Did you know that Mount. Nyiragongo is the most active Volcano Mountain in Africa and it’s located in Democratic Republic of Congo?
Mount Nyiragongo is one of the eight mountains that make the Virunga ranges which run on the border of Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. This mountain is located in the Virunga national park near Goma town and it’s among the top tourist attractions in beautiful Congo hence attracts a great number of tourists.
This mountain stands at 3470 metres above sea level with a boiling lava lake on the summit. There is a great history of its formation and eruption that has occurred over time and the mountain last erupted in May 2021 leaving people dead and others displaced. The lava lake on the summit is over 2km wide.
The main activity taking place on Mt Nyiragongo is hiking which takes 2 days. A night is spent at the summit camp but there is no regret for any traveler who likes the adventure of climbing. Nyiragongo hiking experience takes place under the guidance and protection of park rangers (2 in number). The stopover points are well-designated that will enable you rest for about 20 minutes. The hiking safari to Mount. Nyiragongo typically lasts for 3 days but can be customized to fit travelers ‘needs. In many cases, Virunga gorilla safari is combined with hiking Mount Nyiragongo.
Nyiragongo hiking experience begins at the park headquarters in Kibati, with a briefing to enable visitors get conversant with environment and the activity taking place. This happens at around 10:00am. Since Mt Nyiragongo is a stratovolcano, it can erupt any time. To reach the summit, it takes about 6 to 7 hours at a normal hiking speed. With the help of potters that will carry your luggage, food and what you will be using while in the mountain.
During the hike, meet different creatures such as three-horned chameleon, different primates like the rare mountain gorillas which are gentle giants, bushbucks, different bird life such as black bishop, double-toothed barbet, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, red-throated alethe and many more others. And the summit rewards trekkers with a great view of the world’s largest boiling lava lake.
The lava lake gives an overwhelming sight during the night. It’s reddish colour and glow that is visible night and day give the best chance for photography. This has made Mount Nyiragongo one of the top attractions and each tourist wishing to visit DR Congo adds Mount Nyiragongo to their bucket list.
How to get to Mount. Nyiragongo.
It’s very easy to reach Mount Nyiragongo. The only easy option is to pass through Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and then connect to Goma town. You can also use a boat on Lake Kivu from Gisenyi and cross to Goma which can take about 40 minutes.
The driver guide will help you in acquiring all the travel documents like the Congo Visa in case you don’t have any.
What to pack on your hike to Mount Nyiragongo?
Like any other experience of hiking, one needs to get warm clothing since the mountains reach freezing point at night, a good pair of rubber hiking boots which will help you to get firm while on slippery trails, a raincoat since none can predict the rains, sleeping bag and a tent since there are few cottages at the base camp, enough drinking water of about 4 liters that will keep you strong, insect repellant that will protect you from insect bites like mosquitos, tse-tse flies and many more.
