reach the fourth segment, the mountain slopes gets steeper and steeper with greater cold due to high altitude. Apart from the cold, its common to find it raining in this section. This is why it is important to pack warm clothes and rain jackets. The final part is the steepest but also shortest. The cabins at the summit can be sighted from this point and that is enough motivation for even the most tired hiker.  Hikers who manage to reach this section are allowed to complete the rest of the hike at their own pace.  You might find our 2 days Nyiragongo hike package interesting.

Overnight on top of the Nyiragongo volcano cabins

12 summit cabins are provided at the top of the volcano each comprising of 2 single beds where hikers can put their sleeping bags. The cabins have a mattress and pillow. While at the cabin hikers are provided with snacks, breakfast, dinner, water and sleeping bags. From the cabins you can smell the boiling and bubbling lava. The mountain top can be very cold with strong winds. You need to be to go prepared with warm clothing. The cooks and porters will help prepare hot tea and coffee to help relieve hikers from the cold. The cost of an overnight at the summit is included on the permit fee.

Getting Down

After marveling at the boiling lava lake and magma, it is time to descend. Descending is much faster and it takes about three hours hours to reach the starting point. However, it is not as easy at it seems. Climbing down through sharp rocks and steep sections can be very challenging and one needs to be cautious so as not to be hurt by the sharp rocks. The great thing about descending is that you have a sustained view of the great Virunga National Park and distant volcanoes including the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda and Lake Kivu.

The cost and requirements for getting a Congo Visa

The cost of the Nyiragongo permit is $300. The permits can be obtained from the Virunga National Park through a Tour operator. Once bought, Nyiragongo Hiking permits do not attract a refund. Your Tour Operator must first secure the hiking permit before helping you apply for a Congo Visa in coordination with the Virunga National Park. A single Congo tourist entry visa costs $105 per person. This single entry visa is valid for 14 days from the day of entry.

Apart from the Visa, you need to have other documentation with you to cross into Congo from Rwanda. A valid passport is a must as is a yellow fever vaccination card. A tour company should help you acquire the Visa as well as arranging for transportation, accommodation and porters. We have an interesting 3 days Mount Nyiragongo Climbing package that you will find interesting.

Packing List for  hiking mount Nyiragongo

A rain jacket: This should be light so as not to inconvenience you while climbing the mountain. The rain jacket will help shield you from the heavy rains.

Suitable hiking boots: The shoes should have a good grip (rubber soles), water proof, comfortable and able to keep your feet warm.

Warm clothes and sleeping bag: The mountain gets colder as one ascends higher and you need to be prepared in the best possible way. Go with warm clothing to protect you from the freezing cold at the summit. You will need a sweater, rain resistant pants, jacket, long underwear, warm socks and a hat.

Packed lunch and Water: Climbing Mount Nyiragongo can be very tiring and leave you thirsty or even hungry. Carry along packed lunch and enough drinking water from your hotel.

Hire a porter: Hiring a porter  at the base of the volcano costs about $15 per day. These porters are used to climbing the volcano several times a week and have no difficulty helping with heavy luggage. They will also help you climb the most difficult parts of the mountain by holding your hand.

A hat and sunscreen: These will come in handy when there are heavy downpours or during the hot/dry season.

Camera and Binoculars: You cannot go for such a great experience without a good camera or photos of your time at the volcano. Observing a live volcano is an experience only few ever get in their lifetime. You need good photos for your record and to also show off to friends and family. A binoculars will enable you spot amazing scenery particularly while climbing down the mountain.

Backpack: This is where you would be keeping all your gadgets like phones, iPad, cameras, pair of binoculars and more. Ensure that it is rainproof.

Portable charger:  This will ensure that your iPads, Laptops, phones are powered while in your cabin at the summit.

A Torch: The summit has no electricity. Power is got from solar but is not available everywhere. You will need a torch to move about to the kitchen or bathrooms.

Additional Information About Climbing Mount Nyiragongo

The best time to Hike Mount Nyiragongo: Hiking mount Nyiragongo can be done throughout the year but the dry season is preferred by tourists. The dry season fall between June to September and also December to early March. The rainy seasons cause the  trails to be more slippery and difficult for hikers.

Be in Good Shape: Climbing mount Nyiragongo is challenging and requires one to be fit. The mountain becomes steeper as one ascends while climbing down has its own challenges. Your knees and ankle will pain you because of pressure. The weather conditions get more challenging as one ascends the mountains. You need to take that into consideration especially if you are sensitive to extreme weather changes.

Mental Preparedness: This is key because it is not all about being fit. You need to be determined to complete the hike despite all the challenges you may face. One can prepare the mind and body weeks before the hike by going for minor hikes on rocks or hills around your home.

Use a stick for hiking: A hiking stick will help you climb up and down steep slopes by helping you maintain balance and relieve the knees from greater strain. Climbing sticks are available at the starting point.

Keep your valuables safe: Always keep your valuables like cameras, money and laptops close to you even while at the cabins with fellow hikers.

A yellow fever vaccination card is important: To cross the border to Congo, you will be required to show your passport and yellow fever card. Without the card, you may not be allowed entry in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

N.B: Hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano can be combined with gorilla trekking in Congo for a more complete and memorable experience. If you are interested in combing the two activities, then you might want to check out our 4 Days Gorilla Trekking and Nyiragongo Hiking package.